Sonia Boro, a beneficiary of the COMPELO project under APFBC, is a resident of Panbari Adarsa Mising Gaon EDC, under Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat. Below, she speaks on the project and the training given by RGVN and how it has helped in enhancing her existing skill, giving her a new vision of life:

“I am a working woman. Almost every household in our village has a loom shed. I never tried my hands in weaving before joining the weaving training conducted by RGVN Compelo, under APFBC. I saw jacquard machine for the first time in the training programme. With the help of our master trainer, I learnt weaving quite fast. Within three months, I have been able to weave items like mekhela chador, panel, gamosa, wrap arounds, traditional mufflers, etc. I have also attended entrepreneur orientation programme in Guwahati conducted under the project which has helped me to carry out my future plans of becoming a successful entrepreneur in an organised way”.

As a step forward, towards her goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur, Ms. Boro has also taken a loan in order to start up her handloom business. She is now capable of supplying woven items to Banashristi outlets and local markets as well. She has also appointed two women to assist her in the allied weaving activities as it was too cumbersome to deal with huge orders received by her. She contributes around Rs. 6000 per month to her household income and this has empowered her to take household decisions equally with her spouse. She feels proud that her social status has also been enhanced.