Life at Sreepur: Monira and Konika
Three months ago we took a visit to the northern districts of Bangladesh to visit a few mothers whose only dreams are to be part of the Sreepur Village, and we are now pleased to share that already our rehab team has started to make rehabilitation plans for them.
Early today, we had a visit to the Baby House to converse with Monira and Konika, two mothers who were referred to us from another organization TLMI (The Leprosy Mission International).
Monira and Konkia were victims of domestic violence, tormented and beaten up for the dowry. Unable to endure the harassment and constant torture, they were forced to abandon their husbands and their families. Presently, they live in the baby house to look after children. Here is what they have to say about life in The Sreepur Village.
Monira: “I’ve been here for a few months now and I still can’t make sense of it all. In the beginning, I had some really tough days. Jori, my little girl, experienced extreme diarrhoea but the sisters of the clinic all worked hard, and in the name of God, she became well again. This meant I was able to concentrate on the regular life of the village. Since my child is little, I have to stay in the baby house but here, like other families living in the village, I get a lot of support.
In our room, we take care of 11 babies. In the afternoons, I go to literacy class where I am learning level four. I have had little schooling throughout my life, but I need to learn more for my business plans (laughing out loud). One year later, after my daughter has grown up, I plan to master the art of tailoring and candle making, schemes which are taught here in #TheSreepurVillage. There is a candle making factory in my local area where I can work and earn some cash. Then I would love to open a small tailoring shop. So, that’s the plan for now, but most importantly I do not want to be a burden to anyone.”
Konika, is less reluctant to speak but she did say: “Monira di (sister) and I were at TLMI and came to The Sreepur Village together. I am also in the Baby House. I will start the tailoring training scheme from January, as my daughter will be old enough to be looked after by others. I want to start a tailoring business in my own village. We are indigenous people. Nobody does this work in my community. So, if I could run a shop, this would be a great challenge for me. I would like to take some more training but first I would like to try the tailoring scheme.
Both Monira and Konika are good at nurturing children. They have become popular in the Baby House. For latest updates on life in TheSreepurVillage, then visit our Facebook page at http://bit.ly/2vWVNmf or Twitter at http://bit.ly/2fYBC3n
Leave a comment
Also in News
The Route to Happiness
Bobita's Story of Resilience and Determination
In 2020 after her husband left her for another woman, Bobita was welcomed at Sreepur Village, the only residential organisation in Bangladesh to offer long-term training and development to mothers while ensuring they remain together with their children
Transforming Kulsum's Life.
When life took a difficult turn with her husband falling ill and struggling to support the family, Kulsum faced challenges that seemed insurmountable. Despite seeking help from her family, the situation remained incredibly tough. However, the introduction to Sreepur Village and the assistance provided by the organisation marked a turning point in Kulsum's life.
