IBEC has been a friend of Fair Flies since founder Jeff Coffey attended our seminars and got the vision for kingdom entrepreneurship. He was already a serial entrepreneur, but he saw how integrating faith and work was a wonderful way to bring new life in Jesus to those who have never heard. Check out this unique start-up, especially if you like fishing.
They recently awarded the Employee of the Month to Pabi, one of the workers in their Nepal factory, which seeks to empower those unemployed and underprivileged.
Here are some segments from her interview. Purnaa is a World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Guaranteed company.
Congratulations, you won the employee of the month award! How did you feel when you found out that you won?
I didn’t expect it, but I was very happy and very glad to hear my name.
We want to get to know you a little bit better. Can you tell us about your family?
I have one son and one daughter. My son is 7 and my daughter is 2. My son lives with his father, and my daughter lives with her aunt. I am currently staying at a shelter home.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Normally I like to just stay home and relax. When I am relaxing, I like to talk with the other ladies I live with and sometimes read the Bible. Whenever I get a chance though, I try to go and visit my children.
What is something fun or interesting you have done recently?
Very recently, we had a birthday party for Indira. She is the woman who runs the shelter home where I am staying. There were games, snacks, and dancing. I love to dance. I really enjoyed that party.
When have you been the most satisfied in your life?
The day when I gave birth to my baby boy was the most satisfying day of my life. I was married for 5 years before I got pregnant. That was a difficult time for me and my family. But the day when I gave birth, I said I had been awarded some kind of star from God. It was the happiest moment of my life.
What is your job at Purnaa?
At Purnaa, I make fly-fishing brushes. I also like to encourage my friends, and whenever they make mistakes, I like to help them.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Making the brushes is what I like. When I first started, I wondered how I would make enough to reach the target. But now, whatever brush they give me, even if it’s hard right away, slowly and steadily I will get there. I love learning and improving.
How long have you worked at Purnaa?
7 months.
What did you do before you worked at Purnaa?
This is my first job ever. I used to live in a village and do farm work.
What motivated you to come work at Purnaa?
I am very grateful to God that I met Shristi, my friend and colleague. She brought me to Purnaa for the interview. I’m also very happy to have become friends with Rebecca. She has helped to empower me. God has brought so many wonderful people into my life.
What keeps you coming to work?
I like the environment of Purnaa. I have many friends here, so if I stay at home I get bored, and I will not be able to earn money. It has been very helpful to have a community, to be able to socialize with my friends. I am now very hopeful for my future. I feel like I can earn enough, and I can save money. I know I will be empowered, and even if I don’t work here in future, I will be able to find a job somewhere else. I have hope.
How have you changed as a person since working here?
There has been a tremendous change in my life. If you had seen me before, you would also see it. The way I used to think about my life, the way I used to talk with people. I never used to have hope for my future. I always had a negative feeling about my life. But now, the way I think, the way I talk with people, the way I even wear my clothes, it’s all different. I have become so happy. There’s so much hope, and I am at peace. I don’t have to worry about anything now. I’m a new person.
If I were to ask your boss what your greatest strength is, what do you think they would tell me?
I feel like they would say I am a very honest person and am very dedicated to my work.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want to say that I really love Purnaa. I am very thankful to Purnaa. I love working here, and I hope that I will continue to grow in my life.
Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures
larry.sharp@ibecventures.com