Micro-Enterprise Project

Shakila Mohammed, age 25 Shakila Mohammed was married to a Muslim man, who worked in the mountains and was an alcoholic. Her husband left her after the birth of their two children, a daughter, now seven years old, and a son, only three months old at the time. Since her husband abandoned her, Shakila’s in-laws have forsaken her and her children as well. She has returned to her parent’s home where her father is the sole breadwinner. In keeping with Muslim tradition, Shakila received no formal schooling beyond the 5th grade or vocational training as a young woman. Shakila is thrilled to discover IPCC’s Sewing Mirco-Enterprise training available in Chillakallu. She is learning more of tailoring and home-based businesses with each new day. Shakila will soon be able to provide for herself and her children. Her daughter, Sabiha, now attends a similar Muslim school where she will receive no more than a 5th grade education. Her son, Sheriff, recently suffered a potentially life threatening condition, but he was able to receive medical treatment because of her new found relationship with the Papabathini’s and IPCC. Shakila is one of many students on our campus also learning about the love of the Heavenly Father and salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. S.K. Gafroon, age 16                                                                  Gafroon is a Muslim and the only daughter in her family. When she was three years old, Gafroon’s father left home. All she has been told of him is that he was an abusive alcoholic who cared very little for his family. She attended a Muslim school until the 5th grade and for the past two years has been subjected to continual marriage proposals. Gafroon’s mother is pleased with one prospect, but a dowry of Rs. 2,500 is necessary before things progress. This amount of money is a tremendous burden for Gafroon’s mother. Realizing the severity of her situation, Gafroon began to seek training in a particular trade. She soon discovered the IPCC campus and the seamstress and home-based business training that she was looking for. Gafroom is one of many Muslim women who will receive valuable vocational training through our Sewing Micro-Enterprise - an education that extends beyond the 5th grade and incorporates knowledge of the truth concerning our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   Shek Rajiya, age 18 Shek Rajiya was married for just one year. Her husband’s family received Rs. 20,000 ($500 USD) as a dowry, but that soon proved not enough. Rajiya’s mother-in-law forced her to labor in the fields, only to be put out and replaced by another woman with another, more lucrative, dowry. Rajiya now lives with her parents and younger sister. She is also three months pregnant. Rajiya attended a Muslim school up until the 5th grade (the same one her sister studies in). She had no further education or training that would make her eligible for suitable employment. Rajiya’s desire to one day become self-employed and able to truly care for her family will soon be granted. When Rajiya first came to the IPCC campus, it was obvious that she was malnourished and in need of medical attention. Along with providing Rajiya seamstress and home-based business training, IPCC has committed to providing her and her baby with necessary medical treatment throughout her pregnancy and postpartum stage, by way of our Health Care Initiatives. The baby’s sponsorship is being conducted through our House of Hope Orphanage.   Adimma Soma, age 22 (Christian) Adimma is the youngest of four siblings. Her family is poor and is unable to provide the Rs. 2,500 dowry that is needed for her marriage - should the opportunity present itself. She attributes the escape, or dodge, of marriage to her intense devotion to her studies. Adimma displays a natural affection for children and great skill for teaching them. Her dreams of becoming a certified teacher are nearing fulfillment; having earned her Bachelor’s degree, Adimma is awaiting placement and a possible scholarship to continue her education. She has joined IPCC’s Sewing Micro-Enterprise class as a means to valuable vocational training. Adimma will begin teaching the children at our House of Hope Orphanage, as well as continue her work among the street children in Chillakallu.