Koutchy

Hier zijn handwerksters aan het woord.

These are some of the statements of a few of the women trained at the Infant Jesus Educational and Technical Institution at Mulagumoodu, India, and who are now earning for their own livelihood. This is taken from an interview of some of the lace makers and embroidery group.

 Renjitham is a widow and has a daughter who is now married.
“Only with this salary I live, because I have nothing else. But with it I could make my child study and arranged for her marriage, too. Like others, I live proudly. I can stand on my own feet and I am respected. People now believe that I can pay back the money I borrowed.
While doing the work with other women, I forget my life’s sorrows and pains”.

Amalorpavam, a lace worker says: Through this work, I have insured my girl
child in the Life Insurance Company for her marriage. With my salary, I
need not expect from others as I am able to manage. I feel satisfied”.

Ammal, a lace teacher and who is unmarried has this to say: “I made my sister study and she became a nun. Every day I come to class and aims at helping the girls entrusted to me to improve in their work. I am also able to help other poor people.
With the knowledge and information I got from the other classes and activities, I go to the parish for parish work.
This work is my life and I am happy.”

Most of the other workers say that with their salaries, they are able to provide for the needs of the family as well as the education of their children.
Their minds are broadened as they attend other classes and participate in activities. Their burdens and sorrows become lighter as they share their stories with one another. They are happy with the benefits they get.

N.B. It might be good to mention that most of the women come from poor families and whose husbands are simple masons who have meager salaries. Some are drunkards and some are sick and unable to work, hence, the families really depend on the earnings of our women.