Final Impression, August 2009
Ms. Karen Fan


The eight weeks that I was working for Sambhali Trust have inevitably come to an end, and I am sad that it is time to leave, but it isn’t goodbye. During my time here, I have surrendered myself to new experiences, grown to love India, and opened my heart to a group of strong women at Sambhali Trust. The people I have met here have left an indelible impact on me, and I won’t forget the new friendships I have formed here.

Admittedly, for the first week or two, time went by slowly for me as I was adjusting to India and its culture. Winding down from jetlag, seeing cows roam the streets as locals bustled from one place to the next, and trying to familiarize myself with a culture that was so different from my own all seemed intimidating to me at first. In the work environment, I was also presented with new challenges - occasional power outages which left me unproductive at times (considering most of the microfinance proposal research and writing I was working on was done on the computer); the concept of “Indian time” which I sometimes found frustrating because I felt I wasn’t as effective as I could be; and my own false preconceptions of trying to implement successful strategies that worked so well in America to a different place, India. Indeed, it took me time to truly realize that I was in India and it was I who needed to adapt and simply go with the flow. And certainly, over time, I did adapt as best I could. As I stayed here longer, the remainder of my time flew by, and I guess that’s what happens when you’re having fun as well. I began to understand, appreciate, and integrate myself into India and ultimately into Sambhali Trust.

Sambhali Trust has done a remarkable job in helping to empower women, and I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to volunteer for such a successful grassroots non-profit NGO. I realized trust and dedication are necessary for this NGO to function and survive. The girls and women, as well as their families, placed their trust in Govind. In return, Govind provided vocational training and educational opportunities to them. Undoubtedly, Govind is dedicated to his NGO. When one of the girls or women doesn’t show up, he and the others in the program will visit that person’s house and see what the problem is and try to persuade her to come back if possible. They are indisputably a united family who look out for each other.

Volunteering for Sambhali Trust has also taught me a refined definition of women’s empowerment – one that is inspiring and uplifting. Govind once said that unity for these girls is strength, and it is readily apparent in the friendships of these girls and women in the Sambhali Trust program. They have a strong bond with each other, and I see them encouraging each other to pursue their dreams. After teaching English lessons and spending time with them for two months, I can also see their curiosity to learn, their ambition to their goals, their eagerness to speak English, their warm hearts, and their potential to succeed. For example, Bharati wants to become a doctor. Bindiya wants to become an air hostess. Payal wants to open up a beauty parlor. Seeing these girls make these choices, believing that they can do it, and being united made me realize what empowerment is to these girls.

As I am leaving, I am still left with all the friendships I have developed, and I am grateful for that. I will never forget Friendship day, when many of the girls gave me friendship bracelets. I will never forget Tina’s jokingly goodbye kisses to me, Monica pinching my cheeks, Payal cooking rice for me for lunch, Bharati showing me how to do a Punjabi dance, Bindiya doing henna for me, Shabina showing me pictures of her wedding day, and so much more. The sweet school teacher, Tamannah, as well has taught me so much about Indian culture that when I started conversations with locals, they thought I had been in India before. In the old city, I also won’t forget flying a kite on Tamanna’s rooftop with her and her sister, and I also won’t forget the delicious chai and food that her family made for me. Additionally, Govind and his family were very warm, and I won’t forget their kindness. Volunteering for Sambhali Trust has given me many unforgettable moments that made my summer.