Bhanu is a housewife. Her husband is not able to go for a job as his health has not been good for a long time and has been bed-ridden. Her daughter is in high school.
Bhanu told me, "We're living in our own house. We have a fixed deposit account with a nationalized bank that gives us less than Rs.10,000 a month. A major part of this income is spent on the medical expenses of my husband. Though we are able to eat three times a day and meet our basic needs with some difficulties, we would always find it difficult to meet unexpected and expected lump sum expenses." I asked her, "How did you manage to meet such expenses in the past?"
She replied, "The usual way was to pledge jewels. However, three months ago I sold my jewels. Our house was constructed with the bank loan. So, there is no way to raise loan by mortgaging the house. Though our house has first floor, we are not able to let it out as it has only a big hall. My daughter will go to plus two this June. I want to send her for special tuition classes and she needs a basic two wheeler to go to the classes. I would like earn some money by working from home. All I have is Rs.5,000."
"Please save the money for the sunny days," I said to her. "Sorry?" she asked me, "I have heard the advice that one should save for the rainy days. What do you mean by save for the sunny days?"
"I mean that you can use the money in your hand to generate income during this summer," I said. "What can I possibly do with a princely capital of Rs.5,000? Setting up even a small cool drink shop will require more than that amount. Besides, as my husband is bed ridden, I would like to work from home," Bhanu said.
'A wise man once said that the solution to any problem can easily be found within the problem. If you analyze the problem without identifying yourself with it, you will know what to do. If you look at your problem without any emotions or preferences as if you were a stranger, you'll hit the bull's eye and see the solution as clearly as nails on your fingers. I don't have any emotions, opinions or preferences about your problem. So, I'm able to think of something useful when you describe your problem. You don't have to be a seer or professional to take this approach. Anyone can do this," I told her and immediately her face brightened up.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "Please tell me what I should do." I replied, "You have a house with a big unused hall. You have Rs.5,000. You want to work from home just to meet a one-time expense. You understand the needs of school children and their parents as you are the mother of a school-going daughter. All these things suggest that you can start a 'summer camp' for school children during this summer."
"Will I be able to do it?" she asked me. "Of course," I said and continued, "First get the hall white washed. Then visit a few websites that offer advice on keeping school children engaged through useful activities. Customize these activities to suit the needs of the school children in your area. Then procure the supplies. Your daughter can work as an assistant. As you will offer summer camp only for two months, you can hire one or two computer systems. Once you are ready, place ads in local ad newspapers and flyers. If you make proper arrangements and create a safe and healthy atmosphere, parents will happily send their children to your camp and pay you well. Parents don't like their children watch the Television programs day and night and spoil their eyes. Nor they want them to go out to play and get roasted in the hot sun during day time."
"What you say is within my reach," said Bhanu with a big smile, "How much will I be able to earn?" I replied, "You need to decide on a few issues such as the number of kids, available space, cost of living in your area, facilities you'll provide, and your expenses. If you run two sessions of 30 students each and charge Rs. 300 a month, you can easily earn more than Rs.10,000 a month. "
I am sure many of you can take up this project during this summer and earn well to meet the school expenses of your children when the school reopens.