Komang comes from a low-caste farming family. Growing up far from the tourist circuit and its employment opportunities, he never had the chance to pursue an education but was fortunate to secure a job as a driver for the provincial government.

When his father died of COVID-19, he had to leave his job to look after his elderly mother at home. He worked as a day labourer for fishermen nearby and tried building back the family vegetable farm, hoping to make a life of it. He worked hard to provide for his family and hoped to give them opportunities he didn’t have.

But in the quiet village economy, Komang was only just managing to make ends meet. When the economic downturn hit, he started to despair that he wouldn’t be able to afford to pay for his children to go to school or have proper health care.

“I think our struggles come from low education,” explained Komang. “My wife and I came from families that couldn’t afford to send us to school, so it’s been diffifficult to develop our family. It’s the same for many people across our community.”

Komang heard about our partner, the Maha Bhoga Marga Foundation (MBM), from the elders of his village who were hosting a meeting to connect the community with MBM staff.

“We received information from the village that there would be a visit from MBM, who could help with our low income,” said Komang. “So, we attended a meeting together with twelve other families from our community. They listened to our struggles with the economy, job-losses, high cost of living… and explained how they can help.”

Komang told them his biggest challenges were learning how to grow a new business and finding money to start.

Our partners said they could help with both. They offered technical help to launch a chicken-breeding venture and cash to buy the things Komang needed to get started.

Komang jumped at the opportunity. “After group training and help setting up, I was able to raise 100 head of chicken,” said Komang. “With the capital assistance from MBM, we were able to develop our business from just raising and selling chickens to managing the products, so we can earn more: processing the meat from broilers, selling eggs, even selling hot fried chicken during festivals.”

One year on, Komang has a thriving business, a far more secure future and is now thinking bigger, thanks to the ongoing support of our partners. “I am now in the process of obtaining a permit to have a label so that my processed chicken can be sold at mini-markets or larger shops,” he says.

“The role of the MBM staff means a lot to our success. From the beginning until now, they accompanied us in providing help and and group training with others who were given the same support. This way we can each make improvements, sharing the experiences of raising chickens.”

Komang now has a different view of his future - something we all strive for in this life. What a great privilege we have to be able to help each other along the way.

“The dream that I have always hoped for is that our family can change for the better, to do more prosperous work so that we can have a decent life and without lacking anything. Thanks to your help I feel like we can get there.”