What an incredible four weeks this has been.
I think meeting the girls of the Ramgar slum was by far the
most powerful experience. I will treasure the laughter I shared with the Green
Tara Foundation women at the office during our English lessons. It is true you
don’t have to speak many words of a language to really connect. Women are women
all around the world.
I will also not forget the difficult moments; talking with
prostitutes about their favorite movies while standing in a brothel, leading
games for children orphaned by the sex industry, understanding that the reality
of life for the girls of Ramgar and the slim chances they have of fulfilling
their future plans.
I loved have my fellow Tare, other Girl Scouts and Girl
Guides from around the world, who came to India as part of the Community Programme.
They are dynamic, hilarious, warm and powerful people making change. I adore
them.
I could not have thrived in the Community Programme if it
wasn’t for my incredible support system. I am grateful to Sangam and its
amazing staff, to my partner who cared for my cat this last month without
complaint, to my sister who encouraged me to take the chance and apply to the
Community Programme, to my friends and specifically to my best friend who
checked in on me via email on a regular basis and to my parents who have always supported my passion that change is possible when we, as a worldwide community,
invest in girls and women.
Here’s to my journey home and here’s to
processing all that I have experienced.
Here’s to change.
