Today was the day of the field visit. We went to the slums - there is a movement that this female doctor is doing in them. She is training girls 11-20 to learn skills like sewing, computer, basic health/hygiene, feminine stuff. In turn, they are able to help provide for their families and teach others in the community. It actually has been working. Some of these girls are now employed, some even the breadwinners for their parents or families.
The girls were great - they were so happy and proud to show us their skills and talk with us. In our group (we split into 5 groups), there were girls that have only been in the project for a few weeks. They were confident when talking to us. When we arrived, many children were on their way to school, but soon the entire area knew we were there and came to look, or pictures.
We played some games with the girls as an icebreaker (now have some more ideas!), and then we "talked." Many tried to speak English with us - thankfully one of the graduates helped interpret. They also did mehendi on us (I have a cute design, very small but visible!).
Then we toured the slum a bit, and went into 2 houses. For comparison - the small house would have been the size of the living room at Pike Lake (and that includes the kitchen and one bedroom). The bedroom was for the son, and the other 4 members slept on the floor in the kitchen, with is smaller than the bathroom at Pike. No running water, and lots of electrical cords everywhere and extension cords. Yet they were so excited (we actually were invited to 10 houses!) and proud to show us what they have.
The second house is probably like their middle class. This one had 2 levels, but still tiny (I have pictures). This was better built... and there are 7 people there. Plus all the family that came to meet us :) They even went out and bought a lemon-juice drink (think flat seven-up but good)... again, treating us like royalty.
I was scared going in that I would be bawling, and depressed. While some of us had that reaction, I didn't - in fact, the complete opposite. Talk about girl empowerment! Talking with these families about the girls before and after was great. If a girl isn't in school, they aren't to leave the house... literally watching tv or housework. Now that they go to training, they are finding jobs. One even stood up to her family to get work instead of marrying a "bad" man. Can you imagine in a culture that dictates early marriage? (It was pointed out that I am past the point of marrying... oops).
So much was overwhelming - sights, sounds, the people (their welcoming reaction blew me away), the smells, the cars. Really everything. One young girl stayed with me most of the time, grabbing my hand to make sure I crossed the street safely (believe me, that was challengin!), and proudly pointing out cousins, and her house. Huge smiles, and awkward English, but proud... and she's only been in for 14 days. While this project will only help with 100 girls, the lasting impact and ripple effect will positively affect this community.
The rest of the day was spent using the video footage to create small videos about each part (then making it into a Sangam one - the other world centres are as well). It should be interesting to see everyone's and the other projects.
I'm exhausted, but only 2 more days... then one night of no sleep (we have to leave Sangam at 3 AM to get to the airport for our flight), then home. Wow - so much information! Tomorrow is Indian night - we are eating out and shopping as a group near the slums we were in today. Maybe people will get stuff from here after all :)
Ali
The girls were great - they were so happy and proud to show us their skills and talk with us. In our group (we split into 5 groups), there were girls that have only been in the project for a few weeks. They were confident when talking to us. When we arrived, many children were on their way to school, but soon the entire area knew we were there and came to look, or pictures.
We played some games with the girls as an icebreaker (now have some more ideas!), and then we "talked." Many tried to speak English with us - thankfully one of the graduates helped interpret. They also did mehendi on us (I have a cute design, very small but visible!).
Then we toured the slum a bit, and went into 2 houses. For comparison - the small house would have been the size of the living room at Pike Lake (and that includes the kitchen and one bedroom). The bedroom was for the son, and the other 4 members slept on the floor in the kitchen, with is smaller than the bathroom at Pike. No running water, and lots of electrical cords everywhere and extension cords. Yet they were so excited (we actually were invited to 10 houses!) and proud to show us what they have.
The second house is probably like their middle class. This one had 2 levels, but still tiny (I have pictures). This was better built... and there are 7 people there. Plus all the family that came to meet us :) They even went out and bought a lemon-juice drink (think flat seven-up but good)... again, treating us like royalty.
I was scared going in that I would be bawling, and depressed. While some of us had that reaction, I didn't - in fact, the complete opposite. Talk about girl empowerment! Talking with these families about the girls before and after was great. If a girl isn't in school, they aren't to leave the house... literally watching tv or housework. Now that they go to training, they are finding jobs. One even stood up to her family to get work instead of marrying a "bad" man. Can you imagine in a culture that dictates early marriage? (It was pointed out that I am past the point of marrying... oops).
So much was overwhelming - sights, sounds, the people (their welcoming reaction blew me away), the smells, the cars. Really everything. One young girl stayed with me most of the time, grabbing my hand to make sure I crossed the street safely (believe me, that was challengin!), and proudly pointing out cousins, and her house. Huge smiles, and awkward English, but proud... and she's only been in for 14 days. While this project will only help with 100 girls, the lasting impact and ripple effect will positively affect this community.
The rest of the day was spent using the video footage to create small videos about each part (then making it into a Sangam one - the other world centres are as well). It should be interesting to see everyone's and the other projects.
I'm exhausted, but only 2 more days... then one night of no sleep (we have to leave Sangam at 3 AM to get to the airport for our flight), then home. Wow - so much information! Tomorrow is Indian night - we are eating out and shopping as a group near the slums we were in today. Maybe people will get stuff from here after all :)
Ali
Wow! What an excellent program!! And how cool to see their pride & excitement in what they're learning! What an experience!!
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