by Chris Kuennen
Congratulations, you won the employee of the month award! How did you feel when you found out that you won?
Thank you! I didn’t even imagine I was going to be employee of the month and when I heard my name I was very excited, really honored, really happy.
Do you know why you were selected?
I know that I gave my best that month. I worked hard all month.
Who is your favorite actor or actress?
I don’t have any particular one.
What is your favorite food?
Dal bhat
What is your favorite color?
Red
What do you like to do in your free time?
Normally when I am free I like to do housework and then when I’m free again I like to listen to music. That’s how I spend my free time.
Tell us about your family.
I have two younger sisters, one older sister, and one younger brother with his wife. But now that my sister and brother left, there are just four of us at home: my younger sisters, myself, and my mother.
What is your job at Purnaa?
I am a sewer.
What is it like to work in that role?
Working as a sewer is the second job I’ve ever worked. When I entered Purnaa, I was really grateful they gave me the opportunity and this is one of the best things I’ve ever done.
What is your favorite machine at Purnaa?
The single needle [lockstitch] machine because it is very easy to purchase and it is very easy to use it as well. I can sew any type, any fabric. I can stay at home and use one. The others are really difficult and really expensive to buy.
[Sandya gets extra practice on her own single-needle machine at home. She makes her own clothes and sews patches for her family!]
How long have you worked at Purnaa?
I have worked here for about one year, but the first year was a training period for two months.
What did you do before you worked at Purnaa?
Before coming to Purnaa I was just sitting at home. I was looking for a job, but since I was less educated it was really difficult for me to find a proper job where I would feel good and learn.
How have you changed as a person since working here?
I used to feel worthless about myself. I used to feel like I wouldn’t be able to do anything in life, but since I entered Purnaa, I feel like I’ve learned a lot and grown as a person. I feel like being at Purnaa and learning and getting training and doing work, I feel like I can do anything. This has built up my confidence in myself.
What are some ways you want to grow in your work?
At this point, I’m just in a starting phase. I want to learn more and more. I want to be an experienced, skilled sewer at Purnaa. I want to be able to confidently use all the machines and grow in every sector. I used to feel like I knew nothing, but this is just a starting point to learn more every day.
What dreams do you have for the future?
I want to grow as a person and as a skilled sewer. I want to stand on my own feet and be an independent woman and do things by myself.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m just really thankful for Purnaa and for the opportunities they have given me and all the training. This had really motivated me to do more in the future. I would just like to thank Purnaa and the whole team.