When BRAC introduced the “electrician training programme” in 2019, in partnership with Signify, to provide women in Nepal with training courses that help them become lighting and electrical technicians, Ramita became one of the first participants to join the training.
Ramita Tamang, a 18 year old from Namobuddha municipality, Kavre district, Nepal, dropped out of school after grade 10, but she never lost the will to learn. Ramita’s father left to work in India and has not returned in a long time. When the nationwide lockdown was imposed in March this year, her brothers lost their jobs as cooks. As it would get too expensive to live in Kathmandu without a job, they were compelled to return home to Kavre.
Meanwhile in her community, Ramita was still getting called to work on electrical wiring by her neighbours. Settlements are not too dense in the hills of Namobuddha, and residents often opt to commute by walking.
Ramita chooses to work in pairs, which is also a reason for each other’s safety and security. They take precautionary measures such as wearing masks and gloves, particularly when they must interact with other people. She is also aware that social distancing, washing hands with soap and water before entering the house and before eating are very important.
Ramita shares her gratitude for BRAC Nepal; she is now proud to be identified as an electrician. It boosts her confidence and provides her with a livelihood of her own. She is also a source of inspiration for the other girls in her community.
Due to her unique skills, she is one of those rare people in her community who are still able to earn a living and buy food for themselves and their families during these unprecedented times.
