Economic Growth India Project #21941

Alternative livelihoods for 500 ragpicker families

by Tiljala Society for Human and Educational Development

Project Report | Jan 28, 2026
Her courage turned struggle into a future.

By SHAFKAT ALAM | JOINT SECRETARY

One Woman’s Determination, One Family’s Transformation

Tabassum, a 38-year-old woman living on Tiljala Road in Kolkata, comes from a financially vulnerable household where survival depends almost entirely on her own strength and determination. Her husband, Salauddin, works as a daily wage labourer but does not contribute to household or educational expenses. His income is largely spent on himself, leaving Tabassum solely responsible for managing the family’s needs, running the household, and securing her daughter’s future.

Tabassum is the mother of Shaina, who is currently pursuing her Master’s degree (M.A.). Shaina was earlier supported as a sponsored child and received full educational assistance up to the Higher Secondary level. After HS, the sponsorship was discontinued as per donor policy. While this posed a serious challenge, Tabassum refused to let financial hardship interrupt her daughter’s education. With unwavering determination, she decided to continue supporting Shaina through her own efforts.

To meet household expenses and fund her daughter’s higher education, Tabassum started a small garments business. In the beginning, the business struggled due to limited capital and lack of resources, making it difficult to maintain stock and grow. At this crucial stage, she approached Tiljala SHED for livelihood support, seeking assistance to stabilize and strengthen her income source.

Tiljala SHED supported Tabassum through a series of livelihood loans, which she utilized with great responsibility and discipline. She received four loans over time—10,000 (~USD 120), 25,000 (~USD 300), another 25,000 (~USD 300), and finally 50,000 (~USD 600). Remarkably, all loans were repaid on time without any defaults. Her consistent repayment reflects her honesty, commitment, and growing confidence as a small entrepreneur.

With this financial support, Tabassum was able to steadily strengthen her garments business. She regularly reinvests her earnings to purchase new stock and expand her operations. Recently, she invested 10,000 (~USD 120) in garments, and she is now planning to purchase stock worth 25,000 (~USD 300) in preparation for the upcoming March festival season, when demand is expected to be higher. These steps demonstrate her clear business planning and aspiration for growth.

Alongside her mother’s efforts, Shaina is also contributing to her own journey. While continuing her M.A. studies, she works as a Caregiver-cum-Core Educator in an Open Shelter Project. Her income helps meet part of her personal expenses and provides her with valuable professional experience, reducing the financial burden on her mother.

Today, Tabassum stands as a symbol of resilience and self-reliance. Despite the absence of spousal support, she independently manages all household and educational expenses. Her garments business is stable and growing, her daughter continues higher education, and the family lives with greater economic security, confidence, and dignity.

Tabassum’s journey clearly highlights the transformative power of timely livelihood support and women-centered financial assistance. With determination, responsible use of resources, and continuous effort, she has overcome deep social and economic barriers. Her story strongly reflects how targeted livelihood interventions can empower women not only to survive, but to build a secure and hopeful future for their children.

Your support can help many more women like Tabassum create lives of dignity, independence, and lasting change.

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Sep 29, 2025
Threads of Hope : Building Livelihoods, Shaping Futures

By SHAFKAT ALAM | JOINT SECRETARY

Rehana, a 38-year-old mother from one of Kolkata’s most marginalized communities, is a symbol of strength and resilience. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and one son in a small settlement. Despite the crushing challenges of poverty, she has never stopped dreaming of a better future for her children.

Her eldest daughter is in Class 10 and preparing for her crucial board examinations. Her son is in Class 5, and her youngest daughter attends the local ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) school. Like every mother, Rehana dreams of seeing them grow into educated, confident individuals who will not have to endure the struggles she has faced.

But life has not been easy for her family. Back in 2018, Rehana was earning just 50 (about $0.60) a day by doing slippers strap trimming. Her husband worked as a rickshaw puller, bringing home 180 (about $2.20) a day, out of which he had to pay 70 ($0.85) to the rickshaw owner. Their combined daily income—barely enough for one decent meal—was nowhere near sufficient to support a family of five.

That year, with courage and hope, Rehana reached out to Tiljala SHED’s Self-Help Group (SHG) for support. She borrowed 20,000 (around $240) to buy her own rickshaw. For the first time, her husband could take home all of his daily earnings. This small step was a turning point—it brought dignity, stability, and hope into their home.

Encouraged by this progress, in 2019 Rehana took another bold step. She borrowed 30,000 (around $360) from Tiljala SHED to start a small waste recycling business. For a while, this provided additional income and relief. But life struck another cruel blow—the local corporation demolished her tiny warehouse as it was on the footpath. With her livelihood suddenly gone, many would have given up. But not Rehana.

Refusing to let despair win, she used her skills and determination to start afresh. She invested in a sewing machine and began working as a tailor from home. Today, Rehana earns around 400 (about $5) a day through tailoring. With this income, she is able to provide her children with proper clothes, school supplies, and the chance to pursue their education—something she was once unsure would ever be possible.

Rehana’s story is not just about survival—it is about transformation. It is about how a small opportunity, a little financial support, and the courage of a woman can completely change the future of an entire family.

But there are countless women like Rehana in our communities—women with untapped potential, waiting for a chance to stand on their own feet. With your support, Tiljala SHED can empower many more mothers to rise above poverty and build a brighter, dignified life for their children.

Your contribution can help write many more stories like Rehana’s. A little support can spark a lifetime of change

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Jun 2, 2025
Pinky's Journey: From Struggle to Strength

By Shafkat Alam | Joint Secretary

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