Shameem Akhtar, a resident of the village Naivela and a mother of 4 children including 3 son and 1 girl, once lived a life full of joy and was the shining sun of her family, a beacon of hope and happiness. However, disaster struck, and a devastating flood washed away all the joy and stability from their lives. “Our hearts were as flooded as our homes,” Shameem recalls. After the flood, her family was left homeless and faced starvation, as her home and store were inundated, reducing her to despair.
Yet, even in the darkest times, a glimmer of hope remained. Recognizing Shameem Akhtar’s potential and the positive impact her business could have on her family’s livelihood, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Health Education & Development Society (HEADS) stepped in to help. They provided her with a substantial business grant of PKR 25,000. This financial assistance was a crucial lifeline for Shameem Bibi, enabling her to invest in her clothing store business and rebuild her life. “This grant was not just money; it was a ray of sunshine piercing through the storm clouds,” she says.
Shameem is the breadwinner of her family. With heartfelt gratitude, she shares, “With HEADS and IRC assistance, my family and I have found happiness again. We’ve reclaimed our joyful lives.” The grant allowed her not only to restore her business but also to dream bigger. “I want to enhance my business and open a new branch in the community with the help of HEADS and IRC,” she declares with renewed determination.
Shameem’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of support. It reminds us that even after the fiercest storms, the sun can shine again, bringing new opportunities and renewed hope.
