First Impression, August 2008
Ms. Meghan Bennett


Coming straight to India and to the Durag Niwas guest house to join the Sambhali trust for two months, I had some idea of what to expect (having read many of the blogs from past volunteers), but nothing could prepare me for the hospitality of Govind and his lovely family, and of course, the participants of the NGO, the girls themselves.

I arrived on a Sunday, the first day of the Sambhali shop opening, and true to the commitment of the girls, they had all turned up on their day off to help prepare for the opening of the store, filled with the lovely things they have made over the past few months.

I expected the girls to be shy and reserved (and they can be sometimes), but with me, knowing that I would be their teacher, many of them opened up straight away with an extrovertedness and confidence that I did not expect. I think this may be due to them being part of the Sambhali trust, and over time finding their voice to approach new faces with confidence.

Of course, there are a few shyer girls, and over time I am seeing their personalities come out more every day. One lovely moment was when Monica (one of the new participants) told me, ‘you’re my best friend’, which was so sweeeeet (and probably also a language barrier thing, ha ha).

I have started teaching the girls some English, concentrating mostly on the newer participants whose English levels are quite low. We are really starting at basics for these girls. “I am….”. “I am from….” “What is …..?” etc etc. I think building up from strong foundations is what will most benefit these girls.

Coming from teaching in a school in the UK which was great, but had its’ difficult moments with behavior, it is such an eye opener to see how keen these girls are to learn! They hang on my every word, and participate as fully as they can in everything, making every effort to build up their knowledge. They are constantly showing me their books to see if they have got the work correct! Coming from a teacher’s perspective, how wonderful!

The girls have been teaching me too! I have been learning Hindi, and speak a little to the girls. They are always keen to correct me and tell me how something is really said.

Already, this feels like a home away from home, and I am so happy to be learning about India from being involved with the Sambhali trust.

Meg Bennett