Background:
Along with his spouse and daughter, Paramasivam now lives in his own house in Kannigipuram, a remote village in Kalmunai, Eastern Province. Like many others, he migrated to Romania in the hopes of improving his family’s financial situation, spurred on by the promises of recruitment agents. However, the reality was different: he worked as a factory assistant with irregular pay and lived in cramped shared accommodation. A series of disappointments and frustrations eventually drove him to return home.
Reintegration:
Upon returning to Sri Lanka, Paramasivam learned about the EU Reintegration Programme and after discussion with IRARA’s experienced counsellors, used his reintegration assistance to revitalise his wife’s existing home-based tailoring business. With prudent investment and planning, he expanded operations to include ready-made clothes, pillow covers, doormats, bags, and purses.
He supports the business by managing procurement, marketing, and securing new buyers. Together they opened a small store in front of their house, purchased two sewing machines and an overlock machine, and secured orders from two textile shops to ensure steady continuous work. He dreams of growing this enterprise into a factory that employs women from women-headed households, strengthening both their livelihoods and the local economy.
Additionally, using leftover in-kind assistance, he established a free evening tuition class for underprivileged children, taught by his daughter, a testament to his commitment to the community.
At a glance:
I am grateful to IRARA for helping me to give back to my family and community, to help others in need also
