1 Brave Woman, 2 Daughters & Unlimited Determination

The Mother Teresa Foundation continues its unwavering mission to empower vulnerable women through its Single Mothers’ Rehabilitation Program, focusing on skill development for single mothers in underserved communities. One such inspiring story is that of Mrs. P. Bamini, a resilient single mother from Rameswaram, whose unshakeable spirit and entrepreneurial vision is changing the narrative for widowed women in rural India.

Rising From the Ashes: The Story of Bamini

Bamini, now aged 45, was married in 2001 but tragically lost her husband at just 28 years old. With no support from her relatives, she found herself in a small rental home with two young daughters to raise. What would have shattered many only strengthened her resolve. She chose hard work, courage, and education as her weapons to fight life’s challenges.

Despite the odds, Bamini made sure both her daughters received a good education. Her elder daughter Hema graduated with a B.Sc. and is now married. Her younger daughter Deepa is in her final year of B.E. in Fashion Designing in Chennai, supported by another NGO. Their achievements are testaments to their mother’s sacrifices and resilience.

Self-Taught Skills, Self-Made Success

Bamini didn’t wait for help—she created her own opportunities. Over the years, she picked up several skills and turned them into income-generating activities to provide for her family.

Her Entrepreneurial Skills Include:

• Trading dress materials like sarees, kurtis, lungis, shirts, and more
• Making and selling homemade pickles, powders, and health mixes
• Selling idli and dosa batter, bathing powders, and more

Her passion and understanding of local market needs made her an ideal candidate for the Foundation’s Skill Development for Single Mothers initiative.

How Mother Teresa Foundation Stepped In

During a field visit, the Foundation team saw Bamini’s enthusiasm and her urgent need for support. What stood out was her unwavering confidence and desire to succeed, despite numerous personal and financial hardships.

The Support Extended Included:

• Grinder and cooking vessels for her food preparation
• Materials and stock to trade in dress goods
• Ongoing business mentorship and empowerment support
• Inclusion in the Mother Teresa Single Mothers’ Rehabilitation Program

The Foundation’s aim is to make Bamini not just self-sufficient, but a leading entrepreneur in her community — a shining example for other struggling women.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Bamini is now more than just a mother trying to make ends meet. She is:

• A role model for other single mothers in her village
• A potential job creator, with plans to eventually train and employ others
• A symbol of how skill development for single mothers can uplift entire families

Her journey highlights the importance of access to resources, mentoring, and infrastructure to help single mothers build businesses and reclaim their dignity.

The Vision Behind the Initiative

The Mother Teresa Foundation has always believed that financial independence is the key to real empowerment. Through the Single Mothers’ Rehabilitation Program, it aims to:

• Equip women with market-relevant skills
• Help them launch small businesses
• Provide tools, mentorship, and emotional support
• Advocate for a self-reliant life with dignity

Each story like Bamini’s reaffirms that with the right support, even the most vulnerable can become pillars of strength in their families and communities.

Looking Ahead: A Movement of Empowerment

Bamini’s journey is not a one-off success. It is the beginning of a larger movement led by the Foundation to empower:

• 100+ single mothers annually through trade and skill-based support
• Launch tailoring units, food stalls, and handicraft businesses
• Offer continuous counseling and entrepreneurship training

The ripple effect? More educated children, fewer dependent families, and stronger communities.

Conclusion: Resilience, Skill, and Empowerment

Bamini’s story is a powerful reminder of what women can achieve when given a chance. The Mother Teresa Foundation’s initiative on skill development for single mothers is designed not just to provide temporary aid but to build a sustainable future through real opportunity and support.

As we continue to expand this program, we hope to inspire more women to believe in themselves, rise above their circumstances, and lead lives of self-reliance, purpose, and pride.