First Impression, May 2009
Ms. Rebecca (Becky) Moyce


It is the end of my first week of volumteering with the Sambhali Trust and I feel as though I have already seen more wonderful and interesting things here in one week than I have seen in the past few years before. When I first arrived in Delhi I was completetly overwhelmed by the cultural differences and the heat, everything seemed so strange to me and I felt like I had landed on another planet. Delhi with its sprawling population, impenetrable traffic and extensive slums was quite oppressive and so getting off the train at Jodphur into a much calmer and less chaotic environment was a relief. I immediately knew that I would like this city, whilst it is still a busy and lively, colourful urban hub it has none of the hostility of a huge place like Delhi, people here seemed immediately much more friendly towards me.

This feeling was multiplied when I arrived at Durag Niwas guest house and met the family I would be working for and staying with. These guys made me feel really welcome and it is clear that they will go out of their way to make the volunteers experience here a good one, helping me to arrange bus tickets, change money, get my mobile phone sorted and such like. I don’t think I could have found a better place to stay in Rajasthan, the atmosphere here is so calming and after a trip into the busy city it is nice to come back to such a comfortable and tranquil environment.

Teaching children is a new thing for me and I have really enjoyed meeting the participants of both of the Sambhali Trust's projects, the photography workshops I came here to deliver to the girls are proving to be a hit and everyone seems to be enjoying them. I had read before I came here about the struggles these girls endure but it is only after meeting and working with them that I am truly beginning to understand how difficult life is for these girls and for their families in the Dalit community. The Dalits are treated as second class citizens, not only are they looked down upon by society but their lives are actually physically restricted as there are certain areas they are forbidden to go to and various jobs that they would not be allowed to pursue. The community lacks education, healthcare and most of all self-esteem, things that I have always taken for granted in my life and I am so impressed with the work Sambhali is doing with these people, equipping them with skills and training to attain better careers, and providing them with the support and encouragement they need to develop the hope and confidence that will help them to improve their situations.

An idea was brought up that we extend the photography workshops to some of the girls brothers in the community, whilst women in the Dalit community suffer the double prejudice of both their caste and their gender, there is no hope of improving things for them if the men in their community remain unskilled and uneducated. I was surprised at how many boys were keen to take part in the workshops and how much they enjoy just coming and being part of a group where they can talk about things they would never normally discuss. In order to get the most from these workshops for the boys we have incorporated discussions about Dalit rights and health and hygiene, including sexual health and the guys are receiving some very important information such as the laws which protect Dalits from discrimination and myths around STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) that is clear they had no idea about previously. I have visited some of the boys’ families, I could not believe the poverty I saw and I am so glad that I have been able to help them in some way, even if it is just a tiny bit… as Govind says ‘Even a tiny drop leaves a stain’ and I think that is important to remember when reaching out to people like this.

I cannot choose one word that would describe my first week here, there are so many which spring to mind… eventful, happy, successful, busy, inspired, shocked, tired and amazed. All I can say is that I am very happy to be here and I am looking forward very much to the next few weeks and to making a difference.