“I am feeling so lucky to be a part of the GSD-2 Project, and it helps me become an economically independent woman day by day. Furthermore, I will definitely use these technologies to grow more vegetables,” says 48-year-old Rohingya woman Khotiza Begum.
Forced to flee violence in Myanmar in 2017, Khotiza arrived at Camp-17, Ukhiya, with her husband and six children, facing daily struggles to meet basic needs. In March 2025, she was selected for the Green Skill Development (GSD)-2 project, implemented by PROTTYASHI in partnership with WFP.
She gained skills in homestead gardening, vegetable cultivation, composting, and nutrition. Alongside this knowledge, she was provided with essential tools and materials, including bamboo, organic fertilizer, nets, ropes, sacks, and a variety of seeds.
She transformed a barren space beside her shelter into a thriving vegetable garden. Her husband now sells the produce at the local market, bringing in a small but steady income that meets needs beyond food aid. It also brought back something priceless—dignity and independence.
“We are happy and inspired,” Khotiza said with a bright smile. “Now, my family has fresh vegetables and good nutrition, and we can earn a little to meet other needs. I will keep cultivating my garden for as long as I can.”
From a life of uncertainty, Khotiza has grown a life of hope—one seed, one plant, and one harvest at a time.
