The teacher and mother who wants the best for her children. | Milaap
loans added to your basket
Total : 0
Pay Now

The teacher and mother who wants the best for her children

Written by Pachuau Lalruatpuii Publish date 20-May-2015
Hoinu at her house.
Hoinu at her house.

On a pleasant Friday morning, we headed towards Motbung village in Manipur. We left at 7.30 a.m and took an auto to the bus stop which took us to Motbung village. Motbung is about an hour away from Imphal, the capital of the state of Manipur in northeast India. We passed through paddy fields which were surrounded by beautiful blue mountains. After we reached Motbung village, we were accompanied by the branch head of WSDS, our partners in Manipur, to visit our clients in that village.

We made our way to Hoinu's house, who belongs to the group called L.Khengjang group. We could not meet their group leader Lhaikhonei as she was out of station. Hoinu is a 35-year-old mother of three children. Her husband works as a guest lecturer at Assam University. He earns about Rs. 30,000 a month. Hoinu is a primary school teachers who earns about Rs. 10,000 a month. They both work very hard to support their children and her in-laws. The power supply in their village is very irregular which makes it difficult for them to carry on their daily activities especially studying in the evenings.

She along with five other women - Vahkhonem, Lhaikhonei, Chongsimlam, Chongboi, Domlhingand Tingneichong- formed a group and availed a one year energy loan of Rs. 85,211 from Milaap to each purchase the 40 watts mini solar home lighting system. Each system lights up 4 lights bulbs for 12 hours a day, and can be installed in adjoining rooms of their homes using a 90-meter long wire. Hoinu has attached two bulbs in her kitchen cum sitting room, one in their bedroom and one at their veranda. With the solar home lighting system, Hoinu and her family have been able to carry out daily activities comfortably even if they don't have any electricity. Cooking and cleaning is also much easier. Her children been able to study in the evenings. She can now prepare for her next day class as she wants the best for her students. Now that they don't have to continuously buy alternative lighting systems such as kerosene or battery operated lamps or candles, they have been able to save some money for their children's education. She and her group members thank Miaap and WSDS for giving them this opportunity. They have already made 8 installments leaving them with only 4 more to repay the entire loan.

Did this story inspire you? Share your thoughts.