Latif is twenty-five years old and lives with his parents and a younger brother in one of Ambernath’s slums. He always wanted to drive an autorickshaw, but living in poverty, this was impossible.
He grew up with many responsibilities, including clearing a large family debt. He tried various jobs, but the pressure to repay the family debt pushed him into a cycle of despair. Each attempt to find stable employment led to further frustration. The instability of casual labour meant that weeks could pass with little to no income, making it difficult for his family to make ends meet.
The cost of acquiring a driving license, coupled with the financial strain on his family, meant Latif’s dream to drive an autorickshaw was out of reach.
However, Latif saw a glimmer of hope when he learned about the Saksham driving class, provided by our Relief and Development partner, Hosanna Ministries.
Enrolling in the class not only helped him learn the skills necessary for driving an autorickshaw but also provided him with the means to gain his license. Now, he drives an old autorickshaw owned by a friend and can earn a reliable income.
This newfound stability has been life-changing for Latif.
Driving an autorickshaw has allowed Latif to earn a decent livelihood and pay off his family’s debt. The impact of debt on families like Latif’s living in poverty can be devastating. Many are trapped in a cycle of borrowing and insecurity. Thanks to your support, Latif has been able to break free from this cycle.
Latif now benefits from the skill of driving and has taken the crucial steps toward financial stability. He has established a small business that enhances his family’s livelihood and gives them hope for a debt-free future.
Because of your support, we can continue to help people like Latif to access vocational training and literacy programs through our partners in India. In the 2024-25 financial year, 20 men trained as taxi/ rickshaw drivers and 100% gained employment from that training!
Our partners, Hosanna Ministries, also trained 245 people in computer skills, 80 women in beautician skills, 20 women in adult literacy classes, and over 250 women in tailoring. Now that’s impact!
In this year’s Great Gifts catalogue, you can find gifts that support these livelihood initiatives and more! Take a look at the new catalogue online, or use the catalogue you received in the mail or picked up at your church to order your Great Gifts today!
You can help more people like Latif find freedom by giving a Small Business Skills gift for $60 from our 2025 Great Gifts Catalogue. Visit www.greatgifts.org.au