Saraswathi stitched her life to economic stability
kolpingindia
Boggula Saraswathi is a single mother who with great struggle managed to settle her two daughters after the death of her husband six years ago. The untimely passing of her husband forced her son, who was then 13 years old, to drop out of school and work as an assistant to a painter. Saraswathi works in agricultural fields in the neighborhood and migrates to nearby cities and towns during the off-season. One of the most challenging aspects of her lives is the necessity to migrate seasonally in search of work. Saraswathi have no steady income during the summer months when agricultural work dries up. To cope with this economic uncertainty, she migrate to nearby cities such as Guntur, Chittoor, and Vijayawada, to take up temporary jobs for three months. During this period, she work tirelessly to save whatever little she can before returning to their village. This cycle of migration is not just physically exhausting but also emotionally draining. She had to leave behind her home and community for months at a time, working in unfamiliar cities and uncertain work conditions.
The migration on account of work had became increasingly difficult as her age and health began to decline. She took a 6 months tailoring course offered by Kurnool Kolping and with financial support from Kolping India, she purchased a sewing machine. Saraswathi was quick to learn stitching clothes as she practiced diligently using old cloth materials she had at home. Now, she stiches clothes for her neighbours. Besides stitching clothes she continue to work in the agricultural field. Tailoring as self-employment activity has given the comfort of earning an income from home without travelling distance for the sake of employment. Saraswathi says that
“people here are kind enough to give me clothes stitching orders and appreciate my dress making work. I am able to earn an average of Rs.3,000 a month. I am now feeling better with regard to my health.”
