Student's & Teacher's Stories
I'm Sivalingam Suvaithini, a former student of Hope House 01 from 2023, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Ocean Stars Lanka. The tailoring course I attended has changed my life. Before joining, I knew nothing about sewing, not even how to operate a sewing machine. Now, I have developed numerous sewing techniques and am running my own business, selling clothes that I design and make. This has allowed me to earn an income that I use for family expenses, my personal needs, and to invest in my tailoring tools and materials.
I was fully dependent on my family, but with these new skills, I am now able to support myself. Ocean Stars Lanka has given me the tools to become independent, and I believe that other women and girls in our community can achieve the same. I'm thankful for this life-changing experience and the opportunities it has opened up for me and many other women.
I'm Thevanayagam Thadsayini, a sewing instructor at Hope House, and teaching here has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Over the 02 years I've been here, I've seen how sewing can be a turning point for so many women in our community. When new students join, many of them lack basic sewing skills, and some even come in feeling unsure of themselves. But as they progress through the course, they not only learn how to sew but also gain the confidence to shape their own futures.
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing my students apply what they've learned to change their circumstances. For instance, students like Ratha, who arrived with no prior sewing experience, are now running successful businesses. They've moved from dependency to independence, earning money to support their families and investing in their futures. These stories inspire me every day and remind me why I love teaching.
Being a part of this journey is more than just passing on skills-it's about empowering women to believe in themselves and take control of their lives. I'm incredibly grateful to Ocean Stars Lanka for giving me the opportunity to make a difference, and I'm proud of every woman who walks out of our center with the confidence and skills to achieve their dreams. Thank you Ocean Stars Lanka and Trust. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey with Ocean Stars Lanka and to play a role in helping women realize their potential. Together, we are not just teaching a skill; we are fostering hope and empowerment, one stitch at a time.
Saravanamuththu Manjula
My name is Saravanamuththu Manjula, and I've had the privilege of teaching at the Hope House sewing centre for 10 years. I have always believed that sewing is not just a skill, but a gateway to independence and empowerment, especially for women.
Throughout my time as a teacher, I have witnessed so many incredible transformations. Many of the women who came to our centre started with no knowledge of sewing, not even knowing how to thread a machine. But with time, dedication, and the right guidance, they've developed remarkable skills that have changed their lives.
Teaching at the sewing centre has given me so much fulfilment because I've seen firsthand how sewing can open doors. Many of my students, like Ratha, have gone from being completely dependent on their families to running their own businesses, earning an income, and supporting themselves and their families. Their success stories motivate me to continue sharing my knowledge and helping more women unlock their potential.
What makes this journey even more rewarding is watching my students grow not just in their sewing skills but in their confidence. They enter the class unsure of themselves, and they leave as strong, empowered women who can contribute to their communities. The transformation is truly inspiring, and I am grateful to be a part of this meaningful work. It's my hope that the skills I pass on to these women will continue to ripple through our community, empowering the next generation of women to be independent and successful. I feel truly thankful for the chance to be involved in this journey with Ocean Stars Lanka, where I can contribute to empowering women to discover their true potential. Together, we're not merely imparting skills; we are nurturing hope and fostering independence, one stitch at a time.
Keatharalinkan Tharshika
My name is Keatharalinkan Tharshika, and I studied at Hope House 03 Mandoor in 2023. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ocean Stars Lanka for providing such a valuable opportunity to the women in our community. Through the tailoring course, I gained many new skills.
Before the course, I didn't know anything about sewing or even how to operate a sewing machine. Today, I sell clothes I've made, and the people in my neighbourhood buy them. This has allowed me to earn an income, which I use to support my family, cover my personal needs, and invest in my tailoring business.
Before this, I relied on my mother for support, but now I have become independent thanks to the skills I learned. I am deeply thankful to Ocean Stars Lanka for this life-changing opportunity, not just for me, but for other women in our society as well. I hope other girls can follow in my footsteps and achieve the same growth and independence
