Dhauli Debi Rajbanshi, a single woman in her late 60s, lives in Kanchira Basti on a small 1 Kattha plot. Despite lacking agricultural land for a sustainable livelihood, her determination to support her family led her to care for her daughter and son-in-law, expanding her household to include two granddaughters and one grandson.

To make ends meet, the family operated a small shop. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. The lockdowns brought businesses to a standstill, plunging vulnerable families, including Dhauli Debi’s, into poverty. They had to consume the goods from their shop, leading to its closure and further financial strain.

In response to the crisis, the rural municipality provided relief to those affected by COVID-19, offering some much-needed support. Additionally, SNJD/LWF launched a program aimed at helping entrepreneurs restart their businesses. With a recommendation from the rural municipality, Dhauli Debi received financial assistance of NPR 11,000.

With this support, Dhauli Debi restocked her shop, and as normalcy returned, her business began to thrive once again, generating NPR 8,000 to NPR 10,000 per month. Gratefully, she exclaimed, “I thought I would die of hunger. I am immensely thankful to the organization for saving my family.”

Inspired by her success, Dhauli Debi plans to open another shop, offering items like Dhugri, Papar, Paji, and tea snacks. Her story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of support, highlighting the importance of community assistance in fostering economic independence and hope for a brighter future.