Poverty and disability are very close cousins. They usually go hand in hand and co-exist with great solidarity. Both act as cause and effect interchangeably. Malini is a typical example of this vicious cycle. She was one and a half years old when she became a victim to polio. She was born in a poor family in a small village in Mangalore. Her father chronically ill and mother suffered from depression having had to take care of the entire family single handedly. Malini never received any treatment or therapy due to poverty. As a result her lower limbs were badly affected. She found it difficult to move around. So she discontinued her education after 3rd standard. 

When her father died her brother became the sole bread earner of the family. But he too became alcoholic and moved out of the house after marriage. Malini was left with no choice but to contribute to the earnings of the family. She started rolling beedies (tobacco leaves rolled into local cigarettes) to support the family income. The earnings were few, the job was hazardous!

Students of Roshini Nilaya College of Social Work attached to Cheshire Home, Mangalore were conducting a survey to identify disabled people in the locality when they came across Malini. During needs assessment Malini expressed her desire to be self employed and earn a better livelihood. She was counselled regarding the various vocational training programs provided by Cheshire Home Mangalore and she opted for tailoring. In October 2008 Malini started getting basic tailoring training at the Home. In August 2009 Cheshire Home Mangalore was provided a technically qualified trainer by Karnataka Women's Polytechnic College under Central Government scheme to conduct a course in tailoring and designing. Malini was enrolled for the same which she completed in six months time. Cheshire Home presented her with a tailoring machine with which she established a tailoring shop at her home. Today she is leading a dignified, self reliant and independent life. 

Malini is a good example to say with grit and perseverance and timely support all adversities can be overcome and dependency can be converted to independence! 

- Contributed by: Cheshire Homes India - Mangalore Unit.