Sunita and Ganga (both 26 years old) share similar experiences. Both were married at a very young age and were forced to take on household responsibilities, which caused them to abandon their childhood and transition into the world of adulthood. In the process of assimilating to a new setting, both Sunita and Ganga experienced extreme poverty. "We didn't have enough land, food was scarce, and my husband was unemployed. When I had my children, things became tougher for us," states Ganga.

"For us, our children are a priority, and with our husbands being unemployed, the responsibility of financial support fell on us," shares Sunita. "But then, we both enrolled in a life-skills and entrepreneurship training provided by Save the Children, and Village Development and Save the Environment Forum." As part of the Youth Bulgari Project (YBP), both Sunita and Ganga participated in a 5-day training where they learned about life skills, livelihood skills, and how to establish a business. Furthermore, they were trained in human resource skills, interpersonal skills to deal with customers, and were provided with practical tips on saving, investing, and marketing.

Both Sunita and Ganga were provided with cash and equipment support from the project to start a business of their choice. "I always thought that opportunities only come to rich people. I could never imagine owning a business in my life. But the training changed my perception. It made me realize that, with support, even people like me who have limited knowledge and resources can run a business," says Sunita.

After consulting with their families, Sunita, with support from the YEB project, started a clothing store, whereas Ganga opened a grocery store in the place, a market area where their families had moved from their village. Both entrepreneurs believe that skills are essential to bolster confidence in starting a business, and family support is equally important. Furthermore, they also discuss the shift in perception that occurred after they started their own businesses. "Starting our own business has helped us gain recognition and prestige in society. My grocery shop is doing quite well, and I have been able to take care of my family, send my children to school, and cover other household expenses. The skills that I learned have helped me live a life of dignity, both for myself and my family," shares Ganga, the proud entrepreneur. Sunita points out that starting a business of their own not only helps with financial stability but is also the answer to brain drain and migration, a trend that we have been witnessing here for quite some time now.

When asked about their dreams, both entrepreneurs stated, "We want to earn a lot of money and send our children to good schools." Both wish for their children to have the childhood they never had and a life of dignity, free from hardships and poverty.

"With the training, we realized our potential, and we have been provided with the key to break free from poverty and ensure a better future for our children."