Frontline staff from World Vision’s Child Protection Project invited Akhi to a World Vision Centre and offered her life skills-based education and catch-up education. “We took Akhi to several schools, but they rejected her because she exceeded the school’s age thresholds for incoming students,” says Abeda, a project officer. 

Despite this setback, Akhi was not daunted. Taking up vocational training with World Vision’s support, Akhi learned sewing skills to start a tailoring business at home. “Then we donated [Akhi] a new sewing machine with a pile of fabrics,” Abeda adds.

“I kept receiving orders for tunics and children’s dresses from my community. From social media, I also learned to make handicrafts like flower vases, mats, and vanity bags with recycled paper and beads. With my extra income we had meat, fish, and fresh fruits,” says Akhi. However, these good times would not last.

“Everything came to a standstill when COVID-19 started spreading. My mother and sister could not go to work at the shrimp plant and I could not keep my store open,” says Akhi. The Government would close factories and ban public movement to prevent the spread, locking down the whole country. “My parents, siblings, and I stayed home for months. We were not allowed to go out. I kept my sewing work but received very limited orders. I could hardly make USD12 from my sewing work,” says Akhi.

But instead of focusing on her problems, Akhi saw the needs of others in her community.