Rina Gurung : Story of a mother navigating through hardship with grace

Rina Gurung, a mother, has faced more challenges in her life than most. A woman of immense strength, she has spent her years navigating hardship with grace, fighting for her family and her daughter’s future.

Rina's life changed forever when she was in the 10th grade. Just five days before her board exams, she lost her mother, leaving behind a small, 3-year-old brother in her care. Her father was working abroad at the time, and suddenly, Rina found herself in the role of both mother and sister, with the weight of her family's future on her young shoulders. Unable to continue her studies, she sacrificed her own education to raise her brother.

“Many people told me to get married,” Rina recalls, but she refused. She was determined to see her brother through high school before thinking about her own life. It was only when her brother had completed his education that Rina finally married, at the age of 30.

However, her marriage soon became another source of pain. Her husband, instead of being a partner, was abusive and unsupportive. Every night became a battle for Rina, filled with fear and uncertainty. “Each night was really frightening,” she remembers. “I used to think, what will happen next?” The abuse became unbearable, and despite her efforts to save the marriage, she made the difficult decision to leave her husband, choosing instead to raise her daughter on her own.

Rina’s strength in the face of adversity is inspiring. She began sewing clothes and bags to support her daughter, later working in the garment industry for three years. Life was still hard, but she persevered. Then, one day, while walking through Birauta, Rina noticed Yes Helping Hands. When she learned that they offered opportunities for single mothers, she immediately applied for work.

She received free training for six months with a food allowance, and during that time, Dinesh Sir, the company’s founder, provided her with additional financial help to care for her daughter. “Dinesh Sir used to give me extra money to raise my daughter,” she says with gratitude.

Now working in the linking section, where she links sweaters using a machine, Rina has found stability and a supportive community. “The work is much better than previous jobs, and the environment is very motivating,” she shares. For the first time in a long while, Rina feels hopeful for her future and that of her daughter.

Rina’s story is one of resilience and sacrifice. She has endured the loss of her mother, raised her brother, survived an abusive marriage, and fought for a better life for her child. Through it all, she has never given up, finding hope and purpose at Yes Helping Hands.

“I am very grateful to work here,” she says. “I want to thank Dinesh Sir for opening this amazing company and giving opportunities to people like me, the physically challenged, marginalized, and single mothers.”

Rina’s journey is a testament to the power of courage and perseverance, a story that reminds us of the strength that lies within us all, especially when we are fighting for those we love.