Tailoring Skills for 50 Girls in Kolkata, India

A Stitch of Hope: Sadya’s Story

 Tangra, Kolkata

In the narrow lanes of Tangra, Kolkata, lives 20-year-old Sadya with her parents and seven siblings. Their entire family of nine struggles to survive in a small 100 sq. ft. room that they call home. The space is barely enough to sleep at night, let alone provide comfort for so many people.

Her father works tirelessly as a daily wage labourer in a plastic factory, earning around 9,000 ($108) per month. But with eight dependents relying on this meagre income, it is impossible to cover even the family’s basic needs—food, rent, school supplies, clothing, and medical expenses. Sadya’s mother is a homemaker, while her elder brother, despite having passed Class XII, has not been able to secure a job. Her younger brothers and sisters are still in government schools, their education at constant risk of being interrupted by poverty.

Growing up in such hardship, Sadya often worried about her family’s future. She could see the exhaustion in her father’s eyes and the silent struggle of her mother, trying to stretch every rupee to feed and clothe the children. Instead of giving in to despair, Sadya made a brave decision—she wanted to help her family and reduce her father’s burden.

That is when she approached Tiljala SHED. She expressed her wish to learn tailoring; a skill she believed could provide her with a sustainable source of income. Recognising her determination, Tiljala SHED admitted her into a six-month tailoring course. The organisation not only covered her training fees but also provided travel allowances so she could attend classes regularly, just like eight other young women beneficiaries in the program.

Sadya worked hard and completed her course successfully. At the end of her training, she received a brand-new sewing machine (worth approx. 8,000 / $96). For Sadya, this was not just a machine—it was a lifeline, a tool that symbolised dignity, hope, and the power to change her family’s circumstances.

Today, Sadya proudly earns by stitching clothes for her neighbours. The money she brings in may be modest, but in her words, “Every stitch I make is a step toward helping my family breathe a little easier.” With her earnings, she contributes to household expenses and supports her younger siblings in continuing their education.

Most importantly, Sadya has found a sense of confidence, independence, and hope. She no longer sees herself as just another dependent in her crowded household, but as someone who can actively uplift her family. She now dreams of continuing her higher studies while pursuing tailoring as a part-time job to support her loved ones.

 “I am very thankful to Tiljala SHED for giving me this opportunity. With this skill, I can now support my family and also dream of a better future.” – Sadya

Sadya’s story is more than just one young woman learning a trade—it is a powerful example of how a simple opportunity can transform lives. With continued support, many more girls like her can rise above poverty, achieve dignity, and build a brighter future for their families.

Soni comes from a financially constrained family living near the railway tracks where basic facilities are limited. Her father, Sabir, aged 46, works as a drum maker and earns Rs.10,000 (US$ 119), per month. Her mother, Shakila, aged 40, is a homemaker and does not contribute financially. Despite these challenges, Soni has shown resilience and determination to continue her education and improve her future.

Soni has several siblings, each of whom has faced different challenges due to the family's financial constraints. Her elder sisterSabina, aged 22, had to drop out of college due to financial difficulties. Safina, aged 19, is another sister who had to discontinue her education after completing Class IX because of similar financial issues.Both Sabina and Safina have since been married off.

Soni also has three younger siblings. Her younger brother, Sameer, is 17 years old and currently studying in a Madrasah, while her younger sister, Sidra,is 14 years old and studying in Class VIII. Her youngest brother, Sugal, is 9 years old and is in Class IV.

Soni has demonstrated immense perseverance despite the challenges posed by her family's financial situation. Currently, she is completing a 6-month vocational course in Garment Construction and Tailoring at Hope Kolkata Foundation, which also includes training in Communicative English and Personality Development. The course will conclude in March this year, and after completion, she is expected to secure a job with a monthly salary of 10,000 (US$ 119), provided by the foundation.

Along with her vocational training, Soni has appeared for her Class XII Higher Secondary Board Examination, reflecting her commitment to education despite the many challenges.

In this journey, Soni and her family have been immensely supported by the Tiljala Shed ensuring they have access to opportunities they would otherwise not have had. Tiljala Shed has financially supported Soni's vocational training which has been instrumental in shaping her future and helping her achieve her career goals. This unwavering support has not only helped her gain the skills needed to secure employment but also provided the family with hope for a brighter future.

Despite the financial struggles, Soni's family remains hopeful that with the right support, each of the children can overcome their educational and economic challenges.

The ongoing support from organizations like Tiljala Shed plays a key role in empowering Soni and her family, allowing them to move forward with greater confidence and strength.