My name is Bibi Amir Elahi* and I live in Village Dunga Chapra, UC Talhatta. Before the earthquake I was living happily with my husband, six daughters and two sons. One day my husband fell ill and became paralyzed. My elder son continued to work in his father’s place. After my son got married, he left us and started living separately. We had no choice but to sell our land to feed ourselves. The earthquake destroyed our house and we had to live in tents. My daughters and I started working as maids in other peoples’ houses to earn money.

One day community members introduced me to Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) officials and they visited my house to verify my case. I participated in 12 day micro enterprise training and then they gave me cash grant to start livestock business. Now I sell milk to people in my village. I am able to earn enough money to support my family.

I would call my story, ‘New Hope’ as your organization brought new hope in my life.

*Name changed to protect the person's identity.