I used to be a primary teacher at a government school. But after suffering a severe head injury in an accident I had to retire in 1996. It became difficult to manage without a regular income. All I knew was teaching, so that led to opening St. Christopher's School in an area where it was also badly needed. It wasn't easy, as I had no help from any quarter. When I ran short of funds, someone suggested I meet with the FWBL. They were very helpful. I started with a loan of Rs 10,000/. By the grace of God, this school, which started with only one child, now boasts three hundred. Soon after, it obtained registration as a secondary school.

FWBL is the backbone of my profession -- they supported me when even my relatives would not. They boosted my tiny venture without any discrimination. It helped me to keep qualified teachers and running the school in a more professional manner. With my first FWBL loan, I also set up a school canteen which did extremely well. The second time a loan of Rs 25,000 got me computers for my school -- which increased the enrollment. Now I plan to start a second shift. The bank is doing a great job for women, and what I have to say to defaulters is that they should repay their loans, and on time, so that more women can benefit from the bank. I just want to expand and improve the existing structure and develop its teaching services to be as good as any other."