Koki Feels Burdened and Stops Pursuing Her Dreams

A wistful Koki by the gate to her house

Koki (rescued when she was 13 years old from Moradabad in August 2022) was going to start a tailoring course in April. She had shared her plan with us during a workshop organized by a donor in March. First, she would attend a six-month tailoring course in Delhi. She would start with the basics and then move on to more advanced training. For two years, she would work under a skilled tailor/seamstress, and after she gained enough experience, she would open her own boutique in Delhi.

But when Koki returned home in March, she felt overwhelmed by the expectations of her family, and she started avoiding our social workers' phone calls. When they finally spoke with her on the phone, Koki was no longer interested in joining a tailoring class.

Our social worker, Shalini, visited Koki. She was home for a brief lunch before heading back to work (sewing buttons onto men's shirts at a factory a few miles away). Shalini shared that Koki had lost weight and appeared unhappy. When Shalini asked Koki about the tailoring course, Koki said she was no longer interested. She wanted to visit her village for a break and refused to go anywhere else. Shalini tried but was unable to persuade Koki to change her mind.

Shalini counsels Koki (right)

Koki's grandmother in her house

The gate to Koki's house

Koki's grandmother (who is battling fourth-stage cancer) and aunt were also home, and Shalini tried to talk with them about Koki's decision, but they both told her it was Koki's decision and told Shalini to speak with her.

At only 16 years old, a lot is expected of Koki by her family, including the responsibility of making her own decisions, but she is still in need of guidance and support so she can pursue what is best for her.

Shalini plans to visit Koki again soon, and this time she may take Koki's friend, Sneha, along with her. Koki and Sneha bonded during a workshop in March, and we are hopeful that Sneha might inspire Koki to continue pursuing her initial dreams of becoming a professional tailor and opening her own business.