Nalayini and her family were badly affected by the tsunami. They lost fishing nets and catamarans and Nalayini’s business came to a grinding halt for three months. The fishermen did not go to the sea (due to Government regulations) and the fish market collapsed due consumers’ fears about contaminated fish. Even though most people in her situation were relying on relief and hand-outs Nalayini was determined to support her family and took up a temporary job at a leather factory, earning meagre daily wages.  Nalayini, however, did not want to continue this job for the long term as she knew she would be trapped in an endless cycle of poverty.

At this critical time Opportunity India sought to assist Nalayini get back on her feet and re-establish her business and her families’ livelihood. Opportunity International knew that clients like Nalayini who were dependent on the fishing industry would have a hard time breaking even in the post tsunami economy. Opportunity India staff facilitated basic business planning, specifically developed for largely illiterate business women affected by the tsunami, with Nalayini to help her determine whether her fishing business would still be viable. Nalayini was keen to re-commence the fish vending business and local staff helped her develop a plan where her profit would be sufficient to cover family needs and her loan repayments. The Business Planning process helped her re-define her market. She planned to focus on hotel restaurants as her primary market, where bulk sales are guaranteed, rather than the unstable general consumer market.

Opportunity India approved Nalayini’s application for a Rs 5000/-(AUD 165) loan. She was also provided with a replacement business asset (for what was lost in the tsunami). She received a replacement fishing net worth Rs 3050/-that helped her re-commence the fishing and fish selling business.

The loan term is 24 weeks and she is already promptly making her weekly re-payments. She takes active participation in the group meetings and is disciplined in savings.

Nalayini is making a net profit of Rs 250 to Rs 350 (A$7.50- 10.50) per day. Her plan for the future is to set up her own permanent shop in the market. With her older sons joining the business she hopes the net income will increase from Rs 400- Rs 500 (A$12- 15) per day.

DSBN is pleased to be involved with Opportunity International as a donor sponsor.  Each month, the $120 DSBN donation supports one new small business impacting up to 15 people each month.  An inspirational and worthy cause!