Sheli Begum, a single mother of two children, hails from the Dinajpur district situated in Rangpur Division, Bangladesh.
Seeking shelter Sheli arrived a Sreepur Village, Bangladesh, in May 2018 when her husband died in a road accident. Her husband was a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver. Sadly, road accidents in Bangladesh kill and permanently disable thousands of people each year.
After her husband passed away, Sheli was living with her in-laws, but the financial hardship made their lives miserable. Sheli told us, "Many times I asked my relatives for help, but they turned away from us."
Sheli and her two young children were desperate, hungry, and penniless when they arrived at Sreepur Village in 2020. As soon as they were settled at Sreepur, Sheli's children began their education, ate plenty of food, and spent quality time with other children. While Sheli's children were at school and immersing themselves in Sreepur activities Sheli enrolled in livelihood training programmes, participating in various skills but mainly focusing on garments and tailoring.
Sheli explained to us, "After my husband's death, I couldn't make my children happy, but after arriving at Sreepur Village, my children started to look forward rather than back on their past miserable lives."
When Sheli left Sreepur Village in mid-2022, the rehabilitation team helped her to find employment at a reputed garments factory.
With the new skills she acquired during her three-year stay at Sreepur, Sheli secured this job as a sewing machine operator. Now she has been working full-time at this factory for more than six months.
Sheli concluded our interview by saying, "Our lives have changed since leaving Sreepur Village and starting my new job. My children attend school and I can afford all their expenses with the money I earn from my salary. I must add I would not be able to provide a healthy life for my children if it were not for Sreepur Village and the three years we spent and developed in their care."
Her determination to take care of herself and her family on her own has made Sheli an example to the many other single mothers residing at Sreepur Village, Bangladesh.
It was wonderful to read Sheli’s story. It is so good to hear that with support like Sreepur and the dedicated people there women and children can have a new start.in life. Wishing you all continued success in 2023,
It was wonderful to read Sheli’s story. It is so good to hear that with support like Sreepur and the dedicated people there women and children can have a new start.in life. Wishing you all continued success in 2023,
It was wonderful to read Sheli’s story. It is so good to hear that with support like Sreepur and the dedicated people there women and children can have a new start.in life. Wishing you all continued success in 2023,
It was wonderful to read Sheli’s story. It is so good to hear that with support like Sreepur and the dedicated people there women and children can have a new start.in life. Wishing you all continued success in 2023,
Sheli’s story is very heartening. How fantastic for her and her children to have been given such care over the three years, so that she could make a new independent start in her life. Good luck.
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
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.
Pamela Cotton
December 31, 2023
Congratulations to Sheli for working so hard at Sreepur Village, to gain experience to enable her to build a new life and support her two children. Well done too to all the amazing people at the Village who guide and support the women who arrive there, often desperate and destitute, and give them love and hope for the future. Best wishes to you all for 2024.