Nemneichong can now weave as many beautiful shawls as she wishes

On a pleasant friday morning we headed towards Saikul which is about an hour away from Imphal, the capital of the state of Manipur in Northeast India. We first took an auto rickshaw to the bus stand and then took the bus to Saikul. From there we were accompanied by the staff working in Saikul Branch. We then made our way towards meeting our clients in two wheelers. We were warmly greeted by Nemneichong and her sisters when we reached her house. Nemneichong is a 35-year-old talented weaver who weaves beautiful traditional shawls for a living. The shawls she weaves cost from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 3500. She usually weaves 3 to 4 shawls a month and sells them at the market. Due to scarcity of power supply in their village she has not been able to weave in the evenings reducing her production. Nemneichong, Neikhoneng, Resma, Hoitinneng and Hoineikim formed a group called Lenchonghoi to seek a one year energy loan of Rs. 60,865 from Milaap to purchase a 40 Watt mini solar home lighting system which lights 4 bulbs for 12 hours a day. Since it has 90 meter long wire, it can installed anywhere as per user’s convenience and since the lighting products are bright it can provide conducive luminance for weaving. With the mini solar home lighting system, Nemneichong has been able to continue her weaving even at night and cook and clean. Carrying out daily activities at night has also been much more easier even if they don't have electricity. This group of women are very grateful towards Milaap and WSDS for the loan which has been a great help for their business and family. They are confident that they will be able to repay the loan on time.