First Impression, July 2010
Ms. Malia Lee Hunt


My time volunteering with Sambhali Trust has been limited to days thus far, however my experiences have been extremely rich. My first moments spent here were touring the Durag Niwas Guesthouse, where part of Sambhali’s work takes place. The guesthouse is painted with brilliant shades of blue and is full of life with kind family members, and my personal favorite, Chile, the sweetest little dog! After my tour I sat down and spent much time speaking with Mr. Govind, and within minutes of our conversing, I was struck with thankfulness and joy to know I would be working with him, and within the organization he has created. After learning about his views on NGOs, women’s empowerment, women’s independence, and altruism, I cannot say that there would be any other organization in the world that I would rather be volunteering with. Sambhali Trust, of what I have came to know of it within the last few days, is an honest, compassionate, progressive organization that has been designed strictly to do what it pledges, to empower women and girls, and these women and girls are empowered!

I have had the opportunity to meet with girls and women who receive education, micro credit, workshops, social support, crafts training, and much more from Sambhali, and have bonded with them instantly. Many of the girls and women I have met are articulate, interested to bond and communicate with me and others, and seem very open to learning new things and meeting new people. A problem with communicating has been our language barrier, but this hasn’t stopped us from putting dedication into trying to understand and get to know each other. I look forward to the next two months of learning what matters to these girls and women most, and what they are in search of in terms of empowering themselves, each other, and the organization.