Bharti loved school, but sacrificed the opportunity to get an education so she could care for her ailing mother and thus allow her younger siblings to continue their studies.

• Her two younger siblings are still in school and doing well.
• Doing household work and caring for her mother were fulfilling activities, but Bharti longed to learn new skills. Mastering the art of embroidery gave her self-confidence and purpose.
• She works three to four hours a day, often embroidering between domestic duties.
• She is grateful for the opportunity to work and contribute to her family.

Bharti loves to learn! When you ask her about her dreams, she tells you that she'd love to finish school.

• Her mother has a severe back problem that prevents her from doing many normal daily tasks, so Bharti dreams that one day her mother's back pain will be more bearable, and she'll be able to lead a more comfortable life.
• Other than finishing school and wishing her mother were better, Bharti contentedly smiles and says the opportunity to work and embroider has already fulfilled many of her dreams!

Working on embroidery and developing new techniques with the needle has helped Bharti overcome depression and gain greater self-respect.

• She loves working with the other women and feels a camaraderie with her "sisters."
• Aside from the financial fulfillment that work provides, Bharti is also able to take part of the food security loan program that loans her grains and spices, re-payable at low interest rates.