Hasina Begum, a resilient 30-year-old woman, resides in Camp 20 Extension (Sub-block 3, Block 4) with her family of five, which includes her husband, a son, and two daughters. Life in the camp was a daily struggle, as the limited relief materials and scarce work opportunities made it challenging to provide for her family’s basic needs. The family’s survival depended heavily on external aid, leaving little room for self-sufficiency or improvement.
Determined to change her circumstances, Hasina participated in a 45-day training program on jute craft through the “Promoting Self-Reliance Opportunities for Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar” project supported by IOM and implemented by PROTTYASHI. The training provided her with the skills and confidence to create various jute-based products such as floor mats, placemats, and slippers. Along with the training, she received in-kind support in the form of essential product development equipment from PROTTYASHI. With these tools, Hasina Begum crafted high-quality items that showcased her creativity and hard work.
Her journey took a positive turn when she started selling her handcrafted products through the “Noor” Display Center, a platform established to support artisans like her. Visitors to the center were captivated by her work, and she also found additional buyers among NGOs and workers within the camp. This opened up new income streams, enabling Hasina to make a significant financial contribution to her family.
Now, Hasina’s family is experiencing a better quality of life. The extra income has eased their financial burdens, and her children have greater opportunities for a brighter future. Inspired by her success, Hasina dreams of expanding her jute craft business. She envisions scaling up her production and achieving economic stability through her dedication and hard work.
Hasina’s story is a testament to how skill development initiatives, like those facilitated by the Livelihood Project, can empower individuals to break the cycle of dependency and achieve financial independence. Her journey exemplifies hope, resilience, and the transformative impact of opportunity.
