During a survey carried out by Commitments, a social worker, Krishnayya, saw her and tried to talk to her but she would not respond. Her parents were suspicious of Krishnayya and refused to cooperate with him, saying only "she is useless and good for nothing", but he persisted and one day they agreed she could go to Metlakunta to join the Sangham.

Anita went, but she was frightened and refused to speak. Then the Sangham decided to hold an 'Awareness Programme' in Metlakunta, and soon Anita gained some confidence and would speak.

Anita's father would bring her in a bullock-cart, but he lost a day's wage. So the Sangham applied to Commitments for a tricycle for her to travel outside and a wheelchair to move around inside - Anita become even more confident and was able to learn better personal cleanliness and remain neat and tidy.

As Anita grew more independent she became aware of her future as a member of the community. The Sangham made her a loan of Rs.1,000/- to start a small stall, and then got the local Bank Manager to give her another loan of Rs.10,000/- to enlarge the shop.

Now, Anita is able to talk to strangers, to collect the goods for her grocery store from Bommaraspet - 3 kilometers away - on her tricycle, and expand her business. She is looking after herself, saving money and is even helping her parents. She is confident and lively (as you can see from the picture here - taken in front of her shop in January 2005) and is paying back the loans she received to help her become independent.

<< back