Lessons from India

Working with HPP India is enlightening for many of our students. We asked Sofia and Ana Catarina from Portugal to tell us about their journey so far.

22.07.2024 | By Lyndsay Jensen

Participation in their first workshop, “Good Touch / Bad Touch,” as well as other community initiatives, has opened their eyes to the resilience and vulnerability of Indian women and the importance of education and empowerment. In this interview, we find out more about their experiences and the lessons they’ve learned during their time in India.

Empowering through education

Sofia and Ana Catarina have been actively involved in the “Good Touch / Bad Touch” workshop, an initiative aimed at educating young girls in the slums near Delhi on distinguishing between safe and inappropriate touch. Sofia shares, “We organised a four-hour workshop split into two days to focus on the importance of bravery for women in a male-dominated culture like India.” This initiative not only empowers the girls but also gives them a sense of security and awareness which is crucial for their development. Moreover, making a change is something that takes courage as the women are often living in very traditional settings.

Ana Catarina adds, “We used a presentation with content adapted from Humana People to People India and co-led the sessions with the girls’ teacher, Yashoda.” The workshop concluded with a dance activity to help the girls identify their private parts and understand their autonomy over their bodies. This holistic approach to education addresses the project’s commitment to empowering young girls through knowledge and self-awareness.

Broadening horizons and creating impact

Sofia and Ana’s commitment to volunteering extends beyond the “Good Touch / Bad Touch” workshop. Sofia mentions, “I am looking forward to exploring new areas to include in the girls’ programme provided by the HPP India syllabus, focusing on underdeveloped areas of the community that can add value.” Her work will involve visiting slums, observing beauty parlours, and tailoring businesses to see how the students carry out their final practical internships.

Ana Catarina, on the other hand, will be more focused on literacy and education programmes in rural areas. “My main focus is to watch and learn, offering activities and supporting the teachers,” she says. Her approach shows the importance of understanding the local context before implementing changes, ensuring that the initiatives and activities are culturally sensitive, supported by the local communities and effective. This is an approach that we value greatly at DRH Lindersvold, and one that reflects our school’s commitment to ethical and sustainable volunteer practices. 

Nelson Mandela Day

Celebrated in July, it reminds us of the values of human dignity, rights, and striving for peace. For Sofia and Ana, Mandela’s legacy draws synergy with their work in India. “Mandela’s emphasis on bringing positive change aligns with my daily intentions and actions,” Sofia reflects. The day encourages them to reflect on their contributions to making a positive impact in communities.

Ana shares, “India has taught me that my first impression is not always what you see is what you get; like every human being on the planet, we are all different.” This understanding of the complexity of human experiences aligns with Mandela’s vision of empathy and compassion. Their experiences in India have deepened their commitment to social justice and empowerment, embodying the spirit of Mandela’s teachings.

Lessons from India

Sofia and Ana’s journey in India has been a mixture of volunteering and self-development. Sofia highlights the strength and power of Indian women, stating, “Women here are powerful. They must be five times stronger than men to succeed in a male-dominated society.” This resilience and strength have inspired Sofia and taught her the importance of emotional maturity and focus.

Ana, too, has been profoundly impacted by the approach to life in India. She expresses an appreciation of their commitment to practising gratitude and shared, “They live by the motto: I’m grateful for what I have, and if I’m healthy today, I have all I need to succeed.”  This approach to life has been a significant learning point for Ana, shaping her understanding of different cultures and influencing her ability to adapt to a broad range of new situations.

Sofia and Ana Catarina’s experiences in India remind us of the power of education and empowerment. Their work on workshops like “Good Touch / Bad Touch” and their reflections on Nelson Mandela’s legacy highlights the importance of compassion and practical solutions in community development. As they continue their journey in India, they carry with them invaluable lessons that will undoubtedly shape their future endeavours in creating positive social change.

If you could see yourself joining the Volunteer for Change programme in the future, we encourage you to book a call with one of our enrolment advisors to start your journey today! Our next team will begin on the 7th of October, 2024.