"I realised I could do more; I can make a real difference in my community.” This is a story about possibilities.
In a village of Chokkapura, a 32-year-old woman named Nagaveni lives with her husband, a cab driver, their two children and her mother. Nagaveni had completed her 12th standard and worked as a Panchayat worker since 2021. Initially, her monthly income was Rs. 5,000, and her focus was solely on completing her duties. However, everything changed when she learned about the Buzz Women program through an Anganwadi worker.
In 2023, Nagaveni enrolled into the Spoorthi (Inspiration) Fellowship and Buzz Green. These programs opened her eyes to the importance of leadership and environmental conservation. After completing the Green program in March 2024, Nagaveni was inspired to start her own kitchen garden, “it’s convenient and resourceful”.
She utilised a small piece of land in her home compound to grow vegetables like brinjal, okra, and herbs like coriander and curry leaves. With the help of her mother, who took care of their 3 goats and 3 cows, Nagaveni used the animal dung as manure and recycled water from cleaning vegetables to nourish her garden. This initiative not only provided fresh produce for her family but also saved her about Rs.100 rupees a week. Nagaveni's success with her kitchen garden inspired three of her close associates to start their own gardens. One friend, with more land available, created such a large garden that she no longer needed to buy vegetables from the market.
Post the Inspiration Fellowship program in March 2024, she began to organize community meetings to educate others about government schemes and environmental practices. Her efforts did not go unnoticed. In September 2024, Nagaveni was promoted to the role of a village social auditor, significantly increasing her income to Rs. 20,000 a month. "I have earned the respect of my community through my work and dedication," she said proudly. Nagaveni's journey was not just about personal growth; it was about uplifting her entire community. The community benefited from Buzz’s interventions.
Her future goals include building a house for her family and ensuring her children receive a quality education. Reflecting on her transformation, Nagaveni stated, "I wanted to achieve something more in my life. I realized that I could help my community understand the benefits of government schemes and inspire them to take action for the environment." She continues to follow up with those in need, ensuring they access the benefits available to them.
Nagaveni sees herself as a change-maker, and she’s inspiring many to build a greener future.
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