by Sonja Kraft
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.
If you only had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
Honest. I am an honest person; I always try to do the right thing.
When have you been the most satisfied in your life?
The day when I gave birth to my baby boy, that 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. That was the happiest moment of my life.
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 help with farm work sometimes.
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. That is what motivates me to come to work every day. 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 they tell me?
I feel like they would say I am a very honest person and very dedicated to my work.
If you had to convince a friend to apply for this job, what would you tell them?
I would say it’s a good company and they will give you all the things you need. Purnaa will empower you, but you’re the one who has to change your own life. You have to choose a good life.
What dreams do you have for the future?
I have a dream to build my own house and then have my son and daughter live with me.
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.