This #WomensDay we share with you Akhi's story of determination and how she is embracing equity in the face of adversity.
Akhi's life has never been easy. Losing her father at a young age was hard enough, but things only got worse when her mother remarried and sent her to a shelter home. Despite the challenges she faced, Akhi remained strong and determined to create a better life for herself.
After marrying her husband, Akhi thought her troubles were over, but her husband's sudden job loss and subsequent violence left her feeling trapped and helpless. Akhi tried to convince him to find work, but he refused to listen, and his abuse escalated.
In 2021, Akhi gave birth to a baby boy, and she once again tried to make things work with her husband. Sadly, his behaviour only grew more aggressive which was when Akhi knew it was time to leave for good.
Making the difficult decision to leave her husband and start a new life, Akhi began working at a factory but struggled to provide for herself and her young son. It was a tough road, but she refused to give up.
When Akhi arrived at Sreepur Village she immediately enrolled in higher secondary education and put all her efforts into working hard to develop new skills and knowledge.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Akhi remains hopeful about the future. She knows that with hard work and determination, she can build a better life for herself and her children.
Furthermore, with an education under her belt Akhi feels empowered to return to her community with the confidence to seek equal opportunities in employment and take ownership of her own socio-economic developments.
This is definitely my favourite charity. I am in awe of how much Pat has achieved – & in the face of huge challenges to create Sreepur in the first place . A shining example what one person, in no great position of influence when she was an Airhostess with B.A ( when I met her on a training course) was able to create – and keep going for so many years . ‘Hats off “ to you Pat .
We share with you a story of Sharifa, a mother who has had her fair share of struggles in life and who recently, along with her family, visited Sreepur to share with us her successes in life.
The sudden death of Sharifa's husband in late 2004 left her as the sole provider for her four children. With no one to turn to for help, Sharifa felt lonely, scared and desperate for her family's future survival.
It was a bright and sunny day on the 12th of March when Sreepur Village hosted day one of the girls' cricket tournament.
Sreepur Village
March 16, 2023
Thank you Mark for your kind words we really do value what our supporters think and it is wonderful to hear how we are your favourite charity and how you are aware of the work we do since Pat initiated the Project many many years ago.
Do please email me if you would like to get in touch personally.
Thank you
Natalie