Krishnamala Chakma: A Journey of Hope
Krishnamala Chakma, a differently-abled single mother from Guimara, Khagrachari, struggled to raise her two children through day labor. Her life changed when she joined ALO’s PRLC project, funded by the European Union. Through training at the Farmer Field School, she learned improved farming techniques, started growing vegetables, and raising chickens.
With project support, she received BDT 20,043, bought a pregnant goat, and later a pig. Today, she owns three goats, a pig, and dreams of expanding her livestock, building a new house, and continuing her children’s education.
Krishnamala is now on the path to self-reliance—and deeply grateful for ALO’s support.
Krishnamala Chakma’s Expression:
“My life was full of struggle as a single mother with limited income. I used to worry every day about how to feed my children and keep them in school. After joining the PRLC project, my situation started to change. The training taught me better farming methods, and with the financial support, I bought a goat and later a pig. Now I have three goats and a pig, and I’m planning to expand further. I feel hopeful for the first time in many years. I want to build a better house and ensure my children get an education. I am truly grateful to ALO and the European Union for standing beside people like me and helping us become self-reliant.”
Mongsapru Marma’s Vermicomposting Success
Mongsapru Marma, a farmer from Dewan Para, joined ALO’s PRLC project in 2023. After attending vermicomposting training, he started production with a small investment. Within three months, he produced 30 kg of compost, reducing his need for chemical fertilizers and saving costs.
Now expanding to more compost rings, Mongsapru plans to use the compost in his fields and sell the surplus. Grateful for the training, he sees vermicomposting as both a sustainable farming method and a new income source—and encourages others to follow suit.
Mongsapru Marma’s Expression:
“Before joining the PRLC project, I didn’t know that waste from my farm could turn into something so valuable. The vermicomposting training taught me practical skills that are already making a difference. By using compost instead of chemical fertilizers, I’m saving money and improving my soil’s fertility. I’ve now started expanding production so I can sell the extra compost for income. This simple technique has shown that sustainable farming can truly benefit both farmers and the environment. I am thankful to ALO, MJF, and the European Union for giving us this opportunity to learn and grow.”
Kaniz Fatema Secures Her Social Protection Rights
Kaniz Fatema from Kabutor Chara village, Guimara, Khagrachari, struggled to support her family on her husband’s daily wage. Through the PRLC project, implemented by ALO with MJF and EU support, she learned about government services and the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) program during Farmer Field School sessions.
With project guidance, Kaniz applied and was selected for the VWB program—receiving monthly food assistance transparently and without bribery. This support improved her family’s food security and strengthened her confidence to claim her rights.
Her success highlights how PRLC empowers marginalized women to access social protection and build resilient livelihoods
Kaniz Fatema’s Expression:
“I never knew that women like me could receive government support without paying bribes or relying on others. Through the PRLC project, I learned about my rights and how to apply for the Vulnerable Women Benefit program. With the project’s guidance, I applied confidently and was selected fairly. Now, my family receives regular food assistance, which has eased our struggles. I feel proud and empowered knowing that I can stand up for my rights and help other women in my community do the same. My heartfelt thanks to ALO, MJF, and the European Union for showing us the way to a better life.”
Empowering Livelihoods – The Success Story of Paisanu Marma
Paisanu Marma (28) from Tholi Para village, Guimara Upazila, turned her life around through the PRLC Project, implemented by ALO with EU funding. Despite financial hardship, she remained determined to become self-reliant. Enrolled as an ultra-poor household in October 2023, she became an active member of the Farmer Field School (FFS), assisting others by interpreting training sessions and applying sustainable farming techniques at home, including poultry rearing, vermicomposting, and homestead gardening.
In 2024, she joined the project’s mushroom entrepreneurship initiative, received five days of training, and project support materials. Starting with 30 spawn packs, she produced 20 kg of mushrooms—selling 15 kg for BDT 4,200, which helped her cover family needs. Though she faced challenges with heat affecting production, she plans to resume cultivation in cooler weather and hopes to expand into spawn production in the future.
Grateful for the opportunity, Paisanu credits the PRLC project and EU support for creating a new income source and empowering her toward financial independence.
In her own words:
“I am truly grateful for the mushroom training. The PRLC project has helped me establish a new source of income. I am hopeful that this work will enable me to become financially self-sufficient. We’re learning a great deal through the project and receiving continuous support. I sincerely hope this project continues for many years so that other poor and vulnerable individuals can also benefit from such opportunities. Lastly, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the European Union for funding this initiative.”
