From Abandonment to Ambition

Rasika’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

After being abandoned and struggling alone, Rasika started a small shop to support her child. With support from the EU-funded DESTINY Project and her Self-Help Group, she expanded her business into a thriving store. Today, Rasika is empowered, earning steadily, and building a better future for her family.

Rasika, a young mother, was once facing immense hardship after being abandoned by her husband. With no family support and a small child to care for, she found it impossible to seek outside employment. To survive, she started a tiny retail shop from the front room of her rented house. Still reeling emotionally from her partner’s abandonment, Rasika felt isolated and hopeless—until she connected with our team through the EU-funded DESTINY Project.

Through the project, Rasika became a member of a Self Help Group (SHG) in her area—joining hands with other women, many of whom were also deserted or single. In one SHG meeting, Rasika shared that for the first time, she felt surrounded by "sisters" who understood her pain. Realizing that she was not alone gave her strength and a sense of belonging.

Her small shop had already gained popularity among children from a nearby school. However, she struggled to meet the growing demand due to a lack of capital. Recognizing her determination and potential, the DESTINY team supported her to develop a business plan tailored to her needs. With financial inputs provided through the project, Rasika launched her improved store—now known as Venesh Stores.

When the team revisited her after the support was given, the transformation was remarkable. What was once a nearly empty corner shop had become a vibrant, bustling place filled with schoolchildren and customers. Rasika, once despondent, was now energized and busy managing her growing enterprise.

With the income she now earns, Rasika has reinvested in her store, purchasing a refrigerator to sell ice cream and yogurt—items in high demand. She dreams of further expanding her business, building her own home, and most importantly, giving her child a quality education and a secure future.

Rasika’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and community, even the most vulnerable can reclaim their destiny.