Sunita’s inspiring journey from struggle to self-reliance stands as a powerful example of how skill-building initiatives can transform lives. This progress was made possible through the support of UNICEF and the Tribal Development Department of Maharashtra, whose investment in the WASH Mitra program has greatly improved community well-being. This case study was contributed by Yogesh Nerpagar, Program Manager at CYDA Nasik, a dedicated staff, whose on-ground efforts continue to empower individuals like Sunita and develop long-term, sustainable change.
Come, let’s dive into the inspiring journey of a WASH Mitra, as she transforms her life from challenges to success. Discover how this incredible journey not only changed her life but also created a ripple effect of positive change in her community. Read on to see how one woman’s determination and the power of skill development can make a lasting impact.
A Determined Spirit from Kaluste Village
Sunita Gorakh Ghare, a determined woman from the village of Kaluste in the Igatpuri block of Nasik, has a story that radiates resilience, hope, and transformation. Sunita grew up in a small family of five members, faced many challenges from a young age, and things were often tough for her and her family. With a modest education up to the 12th grade and a limited understanding of vocational skills, she faced a difficult path in her pursuit of financial independence.
The Struggles: Financial Instability and Limited Opportunities
The challenges that Sunita faced were both personal and financial. She was unable to find meaningful employment due to the lack of practical skills that were in demand. As a result, she was stuck in a cycle of economic instability, which not only affected her but also her family. Her financial struggles made it nearly impossible to meet the everyday needs of her household, and the dream of securing a stable job seemed out of reach.
“My family and I were living in uncertainty. There were no job opportunities, and without skills, I felt stuck in my situation,” Sunita recalls.
The lack of income was not just an economic issue—it affected her confidence and well-being, leaving her with little hope for the future. Despite the bleak situation, Sunita knew that she had to change her circumstances. That was when she came across the CYDA training program, a turning point that would alter the course of her life.
A New Beginning
Sunita’s life began to take a transformative turn when she enrolled in the CYDA training program. The program focused on empowering youth like Sunita with practical skills that could help them secure a livelihood. She became interested when she found out that the training provided different skills, such as WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and masonry.
Through the training, Sunita gained hands-on experience and knowledge in these fields, something that she had never imagined before. The most significant training she received was in WASH services, which is a critical area in rural communities, especially when it comes to public health and sanitation.
“I was introduced to concepts that I had never heard of before—WASH services, hygiene awareness, and even the basics of sanitation work. It was not just about learning a skill; it was about making a difference in my community,” Sunita admits.
The training gave her the tools and confidence to start contributing not only to her own livelihood but also to the welfare of others.
WASH Mitra: A New Role, A New Identity
With the WASH training, Sunita’s professional journey took on new meaning. She became a WASH Mitra, a role that focused on providing sanitation services and raising awareness about hygiene in her village. This role was not just a job for Sunita; it was a mission to improve the well-being of her community. Sunita’s work included organizing awareness sessions, overseeing sanitation drives, and offering her expertise in maintaining clean public spaces. As a WASH Mitra, she was not only earning an income, but she was also making a significant impact in her community by empowering others, especially women, to take charge of their health and hygiene. The WASH training also helped Sunita develop essential communication and leadership skills, which allowed her to engage effectively with her customers and colleagues.
“I learnt how to communicate with customers and raise awareness about hygiene practices. Showing them my training certificate and explaining the importance of WASH, helped build trust and confidence,” Sunita says.
From Struggles to Success: The Impact of the Training
Before Sunita joined CYDA’s program, her financial situation was grim. She had no skills, no job prospects, and no source of income. However, after completing the training, her life took a drastic turn. She now earns Rs.9500/- a month, a significant improvement that has changed her family’s financial dynamics. She is no longer dependent on others; she is self-reliant and able to contribute to her household’s expenses.
This newfound financial stability has brought a sense of peace to Sunita’s life. Her improved income means that she can meet her family’s needs and even help other women in her community who are looking for work. By involving them in her WASH projects and offering them opportunities to learn, she has become a mentor to many others, especially women in her self-help group.
From Struggles to Success: The Power of one Woman’s Change
The impact of Sunita’s transformation goes beyond her own life. Her success has inspired other youth in her village to pursue vocational training and seek better opportunities. By actively working with the Gram Panchayat, Sunita has contributed to a broader movement of change, promoting better sanitation practices and encouraging others to take charge of their own future.
CYDA’s intervention has empowered her to become a change-maker in her community, uplifting her own life and the lives of others as well. The WASH program has allowed her to become an advocate for public health, making a tangible difference in the lives of her neighbours’.
