Hello my friends!
First Impression report by volunteer Ms. Anna:
My first Impression:Coming from a tropical rural hill area in Tamil Nadu to Jodhpur felt like coming to a completely different, but enchanting world. Everything seemed warm, bright and rich. I was quite touched by the warm welcome and proper organization I did not expect at all. Having marveled at the Fort and the beauty of the old city all Sunday, I felt ready to see the girls on Monday.
When I came upstairs some of them were standing inside a room, chatting. It was Sonya, who came up to me, introducing herself and asking my name. Others followed her example.
Gernot explained the tree with photos on the wall to me that he and the girls had made up. Meanwhile the girls gathered round the sewing machine listening to their Indian teacher explaining something. Then the girls sat down on the floor and started training to introduce themselves, their teachers, to give a brief statement or proof of the skills they obtained in the project. They were performing well, though some seemed more nervous or shy while others talked in a firm voice. They also sang various songs in English and Hindi. The atmosphere was concentrated and friendly. I took a look around the classroom and found a lot of English training charts on the wall besides geographical maps.
For relaxation the group went outside on the roof and started training a traditional Rajasthan dance in which most of the girls participated.
At lunch time they were sitting together, sharing their food and having a good time. After lunch they started preparing for a drama. I had the opportunity to talk to some of the girls. They were open and interested and I had the feeling, we would find a way to get along.
Discussing aspects of teaching with Govind and Gernot before and after the lessons was quite helpful and also Sophie contributed from her experience. I had a look at the “Sambhali Dreams” booklet done by the girls and liked it instantly. Now I am looking forward to the experiences lying ahead. I think there are mutual expectations of learning from each other. I trust we will have a good time.
Gernot's January-February report:
If I could put you in a frame, I’d draw you smiling, with a secret on your lips and your hands reaching out for something. If I could wear all your clothes, I’d still be different, and if I had your speaking voice, I’d never whisper, I’d talk and talk and talk.
I guess these lines describe best what these girls are all about. Charming, colourful butterflies, meant to brighten their environment, vulnerable but strong like a thunderstorm, beautiful and gentle in their expressions and gestures, sometimes wild and choleric like a lion on the hunting ground, sometimes helpless like a baby bird, unable to escape its nest. And sometimes the desire to open up one’s minds vanishes in insecurity.
Have a look into their eyes and you will face an ocean of pain, suffering and desolation, but suffused with warmth and tenderness. Imagine that once they open their eyes, a flash of peaceful light sears vividly. How often must they have cried, silent and disregarded? And how often do they remember times of unwept tears? What will they feel before they fall asleep? When they quietly gaze at a candle with their deep dark eyes glittering like stars over a black veil? Do they think that its melting produces light? If its wick burns will it benefit others? Why should I melt? What will be gained when I start to brighten?
Lots of questions. Lots of emotions. Lots of tears. And what will happen after planting a seed in their innocent souls? A tree of self-esteem, self-consciousness and self-belief will grow wild and unabashed. And every little thought will be nurtured to become a positive action.
Maybe some people would not allow their daughters or wives to participate in the Trust because they are not willing to understand its purpose, or because they would lose an additional source of income. But basically these girls belong to the first empowered generation and they surely will pass on the ideas and philosophy of the Sambhali Trust to their children. Let’s call it “the Sambhali butterfly effect”. You can imagine what it means to me to have the privilege of being part of such a great project, and how it feels to be surrounded by such incredible natural beauty.
A lot has happened over the last month. Sophie stopped volunteering, but is still present in the background, supporting me with valuable information and always prepared to fight for the girls. She is still closely connected to the them, which proves that she did a wonderful job. Thank you very much Sophie!!
At the beginning of my time here (around Jan. 15th ), Justin, a film and directing student from the US, joined and supported the trust by making a documentary on the “Untouchables community”. He is going to show his work at several film festivals. With help from him, Govind and I managed to get sewing machines and stands, which allows the participants more time to practice, and, moreover, permits them to work at home.
Around the same time Ann and Lynn (from Belgium and the UK respectively) visited the trust, but unfortunately they couldn’t find any way to contribute on the ground. They therefore decided to ensure that one of the girls, Bharathi, could start to attend school by contributing financial aid, a generous gesture which was very gratefully received. Thank you so much, Ann and Lynn!! They also left some valuable suggestions concerning how to improve the atmosphere in the class room of the NGO. We took their proposals very seriously and continue to act on them even now. For example, we requested Pammy, Saraswati and Reena to design and embroider a unique Sambhali Trust sign. We have also drawn a Sambhali Trust tree on the wall on which the girls have placed photographs of themselves wherever they feel comfortable. Now we have an impression of how they see themselves, their function and their status among the other girls. From this, we realized that Asha, a new participant, felt marginalized within the group, and that helping her integrate should be done with care and consideration. Sonya, Saraswati and Meera, meanwhile put their pictures on the top of the tree because suggesting a feeling of empowerment.
Since the girls show such a passion and flare for music and dance, we replaced the temperamental old tape recorder with a new CD player, which has allowed them to perfect their dance sequences. And guess what happened? They use it sometimes to party, to show off hip-hop style! That’s just as it should be. All work and no play make a dull girl…
What else has happened at the Trust? Some of Govind’s friends who run a stylish modern barber shop did a hair-care workshop, which saw most of the participants get an exciting new haircut for free. You cannot imagine how different they looked afterwards, just like new people! Personally, I learned a very important lesson that day in terms of how Indians and especially Untouchables conceive of their lives. While Westerners tend to live for the future, mostly concerned with having security, insurance, wealth and so on, many people here live quite differently - they are forced to exist for the moment, to take each day as it comes, since their lives could change at any time. It is with this in mind that I feel the Trust develops - the girls shaping the experience as it shapes them.
Sambhali news: New volunteer to Sambhali Trust, Ms. Karelia Wilenius has come from Finland with her adopted Indian pet dog called Sheela, they will stay for 1 and a half month in Setrawa participating with Setrawa project, second volunteer to Sambhali Trust this month is Ms. Anna Waterkotte from Germany and has come to Jodhpur project to volunteer for 2 months. Reports available soon online from the volunteers.
We had a good week this month, Pammi and Seema weren't allowed by parents to come to the NGO anymore, therefore all our other participants decided to go and speak with the family, they did so and now after the talking which happened at Pammi's and Seema's home the girls are regular to the project, their father was not happy sending the girls to the NGO, he simply said there is no reason for them to come to the project and that they instead shall help in the family jobs (peeling garlic, cleaning, washing, cooking, looking after the young siblings).
We organized a wonderfull workshop where the participants learnt hair- and body-care, the hair- and body-care specialist Mr. Anil from the Expose named fancy saloon came and did a free workshop. Suneeta was happy to provide him her hair as she shampooed them the same day.
The workshop lasted for 6 hours, hahahha, yes sooo long, they left for home that day at 5.00 pm or so, after Suneetas Mr. Anil wanted to provide the hair cut to all those who were interested, 14 girls came up for the offer, all did their shampoo at workshop and got their hair cut, NEW WOMEN!!!! AMAZING CHANGE. 
They loved themselves with the new hair styles. Anil loved doing it volunteerly, he is the only one of the few people in Jodhpur who, since I started the NGO, gave such time and happiness to the participants of the project without expecting something back from it. Mr. Gernot our volunteer didn't seem very happy with the hair- and body-care workshop turning into hair cut "ceremony". Later read in Mr. Gernot's report for the month, but my happiness is only when our participants are happy and I would do anything possible for them to experiance and try anything different that they wouldn't in their lives. When they came the next day after the hair cut, they said some of their parents like the hair cut and only 2 of the parents of participants who are getting married in 2 months time weren't happy for half an hour or so but our participants made them feel good again by giving them soap as present. The participants look different and seem different with their energy, especially Sandhya who refused for the hair cut, then she agreed and was the last one to get it, was very happy with her hair style and was wearing her hair today also like yesterday after the hair cut.
Pictures of the girls on Sambhali tree (Mr. Gernot drew it on the wall). All the girls had to paste their pictures on the wall, anywhere they wished to, interesting idea to see where the girls see themselves on a tree, some put their pictures in a group, just the same way as they sit together at workshop in the groups.
Wishing you all the best!
First Impression report by volunteer Ms. Anna:
My first Impression:Coming from a tropical rural hill area in Tamil Nadu to Jodhpur felt like coming to a completely different, but enchanting world. Everything seemed warm, bright and rich. I was quite touched by the warm welcome and proper organization I did not expect at all. Having marveled at the Fort and the beauty of the old city all Sunday, I felt ready to see the girls on Monday.
When I came upstairs some of them were standing inside a room, chatting. It was Sonya, who came up to me, introducing herself and asking my name. Others followed her example.
Gernot explained the tree with photos on the wall to me that he and the girls had made up. Meanwhile the girls gathered round the sewing machine listening to their Indian teacher explaining something. Then the girls sat down on the floor and started training to introduce themselves, their teachers, to give a brief statement or proof of the skills they obtained in the project. They were performing well, though some seemed more nervous or shy while others talked in a firm voice. They also sang various songs in English and Hindi. The atmosphere was concentrated and friendly. I took a look around the classroom and found a lot of English training charts on the wall besides geographical maps.
For relaxation the group went outside on the roof and started training a traditional Rajasthan dance in which most of the girls participated.
At lunch time they were sitting together, sharing their food and having a good time. After lunch they started preparing for a drama. I had the opportunity to talk to some of the girls. They were open and interested and I had the feeling, we would find a way to get along.
Discussing aspects of teaching with Govind and Gernot before and after the lessons was quite helpful and also Sophie contributed from her experience. I had a look at the “Sambhali Dreams” booklet done by the girls and liked it instantly. Now I am looking forward to the experiences lying ahead. I think there are mutual expectations of learning from each other. I trust we will have a good time.
Gernot's January-February report:
If I could put you in a frame, I’d draw you smiling, with a secret on your lips and your hands reaching out for something. If I could wear all your clothes, I’d still be different, and if I had your speaking voice, I’d never whisper, I’d talk and talk and talk.
I guess these lines describe best what these girls are all about. Charming, colourful butterflies, meant to brighten their environment, vulnerable but strong like a thunderstorm, beautiful and gentle in their expressions and gestures, sometimes wild and choleric like a lion on the hunting ground, sometimes helpless like a baby bird, unable to escape its nest. And sometimes the desire to open up one’s minds vanishes in insecurity.
Have a look into their eyes and you will face an ocean of pain, suffering and desolation, but suffused with warmth and tenderness. Imagine that once they open their eyes, a flash of peaceful light sears vividly. How often must they have cried, silent and disregarded? And how often do they remember times of unwept tears? What will they feel before they fall asleep? When they quietly gaze at a candle with their deep dark eyes glittering like stars over a black veil? Do they think that its melting produces light? If its wick burns will it benefit others? Why should I melt? What will be gained when I start to brighten?
Lots of questions. Lots of emotions. Lots of tears. And what will happen after planting a seed in their innocent souls? A tree of self-esteem, self-consciousness and self-belief will grow wild and unabashed. And every little thought will be nurtured to become a positive action.
Maybe some people would not allow their daughters or wives to participate in the Trust because they are not willing to understand its purpose, or because they would lose an additional source of income. But basically these girls belong to the first empowered generation and they surely will pass on the ideas and philosophy of the Sambhali Trust to their children. Let’s call it “the Sambhali butterfly effect”. You can imagine what it means to me to have the privilege of being part of such a great project, and how it feels to be surrounded by such incredible natural beauty.
A lot has happened over the last month. Sophie stopped volunteering, but is still present in the background, supporting me with valuable information and always prepared to fight for the girls. She is still closely connected to the them, which proves that she did a wonderful job. Thank you very much Sophie!!
At the beginning of my time here (around Jan. 15th ), Justin, a film and directing student from the US, joined and supported the trust by making a documentary on the “Untouchables community”. He is going to show his work at several film festivals. With help from him, Govind and I managed to get sewing machines and stands, which allows the participants more time to practice, and, moreover, permits them to work at home.
Around the same time Ann and Lynn (from Belgium and the UK respectively) visited the trust, but unfortunately they couldn’t find any way to contribute on the ground. They therefore decided to ensure that one of the girls, Bharathi, could start to attend school by contributing financial aid, a generous gesture which was very gratefully received. Thank you so much, Ann and Lynn!! They also left some valuable suggestions concerning how to improve the atmosphere in the class room of the NGO. We took their proposals very seriously and continue to act on them even now. For example, we requested Pammy, Saraswati and Reena to design and embroider a unique Sambhali Trust sign. We have also drawn a Sambhali Trust tree on the wall on which the girls have placed photographs of themselves wherever they feel comfortable. Now we have an impression of how they see themselves, their function and their status among the other girls. From this, we realized that Asha, a new participant, felt marginalized within the group, and that helping her integrate should be done with care and consideration. Sonya, Saraswati and Meera, meanwhile put their pictures on the top of the tree because suggesting a feeling of empowerment.
Since the girls show such a passion and flare for music and dance, we replaced the temperamental old tape recorder with a new CD player, which has allowed them to perfect their dance sequences. And guess what happened? They use it sometimes to party, to show off hip-hop style! That’s just as it should be. All work and no play make a dull girl…
What else has happened at the Trust? Some of Govind’s friends who run a stylish modern barber shop did a hair-care workshop, which saw most of the participants get an exciting new haircut for free. You cannot imagine how different they looked afterwards, just like new people! Personally, I learned a very important lesson that day in terms of how Indians and especially Untouchables conceive of their lives. While Westerners tend to live for the future, mostly concerned with having security, insurance, wealth and so on, many people here live quite differently - they are forced to exist for the moment, to take each day as it comes, since their lives could change at any time. It is with this in mind that I feel the Trust develops - the girls shaping the experience as it shapes them.
Sambhali news: New volunteer to Sambhali Trust, Ms. Karelia Wilenius has come from Finland with her adopted Indian pet dog called Sheela, they will stay for 1 and a half month in Setrawa participating with Setrawa project, second volunteer to Sambhali Trust this month is Ms. Anna Waterkotte from Germany and has come to Jodhpur project to volunteer for 2 months. Reports available soon online from the volunteers.
We had a good week this month, Pammi and Seema weren't allowed by parents to come to the NGO anymore, therefore all our other participants decided to go and speak with the family, they did so and now after the talking which happened at Pammi's and Seema's home the girls are regular to the project, their father was not happy sending the girls to the NGO, he simply said there is no reason for them to come to the project and that they instead shall help in the family jobs (peeling garlic, cleaning, washing, cooking, looking after the young siblings).
We organized a wonderfull workshop where the participants learnt hair- and body-care, the hair- and body-care specialist Mr. Anil from the Expose named fancy saloon came and did a free workshop. Suneeta was happy to provide him her hair as she shampooed them the same day.
The workshop lasted for 6 hours, hahahha, yes sooo long, they left for home that day at 5.00 pm or so, after Suneetas Mr. Anil wanted to provide the hair cut to all those who were interested, 14 girls came up for the offer, all did their shampoo at workshop and got their hair cut, NEW WOMEN!!!! AMAZING CHANGE. They loved themselves with the new hair styles. Anil loved doing it volunteerly, he is the only one of the few people in Jodhpur who, since I started the NGO, gave such time and happiness to the participants of the project without expecting something back from it. Mr. Gernot our volunteer didn't seem very happy with the hair- and body-care workshop turning into hair cut "ceremony". Later read in Mr. Gernot's report for the month, but my happiness is only when our participants are happy and I would do anything possible for them to experiance and try anything different that they wouldn't in their lives. When they came the next day after the hair cut, they said some of their parents like the hair cut and only 2 of the parents of participants who are getting married in 2 months time weren't happy for half an hour or so but our participants made them feel good again by giving them soap as present. The participants look different and seem different with their energy, especially Sandhya who refused for the hair cut, then she agreed and was the last one to get it, was very happy with her hair style and was wearing her hair today also like yesterday after the hair cut.
Mr. Gernot was also promised by particpants to get hair cut and then slowly he looked little more relaxed later in the evening.
Workshop interviewed by local press.
Finally we are registered with the income tax department but long way away from giving the tax exumption (beaurocracy same any where in the world), some more records are required. Me, my father in law (Legal Advisor to Sambhali Trust) and Virendra are now working on lots of paper work.
Ms. Mary Quagliata, A friend of Sambhali , participated with the Sambhali Setrawa project in December 07, helped us do a little book on the particpants of Jodhpur project, it is ready to get printed, with the help of Mr. Sunil, our guest, I have put it to a link online, if you wanted to check it out, please see: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4QLBSJ29
Pictures of the girls on Sambhali tree (Mr. Gernot drew it on the wall). All the girls had to paste their pictures on the wall, anywhere they wished to, interesting idea to see where the girls see themselves on a tree, some put their pictures in a group, just the same way as they sit together at workshop in the groups.
Giggling participants, Setrawa project.
Setrawa project meeting, I had to discuss a lot of things with the participants, volunteers were gone on weekends to Jaisalmer to travel and I went to conduct the meeting. It was very successful and the participants hope for a lot of change in them through us.
M.S. Joan from the USA, our guest at Setrawa project for one day.
Sambhali Setrawa Project: Plantation program, each participant who want to look after a plant gets a plant.
Some tree plants were grown in and around the village.
Got chance to put some sign boards around for visitors. One on the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer highway, second when you enter in the village, one off the bus stand, one in center of the village etc. - easy to find Sambhali here.
I wanted to thank few very generous people from my heart living across the world I have come across in the last 1 and half year. Those who have helped me with many possible ways . Those who have shown their trust in my work and my thoughts. Dear friends and well wishers, we have come some good distance from where we started as a co-operative in September 2006.
We thank you very much Ms. Cornelia Uebscher, Mr.Max Lehmann, Mr. Bill MacArthur, Ms. Mirjam Vanderven, Ms. Anna from Lonely Planet Foundation, our friends in the USA from Sambhali International (USA) Inc., Green Bag Foundation - Australia, Mr. Francois Xavier Delmas from Les palias Des Thes - Paris, Ms. Joan Gurry, Mr. and Mrs. Jansen, Ms. Rita Mühlebach, Ms. Krystyna Jervis, Ms. Mary Quagliata for the book Sambhali Dreams, Ms. Anjula Tyagi, Mrs. Annuradha Jain, and Sambhali International Arizona, all our volunteers from Jodhpur and Setrawa Project for their wonderful work and eye opening reports made from their experiances with the particpants of the Projects, our guest from the Durag Niwas Guest House, Ms. Debra Yeomann, India Mike, Indipendent volunteers, Nothelfergemeinschaft, our supporters, sponsors for sponsoring the participants from literacy program, our participants who are coming to participate after all the problems in their families to look for a platform to proove their abilities and to achive respect in the society and to have few hours refuge from the daily family buisness, my family and friends for supporting my idea and give me strength to overcome critical circumtances. Thank you all for all your blessings, support, advices, information, assistance, planning and for being part of our family, projects in one way or another. Please accept my apology for not writing few of the names from supporters and volunteers.
Wishing you all the best!
