by Sonja Kraft
“At Purnaa, I don’t feel like it’s my workplace, I feel like it’s my home.”
Congratulations, you won the employee of the month award! How did you feel when you found out that you won?
Thank you very much. It was a pleasant surprise for me. I felt happy that people noticed my hard work.
We want to get to know you a little bit better. Can you tell us about your family?
I have two daughters, one is 10 years old and she is in class 3. I also have a newly born baby; she is now 6 months old. And my beautiful wife, we’ve been married for 12 years. Sometimes I also have relatives come and stay with me. Right now my nephew is living with me because he is trying to move abroad and it is easier for him to work on that from my place near Kathmandu.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to sing and I love music. On Fridays after work I usually go to my church choir group and teach them what I know about singing and music. I also enjoy working around my home.
What is your favorite animal and why?
I love all types of animals. I love cats and dogs the most, but I do have pet rabbits. I cherish all living things. When bugs come into my home, I just put them outside because I feel like they have a life and I don’t want to kill them. I really love animals.
Who is your role model and why?
Right now at Purnaa I would say Richard is my role model. He is my supervisor and I can go to him about anything and he helps me. He inspires me.
If you only had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
I would say happy.
When have you been most satisfied in your life?
After I built my home. I used to live on the streets; I didn’t have parents or anything. I grew up in an orphanage. After I got married, I had a dream to build my own home. Now I look at where I came from and see where I am now and I am happy. I am satisfied. It makes me think, I am successful.
How long have you worked at Purnaa?
Almost 1 ½ years.
What is your job at Purnaa?
My job at Purnaa is building maintenance. I look for the proper, safe, and best ways for people to do their work. I keep things working properly, I help the kitchen staff, I get supplies that are needed for the offices, and I come up with new ways to work more efficiently.
What did you do before you worked at Purnaa?
Before Purnaa I used to work abroad. I worked in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar for about eight to nine years. When I went to Bahrain my oldest daughter was about seven months old. One time I came back for a visit during the holidays I tried to pick her up and she did not recognize me. That made me so sad and I was missing my family a lot so I decided it was time to move back. When I came to Purnaa and I met Corban, he said “You should live with your family. Give them your time and your attention.” That made me want to work here because he knows the importance of family.
What is different about Purnaa from other places you have worked?
Purnaa is very different. There is a different culture, a different community here. What I’ve found is at Purnaa I don’t feel like it’s my workplace, I feel like it’s my home. Everyone is friendly and talks openly with each other. It’s not about a factory or a company, it’s about a home. A supported home where you can be yourself and feel secure and you feel like someone will always be there to help you.
What motivated you to come to work at Purnaa?
I don’t have that much education, but I have a lot of experience. When I came to Purnaa and had an interview, they understood that. Purnaa gave me a chance, and they respect me. So that motivated me to work at Purnaa. Also, the social business and social work they are doing, that really impressed me and touched my heart. Purnaa is helping people, so I like to work here.
What keeps you coming to work?
Well it’s for my family. Both my family at home and my Purnaa family. They respect me and they love me, which makes me want to work more.
If I were to ask your team leader what your greatest strength is, what would they tell me?
I give everything a try. My heart always says, I may not know how to do this, but let me give it a try. That’s what makes me successful.
What dreams do you have for the future?
Right now at Purnaa we have been working on a plan to get our own building. So that is my dream to see that plan fulfilled. Also, the main dream for my family is to add a second floor to our house and buy a car. I have promised them that within five years I will try my best to make this happen. When I promise something and I dream something, I want to fulfill it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have worked a lot of places and seen how they operate. Purnaa is different. Purnaa has good benefits, including school allowances, medical reimbursement, savings accounts and fresh food. That’s a lot different than garment factories around. It’s not just about money, Purnaa is giving these extra benefits, along with giving new knowledge through trainings. That’s a very good thing.