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Anjamma is one of the poorest members of Raipally
village where SKS has been operating since 1998. Anjamma and
her husband are Dalits ("untouchables") and work as landless
laborers. Together, they earn Rs. 40 (US$1) per day. Anjamma's
husband, however, is an alcoholic and spends much of the
family income on liquor. As a result, Anjamma relies on SKS
for consumption loans to make ends meet. To add to her
sorrows, Anjamma used to live in a thatched hut which offered
little protection from both the elements and intruders.
One
night, Anjamma was sexually assaulted while her husband was
out drinking. Following the assault, SKS gave Anjamma a group
fund loan of Rs.1500 (US$35) and an emergency loan of Rs.1000
(US$25) to build a new house. Together with borrowings from
friends Anjamma was able to build a small stone home. Some
months later Anjamma became pregnant with her second child,
and SKS assisted her by providing a maternal health loan. She
gave birth to a healthy boy and proudly refers to the child as
the "Sangam's baby."
Anjamma recently
secured an income-generating loan with which she purchased a
goat. When asked about SKS, Anjamma said, "the Sangam
has been with me in my difficulties. They took care of me as a
father takes care of his daughter."
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