Chathu*

When I first entered the Emerge Bead Programme, I was very happy to keep my first piece of jewellery and I will remember it until I die. Even if it breaks into a million pieces, I will treasure it all my life.

I had never had a savings account and am so happy that I now have my own savings. My goal is to have my own grocery store. I helped in a store my mother had when I was young. It is still there. When my mother comes back from abroad in December, I hope to go back home and continue the store. By learning the accounting and banking system in the Emerge Bead Programme, I know how much money I could save.
 

My favorite part of the programme was playing shopkeeper at the Emerge Store. I was in charge of giving out beads and cutting the necklace wire and bracelet wire according to the correct measurements. I calculated the supplies vouchers to check if other girls’ math was correct. I like to teach others and it makes me happy to share what I have learnt.
 

My final design is now being made by other girls in the Emerge Bead Programme. I am so glad that something that I have created the other girls are going to produce.

*We have changed this girl’s name to protect her confidentiality