What can a simple conversation really lead to? Sometimes, it becomes the beginning of transformation, hope, and a completely new direction in life.
In April, during one of my community engagements, I asked one of the youths in my community a simple question: “What do you think you can do to earn a little money apart from what you normally do in your daily life?”
He responded with deep hopelessness, saying, “Nothing. I don’t believe there is anything here in our community. Most things are impossible.” His words reflected frustration, limited opportunities, and a mindset shaped by long-term struggle.
Still, I continued the conversation and asked, “What about starting something small, like selling eggs from your kiosk?”Because the youth run a small kiosk in the community. He hesitated and replied, “That could work, but even finding eggs is a challenge. Poultry farming is also difficult here because of diseases and poor management.”
At that moment, I realized he was not completely closed off—he understood the challenges but had accepted them as permanent barriers. I then asked him, “If you understand the challenges, why don’t we try something small while I am here and see how it goes?”
After a short silence, he agreed, saying, “Okay… we can try. When do we start?” I replied, “Immediately, when you are free.” That simple agreement became the beginning of change.
We started by building a small poultry house that could accommodate about ten chickens. It was simple, but it marked the first step of action. After completing it, he introduced five chickens, and the journey slowly began.
Within a week, I started noticing small but powerful changes—his energy, curiosity, and confidence were growing. Encouraged by the progress, he later invested further and brought in 25 one-day-old chicks. From that moment, the mindset shift became visible.
He began learning poultry management through online tutorials and applying what he learned daily. His responsibility increased, and his confidence continued to grow. With each visit, progress was clear: the poultry house was cleaner and well maintained, the chicks were healthier and closely monitored, feeding routines were consistent, and he regularly wash where the chickens sleeps to maintain hygiene and prevent disease.
The same youth who once said “nothing is possible” is now slowly transforming into a committed and focused poultry farmer.
This journey is still ongoing. I have continued to support and walk with him, and recently we even discussed expanding the project in phases as he purchased another 30 chicks. He now speaks with hope and confidence about building a sustainable income from poultry farming.
What started in April as a simple conversation has grown into a living process of transformation.
This experience continues to teach me that change does not always come from big funding or complex programs. Sometimes, it begins with a conversation, a little belief, and the courage to try—and from that, a future is still being built, one chick at a time.
