New Avenues of Financial Independence for Amrita

Amrita facilitating a financial literacy training in Morang district.

Amrita, a resilient woman from Khaniyakhatta in Morang district, Eastern Nepal, embodies the transformative power of determination and community support. From struggling to build a safe home for her family to becoming a confident and empowered Community Facilitator, her journey is a testament to perseverance and the opportunities brought by Jeevan Bikas Microfinance. 

Amrita and her husband, Nanda Kishor, initially lived in a small hut on a piece of land gifted by her mother-in-law. However, their modest shelter was no match for the storms and heavy rainfall that year, which destroyed their roof. With limited income, her husband working as a mason and Amrita as a farmer, they faced significant financial strain. After exhausting other options, Amrita’s mother directed her toward microfinance loans. It took several years to gather the necessary documentation, but Amrita’s perseverance paid off when she joined JBM and secured her first housing loan of NPR 10,000 (GBP 59.12). Over time, she borrowed a total of NPR 150,000 (GBP 886.80) and added her savings of NPR 80,000 (GBP 472.96) to finally construct a safe home where her daughter could play freely. 

Amrita engaged in sewing. 

This milestone not only provided her family with stability and comfort but also gave Amrita a foundation to explore her own potential. With her family’s housing secured, Amrita turned her attention to personal growth. Determined to complete her education, she enrolled in classes to pass Grade 10. Simultaneously, she pursued tailoring training and purchased a sewing machine, which opened new avenues for earning an income. Her involvement with JBM deepened as she became a group leader and a digital member, assisting others in accessing microfinance loans. This role nurtured her confidence and strengthened her sense of purpose. 

Amrita’s dedication led her to a pivotal opportunity: a five-day Training of Trainers on Financial Literacy and Safe Shelter, organized by Sahara Nepal and supported by Habitat for Humanity Nepal. The training enhanced her knowledge of financial literacy and housing safety, equipping her to educate others in her community. Today, Amrita facilitates financial literacy sessions and safe shelter discussions in Gramthan Rural Municipality, focusing on empowering women. Her efforts have helped many individuals enhance their financial knowledge and access resources to improve their lives. 

Amrita’s journey from a struggling homemaker to a respected Community Facilitator has brought profound changes to her life. She is now a role model in her community, inspiring others with her story of resilience and empowerment. “I feel proud when somebody recognizes me as a Community Facilitator,” she shared, reflecting on her accomplishments. Through her work, Amrita has not only transformed her own life but also empowered others to take control of their futures. Her story underscores the importance of financial literacy, education, and community support in creating lasting change.  

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