Ramalaxmi

Ramalaxmi is in her late 20s and loves tailoring. She is a student in the Platinum Vocational Training Centre (VTC), Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India (click on the photo to find out more about the Centre).

photo © Platinum VTC Vizianagaram

Before marriage Ramalaxi had learnt some tailoring, but when her daughters were born she did not have time to learn any more skills. It has been very hard to be away from her family while she trains at the VTC but now she has the opportunity to gain new skills and she hopes that this will be worth it. Her dream is to be self-employed and be able to take on tailoring work at home so she can still be with her family; but it will be hard to start a business and get all the equipment needed.

When she was pregnant with her second child Ramalaxmi noticed a weakness in her left hand and a patch on her skin. Three of her fingers had no strength; this was the early signs of leprosy. Thankfully Ramalaxmi went to the doctor who was able to give a correct diagnosis. After pregnancy Ramalaxmi started Multi Drug Therapy and is now cured of leprosy. She was also shown exercises by the physiotherapist to help build up the strength in her hand, one finger is better but two fingers still have no strength.

Ramalaxmi feels happy to be able to study in the VTC. She showed me how she works on the sewing machine and some of the pieces of tailoring she has done. She has great pride in her work and her tutors say she is one of the best in the class.

Ramalaxmi says: “Tailoring is a good job. It is my dream to have self-employment so I can work at home.”

Author: Stephen McCartney