Apollo Tyres - Rana Motor Cares

“Believe you can and you're halfway there.” - Theodore Roosevelt I am Sherly Eldho from Airapuram, Kerala. I live with my husband and two children. For a long time, my family grappled with major financial #crisis, as we were completely dependent on my husband to make ends meet. The income hardly sufficed for household needs and our children’s education. I often found myself helpless, as I was unable to provide support to my family. A turning point came in my life in 2019 when I joined #ApolloTyresFoundation (ATF) organic #farming project. Training and mentoring advice received from ATF in planting materials and fertilizers motivated me to take up food crop #cultivation. I also availed a loan from the Bank and purchased two cows, which added up to an additional annual income of INR 2,16,000. With the increased income, I was able to ensure nutritious meal for my family and education of my children. Alongside my work, I also extended support to women to become financially independent. I linked one group (10 women) with government scheme for #livelihood support to start their own production units such as poultry, small fishery and tailoring units and also provided employment to four women in my unit. These women have transformed their role of a home maker to a bread winner for their families. I feel very ecstatic that I could help these women create their own identities and break the social stigma that women are housekeepers and should be confined to the four walls of the house. Over the years, I have learned that “If you have a dream, make it a goal.” “I am Sherly. It’s my identity…This is my story!”…#EkNaam Navya #NewBeginnings #IWD2022 In association with Csrbox Alliance Française de Delhi #crisis #ApolloTyresFoundation #farming #cultivation #livelihood #EkNaam #NewBeginnings #IWD2022

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” – Estee Lauder I am Valsala Nair from Kottayam, Kerala. For a long time, my family struggled with making ends meet, as my husband was the sole breadwinner. Determined to contribute, I decided to join the Self Help Group (SHG) run by #ApolloTyresFoundation (ATF) in 2018 and received #livelihood and entrepreneurial management trainings in mushroom cultivation. I got the courage to set up a unit named 'Nivedhyam Mushroom Unit' with 10 community women. With dedication and hard work, I was able to increase my monthly income from zero to INR 10,000 and support my family. The unit also received INR 25000-fund support under Kudumbashree, Agri-Business Venture scheme (Kerala government). I then embarked on a journey to inspire fellow community members and undertook sessions to motivate and train 55 women. Through my continuous intervention, three SHGs comprising 60 beneficiaries started mushroom cultivation units and now generate monthly income of INR 10,000. The Panchayat recognised my efforts and bestowed upon me the Best Community Resource Person award. It gives me immense satisfaction being able to support my family and inspire other women to create their own identities. I have realised that “being financially independent gives you more courage and power to make your own choices and to create a Change.” "I am Valsala. It’s my identity…#EkNaam… This is my story!” Navya #NewBeginnings #IWD2022 In association with Csrbox Alliance Française de Delhi #ApolloTyresFoundation #livelihood #EkNaam #NewBeginnings #IWD2022