Training Helped to Attain Dream
Poor economic condition of my family compelled me to quit my study and opt for foreign employment. In 2014, I left for Malaysia in pursuit of earning living for my family. Working in foreign land away from one’s own land is not an easy job for anyone. Being a woman without any skill, I faced multiple challenges while working in Malaysia. I returned to my native land after completing three years there. Immediately after my arrival, my family arranged my marriage with an inhabitant of Kamalamai Municipality of Sindhuli.
To materialize my wish of remaining financially independent, I wanted to start my own business in my own country. Indeed, I was harboring a wish to own a small restaurant on BP Highway which lies near my house. At that time my dream seemed to be far away from my reality as I did not have required skill. In such condition, I did not have any other options but to remain engrossed in household chores.
The proverb ‘There is way where is will’ proved true in my case. Through manager of Kamalamai Party Palace I came to know of the imminent commencement of training on Commis -III through Asian School of Tourism and Hotel with the support of SAMRIDDHI Project and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) along with the Technical Assistance of Helvetas Nepal. I was informed that the training was targeted to persons like me as SAMRIDDHI Project aims to provide training to unemployed youths from socially disadvantaged, economically deprived families. After knowing that the training would be based on curriculum of level 1 developed by Council of Vocational Education and Training. My enthusiasm got intensified.
The practical and theoretical learning that I derived from the training did not only enable me to prepare many cuisines, but it also instilled confidence in me to start my own restaurant. At that time, I had confidence but no cash to invest. But my will did not get hindered. I persisted my effort and received loan of NRs. 500, 000 form local women’s group to which I am still affiliated as a member. Investing that loan, my husband and I started our Tivressa Restaurant here on BP Highway in October 2020. I have also employed one of women co-graduate in my business. Until the lockdown was imposed, we were making good money. Within short span of period, we managed to buy a piece of land which is adjoined with my restaurant. As now the lockdown has been removed and normalcy has recurred, my business is also recuperating. If nothing like Covid-19 will hit us again, I am sure that we will be able to have our own building for the restaurant within a pair of years. ‘Thanks’ is not sufficient to express my gratitude to SAMRIDDHI Project and HELVETAS team. Had there not been this project, my dream would have remained unattained.
