Stories of Change
Every Opportunity Has a Story
Behind every loan is an individual or family working toward a more secure future. HEWT's beneficiaries have used interest-free nonprofit lending to establish and expand small businesses and income-generating activities.
Our Success Stories
Story # 1: Meenakashi from Tharparkar, Sind Province
Location: Tharparkar, Sind Province Pakistan
Business: Homemade snacks
Total Loan Amount: $370
Meenakashi and her family were struggling to make ends meet. Some days, they could afford only one meal.
She had the courage and determination to work. She simply needed enough capital to get started.
An interest-free nonprofit lending from HEWT helped her start selling food items in her village. Her husband and children also became involved in the business.
Today, Meenakashi earns up to $10 per day. Her family can now afford three meals a day. She is also saving money and plans to expand into other businesses.
With HEWT community funding totaling $370, Meenakashi is now earning approximately $300 per month and has become an example of how access to opportunity can help strengthen a family's livelihood.
A small interest-free nonprofit lending can provide a hardworking person with the opportunity to earn an income, support their family, and work toward a better future.
Story # 2: Salma from Lahore, Punjab Province
Location: Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Business: Sewing and Dressmaking
Total Loan Amount: $258
Salma received her first small loan to purchase a sewing machine. She started stitching clothes for women and children in her community.
She worked hard, built a customer base, and repaid the loan. HEWT then provided her with a second, larger loan to help her grow the business.
Her first loan was $86, and her second loan was $172.
These small loans helped Salma turn her sewing skills into a steady source of income. She can now help support her family and provide greater stability at home.
With HEWT loans totaling $258, Salma is now earning more than $110 per month.
Salma did not need charity. She needed an opportunity to use her skills and build a more secure livelihood.
Story # 3: Ameenath from Diplo, Sind Province
Location: Diplo, Sind Province, Pakistan
Business: Tailoring and Goat Rearing
Total Loan Amount: $258
Ameenath started with an interest-free nonprofit lending of $86. She used the money to raise goats, sheep, and cows, which she later sold for a profit.
After demonstrating that she could manage the business, she received a second loan of $172.
This additional capital helped Ameenath create a reliable source of income. Her earnings now help provide food, education, and better living conditions for her family.
With HEWT loans totaling $258, Ameenath is now earning more than $100 per month.
Ameenath had the ability and willingness to work. The loan gave her the opportunity to put both into action.
Story # 4: Asma Javed from Peshawar, KPK
Location: Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan
Business: Sewing and Cloth Making
Total Loan Amount: $222
When Asma Javed's mother could no longer work, Asma stepped forward to help support her family.
She already knew how to sew. An interest-free nonprofit lending from HEWT allowed her to purchase a sewing machine and start a business from her home in Naju Balak village, Peshawar.
Asma began stitching clothes for customers and using the income to help with household expenses.
With a HEWT loan of $222, Asma is now earning more than $86 per month.
As her business grew, HEWT helped her obtain a second sewing machine.
One sewing machine gave Asma an opportunity to use her skills, earn her own income, and contribute to the financial stability of her family.
Story # 5: Rukhsana from Lahore
Location: Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Business: Beauty Parlor
Total Loan Amount: $148
When Rukhsana's husband became ill, she had to take responsibility for supporting her family.
She received a small interest-free nonprofit lending from HEWT and opened a beauty parlor in her home.
Rukhsana began providing bridal makeup, facials, and other beauty services. Over time, she built a steady income from her work.
Today, she can support her family, care for her husband, and plan a better future for her children.
With a HEWT loan of $148, Rukhsana is now earning more than $77 per month.
Most importantly, she can now send her daughter to school and provide her with opportunities that Rukhsana did not have herself.
When a woman has an opportunity to earn an income, the benefits can extend to her entire family.
Story # 6: Zahida Parveen from Lahore
Location: Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Business: Vegetable Business
Total Loan Amount: $148
After Zahida Parveen's husband became seriously ill and passed away, she was left with the responsibility of supporting her family.
An HEWT representative helped her obtain a small interest-free nonprofit lending. She used it to start a vegetable business.
Today, Zahida and her son run the business together. They purchase fresh vegetables, prepare them for sale, and supply them to local shops.
Her son begins early each morning, delivering vegetables and managing sales. Zahida helps operate the business and manages the household income.
With a HEWT loan of $148, Zahida is now earning more than $77 per month.
Their earnings help pay for rent, utilities, food, and other essential expenses.
The business started as a way to support the family during a difficult period. It has now become a dependable source of income for them.
Story # 7: Zaina from Kalash
Location: Kalash, KPK Province, Pakistan
Business: Traditional Handicrafts
Total Loan Amount: $148
Zaina supports her family by making traditional Kalash clothing, bags, jewelry, and other handmade items.
When COVID-19 disrupted local businesses, she struggled to purchase materials and continue producing her handicrafts.
An interest-free nonprofit lending from HEWT helped Zaina purchase the materials she needed and keep her business running.
Today, she continues to make and sell her products through local shops. She plans to purchase more materials, increase production, and grow her income.
With a HEWT loan of $148, Zaina is now earning more than $77 per month.
The loan helped Zaina protect her livelihood while continuing the traditional craft of her community.
Story # 8: Sati Shankar from Tharparkar
Location: Tharparkar, Sind Province, Pakistan
Business: Embroidery and Handicrafts
Total Loan Amount: $370
Sati Shankar had traditional embroidery and handicraft skills, but she lacked the money needed to turn those skills into a reliable business.
An interest-free nonprofit lending from HEWT helped her invest in materials and increase production.
Today, Sati creates embroidered and handmade products for customers in Karachi, Hyderabad, and other markets. Her work provides her with a growing source of income.
Sati is also teaching embroidery and handicraft skills to other women in her community. These women can use what they learn to create products, earn income, and help support their families.
With a HEWT loan of $370, Sati is now earning more than $154 per month.
One loan helped Sati build her own livelihood. She is now helping other women develop skills and opportunities of their own.
Human Empowerment and Welfare Team (HEWT) is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN: 33-1764109. All program funding is 100% interest-free, contains zero hidden fees, and is provided solely to reduce poverty and empower underserved communities.
Contact Us
Human Empowerment and Welfare Team (HEWT)
15136 Via Lomita Drive
Monte Sereno, CA 95030
Copyright © HEWT. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy