RAPID's Success Stories

Profile of Usha, a Local Tailor

Usha is single woman living in Dharwad who is dumb and deaf. Usha's mother is a deserted and unemployed and was not in a position to support her financially when her husband left. Usha did her SSLC, but could not afford to continue higher education and therefore could not find proper employment to support herself and her family. Five years ago Usha started working for a tailor to try to make ends meet, but only earned a meager salary of Rs. 100/- per month and was unable to even purchase adequate food for herself and her family.

At her tailoring job, Usha had learned how to stitch blouses, but her skill set remained basic. When she first came to RAPID she expressed interested in becoming a more advanced tailor and developing the ability to stitch more expensive garments, such as salwaar kameez, frocks and petticoats. RAPID was able to provide the counseling and financial support for Usha to attend a 5-month professional tailoring training that has helped launch Usha in to a more advanced career. In addition to the cost of training, RAPID also helped her meet her regular monthly expenses through a small stipend. After the training, RAPID continued to provide assistance after Usha completed her training by giving her a soft loan of Rs. 4200/- for buying a Pico fall machine, enabling her to practice

Usha has now earned the reputation as one of the best tailors in a local tailoring shop. As one of the most highly skilled tailors she is earning Rs. 1600/- to 1700/- per month, a drastic and crucial increase in support for sustaining herself and her family. She has also fully repaid her loan back to RAPID and continues to work towards advancing her career even further. Usha's next goal is to work in a clothing factory and stitch professional retail clothes.