Carving out a living in rural India

In the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, 63 young people haunted by memories of the Boxing Day Tsunami have been given a fresh start thanks to the generous donations of our supporters here in Scotland.

SCIAF is working with local partner CORP to help rebuild shattered communities and provide young people with specialised training in practical skills so that they can find better jobs and pave the way to a brighter future.

Asia Project Officer, Percy Patrick speaks to one young man who has used his new skills to turn his life around.

In many rural communities, life is hard. Young people often leave school without completing their education in order to get jobs as casual labourers. When the tsunami struck, homes, positions and livelihoods were washed away leaving many families with nothing and no means of making a living.

Unable to read or write, 25-year-old Jayabal once thought he was destined to live out his life as an unskilled labourer, earning barely enough to get by. But using the skills he learned through CORP, he was able to set up his own business. Now Jayabal earns enough to support his aging parents and recently financed his sister’s marriage. This is his story.

“My parents are casual labourers. They did not earn much and had a hard time raising their three children. My two sisters and I completed primary school but had to drop out of education in order to get jobs and help support the family. I worked in a timber shop where I helped load and unload heavy logs. The work was hard and I earned just 100 Rupees (£1.25) a month.

“I had no skills and lacked a proper education. I often wondered whether I would live and die as a casual labourer. When one of my sisters married, life became even tougher for the rest of us.

“The tsunami left our community in turmoil. My family and our neighbours lost our homes and belongings in the flood waters. We were left with nothing. SCIAF helped us to rebuild our damaged houses. Without them, I don’t know what would have happened to us.

“After the Tsunami, my parents were unable to get labouring work – partly because of the destruction, and partly due to their age. My income was negligible and I did not know where to turn.

“I will never forget the day CORP offered to teach me carpentry. I first developed an interest in carpentry when I was working in the timber shop but was unable to get a place on a course at a technical college because I don’t have any qualifications. CORP assigned me an apprenticeship with an experienced carpenter and I threw myself into my work. I was not earning any money during my training and often went to bed hungry but SCIAF contributed 1,500 Rupees (£20) towards my travel, carpentry kit, training materials and food.

“Within eight months I had become a skilled carpenter and a few months later I started getting regular work. Now I earn around 5,000 Rupees (£62.50) a month. I make enough money to feed and cloth us all and my parents no longer have to work as labourers. I also hire two assistants and pay them 50 Rupees (62p) a day. I am training them on the job so that one day they too will be able to run businesses of their own.

“In February, I financed my second sister’s wedding and I was able to take out a loan to help cover the marriage expenses. Then in April, I took out a second loan and bought a two-wheeler (scooter) which I use for my work. I am expecting to have paid both loans off in full by the end of the year.

“Because of the skills I have learned and the tools I have been given I have a steady job and am able to provide for my family. I no longer feel uncertain about the future and, thanks to SCIAF and CORP, my life is filled with hope.”

To make a donation to help SCIAF continue its vital work click here.

To find out more about how SCIAF is helping communities overseas go to Where We Work.