Moving Out of Generational Poverty

The first time we met Kavya was when she visited our health clinic in 2015 seeking medical care. While getting treatment she shared her past life and the struggle she had been going through for 5 years.

In 2010, Kavya was happily married, had a 3-year-old daughter, and was pregnant with her second child. That same year, Kavya 's husband was gravely injured in an accident and passed away.

At that time, Kavya was living with her in-laws and the death of their son (her husband) meant they had two additional people to care for. Culturally, this is a very hard situation, and it left Kavya essentially alone to care for herself and her daughter.  She had no source of income, so she moved to her parent's place near one of our Save Kids Trust clinics with her daughter. Her brother helped them for a short period of time, but that help wasn’t long term. Her parents, who were also very old and dependent, could not support her much.

Soon she gave birth to another daughter. The burden increased both socially and financially. Her and her daughters’ futures looked bleak and shaky. Therefore, she started working as a house maid and could earn around 2 thousand rupees ($25) a month. But the children were not looked after properly when she was out working.

After our Save Kids Trust team thoroughly understood her struggles in life, and learned that she had tailoring training, we knew we could help her.

Widow sitting with her machine outside the business door

Widow showing us her business room in her house. There are many garments on shelves & some hanging

Save Kids Trust decided to gift Kavya a sewing machine in 2015 so that she could begin a tailoring business for her income. It was very successful, and she was able to pay all the bills and rent within her tight budget. She opened a small store on the ground floor of her home, and she learned embroidery to embellish her style of clothing. Having her business in her home, she was able to look after her daughters while working.

Her next goal was to buy a Pico (sequin) machine which would enhance her income. But because of lack of savings, she was not able to buy it.  In 2023 Save Kids Trust helped her purchase the Pico machine. Now she earns around 8-10 thousand rupees ($108) a month.

Almost ten years have passed since we first met this family.

Widow with her now grown daughters, including the one who works with SKT

Six SKT Staff which includes her oldest daughter

Her daughters are now teenagers and are excellent students in the local government schools. The oldest daughter, Vanya, passed her 12th class examination in biology this year. She wants to become a doctor and is preparing for it not only in school but by volunteering at our Save Kids Trust events and in the clinic. Vanya is a valuable part of our adolescent girls' group, and she actively participates in all the activities. The staff and doctors at SKT are also helping her prepare for entrance examinations for medical school.

It delights us to share this life changing story of Kavya’s family! We celebrate with them! The ongoing support of donors makes all this possible- even spanning over a decade.