Firoza Munda: Augmenting Family Income by Stitching Dreams:

Firoza Munda: Augmenting Family Income by Stitching Dreams:

November 7, 2023

In the heart of Nebukhali village, in the Basirhat Block of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, a determined soul named Firoza Munda, at 36 years old, is weaving a new narrative for herself and her family. Alongside her husband, Biswanath Munda, the couple once found their livelihood at Protibha brickfield, moulding bricks amidst the grueling heat to sustain their lives.

Life at the brickfield is a test of endurance, especially under the unrelenting summer sun. But Firoza and Biswanath toiled to make ends meet. However, amid the laborious work and the sweltering heat, there was a dream that Firoza had nurtured for years—a dream to learn the art of tailoring.

Her opportunity came when our Tailoring Teacher arrived at Protibha brickfield to identify prospective trainees for the Tailoring Course. Firoza seized the moment and shared her long-cherished desire to become a skilled tailor. She spoke of her dream, a dream that had been within her for so long, but had never found the means or the opportunity to pursue it. For Firoza, a free tailoring course was the only gateway to inch closer to her lifelong aspiration.

With unwavering determination, Firoza embarked on her tailoring journey. Despite her demanding work in the brickfields, she made time for every lesson. She began with the basics, mastering the art of interlock stitching, and gradually progressed to cutting and stitching petticoats of various designs. Over a span of six to seven months, Firoza honed her skills and learned to craft women’s garments like blouses, salwar-kameez, and an array of other items.

Today, Firoza’s story takes a new turn. She managed to acquire a second-hand sewing machine, a tool that has become her bridge to a new source of income. With this sewing machine, Firoza stitches garments for the ladies in the adjoining villages of Protibha brickfield. This new-found avenue of earning is not just a way to meet her family’s expenses but also a means to save for her children’s higher education.

Firoza is resolute in her determination to provide her children with a brighter future, one that doesn’t involve toiling in the brickfields. Her journey from brick mounds to sewing threads is a testament to the power of dreams, persistence, and the transformative impact of opportunities. Through her stitching, Firoza is not just crafting garments; she is weaving a better future for herself and her family.