Uzma - Rising to new levels

 

Uzma is beautiful, humble and thankful. As you enter her tiny home you sense the generosity and graciousness of the hostess. We sit cross-legged on the bed that sleeps the family of five, and she pours out a warm cup of Chai. Her easy laughter draws you into her story. Her eyes sparkle as she shares of how her husband found work with Village Artisan after some tough years where her 3 boys were pulled out of school when her husband couldn’t find work. She too asked to be trained with VA and quickly learned how to make intricate decals for the handmade paper collections right from her home. Now Uzma has expanded her repertoire and also does Kantha stitch on VA Scarves and has trained some neighborhood young women. Not only does she teach the kantha stitch but she, with her life, teaches them to believe in themselves, to work hard and honestly, and to treat others with dignity and love.

“ I am very thankful for the work I am able to do, but even more, I am thankful for the friendships I have made through VA that have taught me so much. It has helped me be a better mother and wife and now I truly feel I have something to give."