Champa Kerkata

“I had appeared my matriculation in 2019 and unfortunately could not succeed. However much I wanted to, my brother did not let me reappear my board exams. During the P.A.C.E. training, I discussed my concerns with the trainers. It was only after the HBT team counselled and persuaded my brother that he finally agreed. I have now enrolled at the Sasan High school and started my 10th class studies with a determination.“

Lipi Moharana

“Seeing my family’s poor financial conditions, I had given up on all my hopes and dreams of being an entrepreneur. I couldn’t continue my education after 10^th because of that. However, the training sessions of ‘Resourcefulness’ and ‘Employability ‘modules helped me to explore available vocational skill training opportunities.With HBT’s support, I am now continuing my Diploma in ‘Fruits & Vegetable Processing’ trade. I have also developed a business plan to start my food processing unit and have contacted few banks for financial linkage.”

Madhumita is fighting for an end to Child Marriage

“During the pandemic period, my family faced a huge financial crisis. My father’s health ailment, family’s economic condition and lack of alternatives built pressure on me to discontinue my study. It was then that my family also decided to get me married. It was during the P.A.C.E. Life Skills training that I got to know about the ill effects of child marriage and got the courage to stand against my family’s decision. With the help of HBT I convinced my family and relatives to not get me married at such a young age. My efforts were also recognised by Sundargarh district Superintendent Police Ms.Sagarika Nath, (IPS), who awarded me the “Extraordinary Girl” award on National Girl Child day.“

Women Life Skill Enhancement

HBT has been implementing GAP Inc.’s Women Life skill training program. ‘Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement’ (P.A.C.E.) since 2017 and has trained 25443 women in urban and rural poor communities. The women life skill program’s objective is to provide skills to underprivileged women enabling them to earn an independent living and provide a sustainable pathway out of poverty. These changes that the women life skill program could bring have been captured through testimonials of women and observed over the 5 years of implementation of the program.

Madhumita is fighting for an end to Child Marriage

“During the pandemic period, my family faced a huge financial crisis. My father’s health ailment, family’s economic condition and lack of alternatives built pressure on me to discontinue my study. It was then that my family also decided to get me married. It was during the P.A.C.E. Life Skills training that I got to know about the ill effects of child marriage and got the courage to stand against my family’s decision. With the help of HBT I convinced my family and relatives to not get me married at such a young age. My efforts were also recognised by Sundargarh district Superintendent Police Ms.Sagarika Nath, (IPS), who awarded me the “Extraordinary Girl” award on National Girl Child day.“

Sujata Das

“Before the P.A.C.E. training, I was very shy and never left my home.I used to avoid social gatherings, remain low and depressed. When HBT started the Women Life Skill training sessions at my community I was forced by my friend to come and attend the training. The training changed me in astounding ways. The sessions were so interestingly taught that every day I was eagerly waiting for the sessions to happen.Every session of the training was grooming me with confidence.I am grateful to share that the training inspired me to do something of my own and with the help of HBT I have opened a grocery shop in my locality.“

Rebati

“Before the training, life was very difficult. My husband was a drunkard, and I was the sole earning member of the family. I also had to deal with my husband’s misbehaviour on a daily basis. This was causing a lot of stress on me mentally as well as financially. However, the training sessions had a very positive influence on my life. The session that influenced me the most was Time and stress management. The after class discussions also helped me to help my husband, I could convince him to go and attend alcohol rehab sessions. Thanks to the P.A.C.E. training, I feel like a stronger and confident woman now and that I can handle all the difficult situations in my life better.“

Khireswari Pradhan

“Through life skill training, I got confidence to do something on my own. With lot of interest I joined the 10 days mushroom cultivation training organized by Humara Bachpan Trust in partnership with Rural Self Employment Training Institution (RSETI). I learnt about different types of Mushroom growing facilities & fixtures along with packing, storage,& grading of harvested Mushroom. The training also gave me hand on experience on how to become a successful entrepreneur. I am glad to share that with just setting up two beds of Dhingri mushroom, I earned aboutRs 600/- in 5 days.I will also start cultivating other varieties of mushroom gradually. I am getting guidance from HBT and RSETI if required. If production will be sufficient, I have also explored bigger market in Sambalpur and Jharsuguda.“

Nirmala Muduli

“After my husband’s demise, it was very difficult to support my two children. I used to work for an NGO, but my in laws were unsupportive, and I had to leave the job after my husband’s death. It was during this time that the Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. Life Skills training came into my life. My active participation and leadership qualities were recognised during the training and the HBT team offered me to take the training of trainers to become a life skills trainer. I am proud to say that till today I have trained more than 700 women of Astaranga and Kakatpur block of Puri to become self-confident and motivated them towards leading a progressive & dignified life with effective communication and negotiation skill and to use time and resources in a productive way.“

Urmila Padhan

“Just like many other people in the village, our family’s livelihood depended on farming. During the lockdown our family faced huge financial crisis. I was desperately looking for an income opportunity to support my family. The P.A.C.E. Life Skills training came as the scope that I was looking for. After learning all the necessary soft skills such a time and stress management and financial literacy I enrolled in the ‘Vegetable Nursery Management and Cultivation’ skill training provided by HBT and Rural Self Employment Training Institute.The 10 days training built my skill about organic practices and technical knowhow on vegetables nursery, commercial cultivation of vegetables, selection of crops and its cultivation, selection of seeds, water management, organic farming and vermin composting. I now cultivate vegetables on our family land and am able to earn profit out of it.“

Mithila Khadia

“I was really happy and excited to attend the Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E.  life skills training. The financial literacy module gave me a lot of information about various practices that can be beneficial for us. Having gained knowledge about savings and borrowings, I started saving up money to buy seeds and start my own kitchen garden.”