This December we’re raising $20,000 for our Mentorship Program
Imagine life without role models
Think of a person who has helped you become who you are today. Perhaps they’re someone you looked up to in the workplace, a mentor or sports coach, or a teacher. No matter who your role model is, it’s hard to imagine what your life would be like without them.
Yet, a life without role models is the reality for women who live in the neglected communities we serve.
Without visibility of role models, aspirations can be limited, even non-existent. We cannot see a pathway, motivating us to change, or showing us what’s possible. This is why women like Amreen, who mentors and supports women living in extreme poverty—how Amreen used to live—are so vital to our impact.
Amreen, a relatable role model for women living in extreme poverty
"I don’t think about myself as a role model, but I do love and respect our customers."
I grew up in rural India and migrated to Bangalore with my parents and six siblings, to pursue better opportunities. I was married at 14 and had my first child at 15.
My husband and I lived with his in-laws in a slum. During this time I bore all the household needs every day, cooking for seven people, feeding, cleaning and taking care of my own child. I worked so hard, yet I would sleep with hunger. I secretly got a labouring job so my family would not sleep hungry. Through one of my jobs I happened to meet people from Pollinate Group. It sounded like a good opportunity for me.
When I started as a sales agent, using a touchscreen phone and learning about technology was scary and exciting. I joined to make money, to ensure my sons would not live in a slum and they could go to school. Today I love Pollinate Group and I care about it.
One of the nicest things ever said to me came from a customer’s daughter. At the time she was about 10 years old. A year after selling a solar light to her mother, I was passing by their tent. I saw the girl had not properly hung the light to focus light on her book. I went to her and corrected the light position.
Seeing she was studying I asked her, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
She said, looking up and pointing at me, “I want to be like you.”
An inspiration for our Mentorship Program
The influence of people like Amreen on her peers is powerful, and seeing her impact as a role model inspired Pollinate Group to develop a formal Mentorship Program, where women can learn new skills from each other and inspire each other.
It costs just $250 for one mentee to participate in a full program with a mentor. Our network is full of women ready to share knowledge, skills and make connections with others, on their journey to change lives.
Giving Tuesday started our festive appeal this month, to raise $20,000 for our Mentorship Program. With your support, we will provide opportunities for women in poverty to see what they can become, and to have visibility of relatable role models like Amreen.
Together we can fight the status quo and change the future for millions of families living without access to products, like solar lights, that improve health, save time and save money. Your donation makes a difference and, as any woman in our network could tell you, your generosity enables them to change their future forever.
Help us reach our $20,000 goal
Donations are tax deductible
Australia
Donations made in Australia over $2 are tax deductible.
United States
Our registered charity name in the United States of America is Pollinate Group – Section 501 (c)(3). Your donation may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes.