Frustrated, Ria finally finds hope

For Ria, 22, there was no hope in her life and she felt ill, both physically and mentally.

She said, “I was so frustrated and unproductive.”

Ria is the eldest daughter of Md. Atiar Sheikh, 50, and Rani Begum, 45. Her family is very poor. Her father is a carpenter, her mother a housewife.

Ria dropped out of school when she was in grade ten because of extreme hardship. Her parents compelled her to get married when she was 19 to Yamin, age 20.

Ria’s parents did not know that Yamin was often sick and lost control. Some people considered him mad. After just three days of marriage Ria realized this and decided to leave him out of fear. She returned to her parents and got divorced.

In her parent’s house Ria was passing days in extreme frustration and she felt she was a burden to them.

One day, one of her cousins who was a tailor asked her to start assisting her in tailoring. Ria took the opportunity and started beginner work, although she was not paid yet.

In 2013, Ria received sewing training from Child Safety Net Project (CSNP) supported by World Vision Bangladesh for three months. After completing the training she started working again with her cousin. But even then she was paid very little, only Taka 210 (about $3 USD) a week.

Ria is helping her mother with household chores. She regained her confidence and is leading a normal life.

The CSNP provide her with a paddle sewing machine to increase her speed and income. Ria started tailoring at her home, receiving work orders from her neighbors as they trust her skills. Now she earns Taka 1100 (about $14 USD) a week.

Ria even upgraded her sewing machine, buying an electric motor. Moreover, she recently bought two sewing machines from her earnings with the plan of expanding her tailoring business.

Ria has three meals a day and often buys food for her family.

So, Ria is no longer frustrated with her future prospects. She is free from mental stress. She is earning and enjoying her work. Ria said, “World Vision taught me how to work and earn and now I can earn for my family and myself.”

Ria is dreaming of starting a tailoring shop by renting a room and hiring two other vulnerable girls for her tailoring business. Ria is finally able to pay it forward.

Story and photo Credit: Child Safety Net Project