First Impression, January 2009
Ms. Pinky Shah


I had been travelling from Jaipur on the train which, not surprisingly, arrived late at around 11pm (even though it had departed Jaipur on time!). There was someone waiting for me at the station, despite the late hour, and I was taken immediately to the Guest House where I would be based for the next two months. When I arrived at the guest house I was very impressed; it was one of the nicer ones that I have been to in all of my travels. I was made to feel very welcome by Govind and some of the other volunteers and guests who were still awake. I was able to talk to Govind and the other volunteers (Caroline and Elisa) a little bit about the project and I also managed to get a little late dinner and cup of tea! This was much appreciated!

The following morning, I went upstairs with one of the volunteers to where the girls of the project meet every day (well, Monday to Saturday). At first, the girls were very shy – though this lasted only about a minute or so! They started asking Elisa about me. Elisa just told them to talk to me! They all came over at once to say hello and introduce themselves and find out a bit more about me. I was very impressed with their English speaking. They all seemed very lovely and I knew immediately that I would enjoy working with them. Then I also met with another volunteer, Corrine, who had arrived a few days earlier. I found it really useful to be able to talk to her and the other volunteers about the Trust from their point of view.

At the moment, I do not really have much direct interaction with the girls, as I am working on the annual report. Through my research for the annual report, I am also finding out more about the Trust and the girls and it has all been very positive so far. Nonetheless, I have managed to sit in on a few classes and have spoken a lot with their full time teacher, Tamanna. Tamanna is very nice and helpful; she explained a little bit more about the girls and her involvement with them. She teaches the girls different sewing techniques, helps them make items of clothing, and many other things – she is very talented! She also has a pastoral role and this is obvious in the fact that the girls go to her with problems they can’t always talk about with their families.

Since my time here, all systems have been go! There is always something happening that is usually promoting the Trust and improving the opportunities for the girls. A documentary has been filmed, newspaper reporters have come to interview the girls, the girls themselves have been involved in two different fashion projects, and they are currently practicing a dance routine for an upcoming trade show in which they may get a chance to perform. And these are just a few things that have happened in the 10 days that I have been here. All the while, these girls were also getting on with their English and sewing classes! There are also many more things in the pipeline.

Overall, this Trust is actively working towards the betterment of these girls and I am very glad that I am able to be a part of it. I hope that I will have more direct interaction with the girls once the annual report is completed and thereby contribute more directly to their lives. In the meantime, I am enjoying the hospitality of Govind, his family and his staff, all of whom make sure that we volunteers have everything that we need and are comfortable. The girls also always have a big smile and hello whenever they see me. I am very honored that they call me Pinky didi (big sister).