Little shop by the road
Pavarshan, 6, and Atshayan, 4, are thrilled that their mother decided to start a small shop because now they get to eat sweets for free! But for Vasuki, 36, their mother, the shop means so much more.
“After resettlement, my husband began to go for daily paying odd jobs as a helper for a mason or worker in the paddy fields but the income was barely enough to meet the needs of the family,” she says.
“We only managed to give food to the children and I couldn’t afford their schooling or transport to the school,” she says, “Sometimes I borrowed money to provide for them. Also my biggest fear at that time was that I had no money for medicine if a child fell ill. My younger son has wheezing every now and then.”
Livelihoods support was one of the biggest needs in the resettled communities in the north. In an effort to improve capacity and economic productivity of resettled communities, World Vision commenced Socio-Economic Empowerment of Communities and CBOs (SEEC) Project in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts with a grant from the European Union. The Project is implemented in partnership with the Government’s Vocational Training Centre and the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) business management training programme of International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“World Vision helped me follow the Generate Your Business (GYB) training programme and I was introduced to savings as well. We were given very clear guidance and with the knowledge received I was very encouraged. That’s how I decided to start the little shop,” says Vasuki.
“I liked this shop because of its location. The training helped me identify its value,” she smiles. “It’s by the side of the road and closer to the bus-stand so it can attract a lot of customers.”
Vasuki spoke to the owner of the little building and explained her desire and her financial situation as well. The owner agreed to give them the building without an advance payment and gave them a grace period of six months to make the payment.
“With money saved in the savings group and by pawning my jewellery, I bought things for the shop and started it. I sell things that are needed day-to-day and of course sweets to attract the children,” she smiles, “But I’m determined to get more things when I understand what the customers need.”
“The shop gives me a good income and I am able to pay for my elder son’s schooling and give him safe transport. My dream is to expand the little shop. But my biggest dream is to give Pavarshan and Atshayan a good education,” she says.
The SEEC Project provides skills training and awareness on available market opportunities to communities and livelihoods-based Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to strengthen livelihoods while improving community-Local Authority engagement and good governance. Currently around 2,500 resettled families (10,000 persons), 5000 active members from 20 CBOs, 150 personnel from Local Authorities are benefitting from the Project.