Leena Sabu

Age: 52 years

Place: Kalewadi, Pune

Leena Sabu, once a homemaker is earning Rs. 500 to Rs. 600 a day through her Idli Dosa Centre in Kalewadi Pune. In 2021 due to COVID-19 infection, Leena lost her husband Sabu Pauloso Paul who was working in a private company and getting a monthly salary of Rs. 35 000. Now, Leena is living with her son Sebin, 21 years, and daughter Sania, who is 16 years in Krantiveer Colony, Kalewadi, Pune.

Leena has completed the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) and is also trained in tailoring through Symbiosis Community College. After the completion of the tailoring class, she engaged in dressmaking work but could not continue due to styloid process disease. Like Leena, her son Sebin suffering from Kidney related problems since his childhood. Sebin is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from M.U.C.C College, Pune. Now he has developed Allergic Sensitised disease and for that treatment is ongoing at the D. Y. Patil hospital, Pimpari, Pune,

Leena received Rs. 50 000 from the government and some additional financial support from Christian Missionaries to cover her household expenses. As she is staying in a rented house the rent amount of Rs. 5 000 is an added burden on the family. She has applied for the Gharkul scheme but could not get the benefit.

Finally, she get in touch with the STAPI team and used her culinary skill for livelihood. With the support of the Phoenix project, she started an Idli Dosa Center to take care of her family.

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