From his childhood, Jyotirmoy*, watched his parents struggle to meet the basic needs of him and his younger brother. His father used to work as a blacksmith with impaired vision in one eye, while his mother dedicated herself to managing their household. Going to school was a luxury for Jyotirmoy and after passing class eight, his education came to a halt due to the family’s financial limitations.
“It was tough for me and my family. Not only me, but my little brother’s future was also uncertain.”
In 2018, things started to change when Jyotirmoy’s family became part of the Family Strengthening programme of SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh. Jyotirmoy got to join a one-year course on light engines at the SOS Vocational Training Centre in Chattogram, and his younger brother could return to school. Jyotirmoy worked hard and finished his training successfully. In 2020, he enrolled in a welding workshop to improve his skills. Under the guidance of the instructors and coworkers of the Family Strengthening program, he became proficient in this area.
After gaining extensive knowledge and experience, in 2021 he decided to take a bold step and establish his welding workshop. But this is the time COVID-19 pandemic had slowed down everything. SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh came forward and provided unconditional cash assistance to FS families including Jyotirmoy’s. His family received BDT 12,000 (Approximately 102 Euro), and with some of that money saved, his parents helped him start his workshop. Jyotirmoy started with a small range of tools and with a dream to become a successful businessman. He worked diligently and due to his efficiency, his customers increased.
Today, Jyotirmoy is earning an impressive amount to support his family. His entrepreneurial spirit has not only transformed his life but also created employment opportunities for others. Jyotirmoy currently has four employees at his workshop.
"For someone like me, who grew up in poverty, having my own business felt like a dream. But with determination and the right skills, that dream came true. I would have never been able to take this chance on me by investing money in my own business. I did it because I felt encouraged to do it in the FS and the Youth Skilling program. I encourage others to trust that their hard work will pay off too.“
*Name has been changed for privacy concerns.
