From Despair to Dignity
After years of uncertainty and hardship, Sita found strength and stability through a local Self-Help Group.
High in the hills of Aathbiskot, Sita’s life was turned upside down by uncertainty.
When her baby boy was born, her husband made the difficult decision to travel to Saudi Arabia for work — hoping to provide a better life for their family. For two years, they kept in regular contact. Then one day, the messages stopped completely.
With no word, no income, and no way to find out what had happened, Sita faced growing despair. “I stayed in my home village, but no one helped me with survival”.
To support herself and her son, Sita began working as a farm labourer — difficult, low-paid, and physically demanding work. “It was very hard for me to make enough for food, clothes and school fees,” she recalled.
Everything changed when Sita was invited to join a local Self-Help Group, supported by INF’s partner Shanti Nepal. There, she found not only community, but opportunity.
“Whenever I am engaged in a group meeting, I forget everything and feel refreshed,” she said.
The group provided her with training, a goat, and a small loan from their revolving fund. When she sold her first goat, she was able to pay her son’s school fees and buy food and household supplies.
“Because of this goat-keeping occupation, I am not depressed amidst pain and sorrows,” she said.
Today, Sita is raising seven goats, growing beans and potatoes, and supporting her son through school.
“There is a lot of change in my life,” she shared. “I have confidence that I can have a good life. I can support my son’s education and a good future.”
At INF Australia, we believe every person — no matter their circumstances — has dignity, value, and the potential to flourish. Together with our partners in Nepal, we work to bring lasting hope and opportunity to communities affected by poverty and marginalisation. Through locally led development, healthcare, and empowerment programs, we seek to walk alongside those most in need, sharing God’s love in word and action.