SOPAN
Nandini's Inspiring Transformation
At Kochmali SOPAN Centre, Nandini, a lively and joyful girl, often caused playful disruptions in class. Her life changed when she met Priyanka, her dedicated teacher. With Priyanka's guidance and support, Nandini's focus improved, and she excelled in her second-grade studies. Her hard work paid off when she topped the half-yearly exams, showing the power of determination and the impact of having someone believe in you. Nandini's journey reminds us that with persistence and a help, we can turn challenges into successes.
Mahadev's Tale : Curiosity Unleashes Hidden Potential
In the quiet village of Ballabhpur in Birbhum, a lively boy named Mahadev Murmu was eager to learn despite not knowing how to read or write. His curiosity brought him to our SOPAN centre, where he was warmly welcomed. With the caring guidance of his teacher, Tumpa Dolui, Mahadev went from simple scribbles to mastering writing with both hands. His journey shows that when curiosity meets determination, even the toughest challenges canturn into exciting adventures.
Barshan's Dreams Take
Flight at Sopan Centre
Two years ago, Barshan came to Malda's Tentulpara with his mother to enrol at the Sopan Centre, dreaming of becoming like Ronaldo. He realized that the village's ICDS schooling wouldn't fulfil his dreams, so he joined Sopan. Despite initial fears, the supportive environment and the chance to learn in his mother tongue captivated him. With Didimoni's help, difficult subjects became easy to understand. Over two years, Barshan has grown tremendously, showing leadership, solving complex math problems, and writing fluently in English. His performance in school exams is impressive, and his confidence in football and academics continues to soar. Sopan has become his second mother, guiding him towards a bright future.
MARYADA
Mounali's Journey
to Confidence
In one of our sessions, we met Mounali Dey, a Class VII student from Uttar Garifa Pallymangal High School, who was uneasy and scared during our discussion about periods. She hadn't experienced menstruation yet, and her mom hadn't talked to her about it, making her really afraid of blood. When we discussed periods, Mounali started crying, and her friend couldn't fully explain things to her. So, we, along with her teacher, began teaching Mounali about menstruation. After a few sessions, Mounali gained confidence and told us she wasn't afraid anymore. It was like a big weight had been lifted off her shoulders, showing the power of education and support.
Sanchari Saha Breaking Period Taboos
Sanchari Saha, a bright student from Radha Rani Girls High School, is changing her community by talking openly about periods. With help from Be and Make organization, she learned that periods are natural and not something to be ashamed of. Sanchari saw that some social rules about periods were unfair and wanted to change them. She explained to people why it's important to talk openly about periods. Be and Make gave her a period kit and a comic book called Menstrupedia, which teaches everything about periods. Using this book, Sanchari taught her friends and classmates, helping them understand and feel more confident about periods. Her story shows that talking openly about periods can make a big difference, helping her community become more understanding and accepting.
SWAYAM
Jaya Jana Empowered through Financial Literacy
Meet Jaya Jana, a homemaker and proud mother from Gopiballavpur-II, District-Jhargram, West Bengal. Before joining Be and Make's Swayam sessions, she had little knowledge about budgeting and saving, often struggling to manage their family income. However, everything changed after attending the sessions. Armed with newfound knowledge, Jaya now plans her household budget meticulously at the beginning of each month, understanding the importance of saving and investing for her daughters' future. Inspired by her learning, she encourages others in her community to save money and invest wisely, making her journey a shining example of the power of financial literacy programs like Swayam's.
CHAMPA NAYEK BERA- REDIFINING INDEPENDENCE
Champa, 32, from Chorchita village (Jhargram), West Bengal lives in a joint family of seven. With her husband working as a carpenter, she contributes Rs.1,400/month through Eklavya Project. It was difficult to secure a stable future for their three young children - until Be and Make's Swayam Financial Literacy Initiative (Project Laxmi) intervened. Before Training- there was no savings, no financial security plan. But after the Training, Champa has now transformed into a financially independent planner. She has secured her family with various Government schemes like PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana), PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana) & APY(Atal Pension Yojana). She has also opened a PPF (Public Provident Fund) account, and invested in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for her 9-year-old daughter. Today, she doesn't only earns — she saves, invests, and plans for her children's education and emergencies. Champa's journey proves how financial literacy builds confidence, independence, and a secure future for rural women.
Debashri mallik- Being the change & making the change
Debashri Mallik, 35, from Topsia village, is a mother of two — a 15-year-old son with leg disability and a 6-year-old daughter. Living in a joint family, she shouldered heavy medical expenses for her son while her husband works as a vocational teacher.
Be and Make's Financial Literacy Initiative played an instrumental role in capacitating her as a financially literate woman. Project LAXMI has become a turning point in her life. Through training, Debashri not only learned to save and invest but also started earning as a FL trainer. Today she trains many village women about money management and financial planning. Her most impactful decision has been — taking her son to Vellore for advanced treatment; turning income into hope and healing. Simultaneously, she secured her family's future by investing in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for her daughter and PPF for long-term stability. From a struggling mother to a confident financial decision-maker, Debashri now balances healthcare, family responsibilities, and future planning — and inspires other women to save, invest, and believe in their own power.
