My name is Surya Kumari Gurung from Aanga, Nepal. I have two sons and a daughter studying in grades seven, eight, and 10. My husband works as a mason and builds houses during the summer. His work subsides during the winter as it becomes too cold to work outside on construction projects.
We had a small house in Aanga that was destroyed in the earthquake. As a result, we moved to a house in Philim and began to pay rent. Each month we spent 2,000 rupees (about $20) for our housing. During summers we have a steady income to pay for rent and other living expenses, but in the winters we have no other option than to request loans to provide for our family. For the past two years after the earthquake, we have taken loans from relatives.
During this hard time, I heard about a training conducted by a partner of Samaritan’s Purse regarding livelihoods. I learned about the planting calendar, how to make natural manure, and how to raise animals. As part of the livelihoods project I received 65 chickens that I am raising.
Through the training I received I am now able to take proper care of chickens, raise them, and sell them. With the money, I plan to buy more chickens and put toward savings to support my family in the winter. Receiving support in a difficult time through livelihoods training was a great help to my family and to myself.
I hope I won’t have to take more loans in the days ahead and can even pay back my loans. Thank you, Samaritan’s Purse, for the opportunity to make progress in our financial situation.
