Wednesday 24 September 2014

Haricharan's Story

Haricharan before training, 2nd from the right

My name is Haricharan Prajapati, and I am from Chitrai, Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh). I come from a poor family of seven children; my father cannot afford our studies. After I passed 12th grade, my father scolded me saying that he could not support my further studies so I ran away to Punjab to live with my cousin.

When a mobilizer from the Khajuraho PACE Centre visited my village, my father met with him and learned about the details of the course. My father asked me to return from Punjab and when I came back, he told me about the course. I was interested so my father borrowed money from his friend to pay for the course fees.

Haricharan after training
After learning about the different courses at the PACE Center, I chose the Food & Beverage (F&B) Department based on my interest. In the beginning, I did not understand anything but when we started the F&B and computer practicums I started to catch on and became more interested. I also learned the importance of punctuality and how to groom myself. Now I can even speak some English and follow a conversation after learning basic communication skills in class.

Since completing the course I have been placed at the Lords Inn in Gujarat with a stipend of Rs.4500/- in addition to food and accommodation. I have made my parents proud and I am extremely thankful to the faculty and the PACE hospitality training center.

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Manju, A Budding Entrepreneur

- Erin Kim


20-year-old Manju from Varni is currently enrolled in the beauty course at the Pratham center. Even from our brief interaction with Manju, we notice her determination and intelligence. Her father is a farmer while her mother is a housewife. Manju dropped out in 11th grade because she had no interest in further studies. After receiving one year of training in tailoring in Hyderabad, she started her own business at home and currently earns 10,000 rupees a month. Her real interest, however, is in beauty and decided to take the course at Pratham.


For Manju, her parents are the most important people in the world. Whatever she does, she wants to be able to stay at home with her parents. She is even willing to forego marriage for another 2-3 years so that she can take care of them. While her parents want her to study more, they are happy that she is continuing to learn even if she is not in school anymore. Her friends frequently ask her, “why did you stop studying?” but she is able to brush off any criticism or disapproval because she enjoys what she does and sees a future in it. Her future plans include opening her own business in beauty and combining it with her tailoring business.

We see great potential in Manju to become a successful entrepreneur and are excited to see what lies ahead for her.