Samih (48 years old) is one of the alumni of the doll sewing training organized by Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun or known as The Foundation for Inspiration of Indonesia Development and Insight Investments Management Company (INSIGHT) in collaboration with the Bekasi City Mosque Ta’lim Council Coordinating Board (BKMM) in the year of 2023. This training is one of the community economic empowerment programs which aims to enable the community to improve the economy individually and in groups. This program is also in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) Number 1 concerning eliminating poverty and number 10 ending inequality.

Mrs. Samih is a mother with 4 children. Mrs. Samih is a housewife who takes care of her grandchildren. Currently she lives with her husband and their last child in a house in the Bojong Menteng area, Bekasi. Her husband works as a casual worker such as a construction worker.

Before becoming a housewife, Mrs. Samih worked in various places, namely a printing company, a shoe factory, and most recently in a household furniture factory. However, she stopped working due to the company bankrupt in 2016.

Attend training to increase skills

Mrs. Samih took part in this training based on the information she got from her neighbors. At that time, she was only looking after her grandchildren. Furthermore, Mrs. Samih registered herself and attended the training for ten days. Mrs. Samih is very enthusiastic and hopes that by following this training she can work from home.

“I’ve always wanted to work from home, because at my age company can no longer accept me. After taking this training, I can sew even a little bit. Thank God, I really enjoy getting knowledge.” She said.

Start Working Post Training

During the training, Mr. Rokhmat as the trainer and owner of Diah Mandiri Toy’s Company (DMT) offered her a job after completing the doll sewing training. Because of her strong desire to start working on sewing dolls, Mrs. Samih and her child went around looking for a second-hand sewing machine. After looking for a sewing machine all day, Mrs. Samih finally got the sewing machine she wanted.

“I am currently working on a sewing machine that my child bought me. “I’m really excited about looking for a sewing machine, even though it’s a second-hand sewing machine, but thank God I can use it to start work.” Said Mrs. Samih.

After she was ready to start work, Mrs. Samih worked sewing at Mr. Rokhmat’s place of business, namely Diah Mandiri Toy’s Company (DMT). Mrs. Samih’s first job was sewing an order from the KPU (General Election Commission), namely bearings for the election. For the first time, Mrs. Samih received 1100 pcs of materials. Of this amount, she did not only do the work by herself, but she also provided opportunities for her six neighbors who were not working to work too.

At first, Mrs. Samih still received several revisions from Mr. Rokhmat. However, after practicing many times, Mrs. Samih finally started to sew the pads smoothly.

“I asked Mrs. Siti and Mr. Rokhmat how to sew properly. I tried it, then I took it home. You come here to give materials and be taught. Thank God it’s been smooth until now.” Said Mrs. Samih.

This work has been carried out by Mrs. Samih for two weeks. In a day, Mrs. Samih completes 120 pcs and Mrs. Samih has completed around 840 pcs in a week. The income that Mrs. Samih gets is 300 idr/pcs.

Mrs. Samih hopes that she will continue to pursue this work and hopes that from this work she can generate income from this work so that she does not continue to depend on her husband and children.

“I’m happy to be able to increase my spending money. Even though my income is small, the important thing is to have extra money for the kitchen. So I don’t depend on my husband for household needs because I can earn my own money.” Said Mrs. Samih.

Mrs. Samih also expressed her thanks to YIIM and INSIGHT,

“To YIIM and INSIGHT, I am very grateful. I am grateful, thank God, from this training I can earn money. “I am happy to feel helped by this training, there is knowledge that can be gained, I can sew with this free training.” Said Mrs. Samih.

Inspiration Greetings!