My name is Shafiq Rafique, and I live in Mission Colony, Raiwind. My family consists of my father, my brother, and me. My father works as a laborer and has always been the primary breadwinner for our household. Although I possessed the skill of hand embroidery, I lacked the resources to turn it into a viable source of income. One day, during a church service, an announcement was made about an NGO called JECUP, which was offering small business opportunities to skilled young people.
Shafiq’s Journey of Becoming a Businessman
Filled with hope, I approached my pastor, who helped me fill out the application form. The form captured my personal details, my skills and interests, and other necessary information. Not long after, I was thrilled to receive a call inviting me to attend a business training session organized by JECUP. The training was incredibly insightful and provided me with knowledge I had never encountered before. They not only covered the basics of starting a business but also offered practical advice on sustaining and growing it. Soon after the training, JECUP provided me with all the necessary materials and equipment for my hand embroidery work. I was overjoyed and eager to start my new venture. Since then, I have been able to earn between PKR 40,000 to 50,000 monthly. This income has allowed me to pay for my brother’s educational expenses and cover our household needs. This transformation in our lives feels like a dream come true. None of this would have been possible without the support and generosity of the God-fearing people at JECUP and GCR. I am forever grateful to God for His mercy and for bringing such incredible assistance into our lives through these wonderful organizations.