My name is Jebamaalai, and I am 45 years old. I come from a rural community in Aarni, Vellore. Life has been challenging for me, as my husband is an alcoholic and does not go to work. The burden of running the household and taking care of my children’s education fell entirely on my shoulders. To support my family, I worked under the 100-day employment scheme in our village, earning a small amount of money. However, the income was insufficient to meet our family’s daily needs, let alone secure a good education for my children.
During this difficult time, I came to know about Auxilium Aruwye, a beacon of hope for women like me. I started attending their programs along with other women from my community. These sessions were not just about skills and livelihood but also about empowerment, confidence-building, and financial independence. The support and guidance I received from Auxilium Aruwye changed my perspective on life.
My husband’s behavior and financial irresponsibility had placed me in numerous distressing situations, but the counseling support provided by Auxilium helped me cope mentally and emotionally. With renewed determination, a group of women and I, who shared similar struggles, came together and formed the Agilam Women Self-Help Group under the guidance of Auxilium Aruwye.
As a group, we started saving small amounts of money regularly, which was later circulated as loans among us. Over time, our collective efforts brought remarkable improvements. We managed to save more than one lakh rupees, and through various financial linkages, we were able to access a loan of up to 8 lakhs, which we distributed among our members for income-generating activities and personal needs.
With the money I received, I was finally able to pay for my daughter’s nursing education fees, something that had once seemed impossible. Today, I stand strong and confident, knowing that I have the ability to save, access loans, and sustain my family without relying on anyone else.
Looking ahead, I have a dream – to buy a cow and start a small dairy business once my daughter completes her studies. I believe that this venture will provide me with a steady income and further strengthen my financial stability.
Auxilium Aruwye has transformed my life and given me a path to grow. Thanks to their support, I have overcome many hardships and now live with dignity and independence. My story is just one of many, proving that when women come together, support each other, and receive the right guidance, they can overcome any obstacle and build a better future.
I am deeply grateful to Auxilium Aruwye for being the ray of hope in my life and for showing me the way forward.
