Greetings from Jaipur, Rajasthan! I arrived here last week and started volunteering on Monday. The experience has been so fulfilling that, despite feeling completely exhausted by the evenings, I finally managed to share my first update about this unforgettable journey.
I already know this adventure will stay with me forever. Last year, I spent time painting and decorating the walls of a school classroom and an afternoon club with Impact. Working alongside the local organization and the kids brought me immense happiness. This year, the excitement has only grown—I have the opportunity to decorate two classrooms!
I’ve sketched dolphins, coconut trees, and even elephants to bring life and color to the space. Together with Uditi, our fantastic volunteer coordinator, we’ve spent the week working tirelessly from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. On Friday, we’ll complete the final touches, including adding inspiring slogans like:
- ”Study today, shine tomorrow – Believe in yourself!”
- ”Study hard and reach your goals – Your future awaits!”
Once the paintbrushes are cleaned and the day’s decorating tasks are done, it’s time to teach!
Now, let me confess—I was thrown directly into the deep end (yes, I hope this idiom translates well in English!). On my first day, I was handed the task of teaching “some English” to pupils aged 8 to 14, divided into groups based on their language proficiency. After nearly 40 years since my elementary teaching studies, I wasn’t sure how my skills would hold up. But, to my surprise, they came rushing back.
Teaching in a government school located in the heart of a slum is far from simple. The system faces immense challenges, and resources are limited. However, there’s an indescribable joy in witnessing the children’s progress. By the third day, they even grasped a little of my personality: coming from a quiet country, I treasure moments of calm and focus during lessons. They adapted wonderfully—concentrating on their work rather than the usual lively chaos.
Today was a milestone—we tried group work! Despite having only 12 pupils, we had to share limited resources: three scissors, three glue sticks, and some sheets of paper. It was an exercise in patience and collaboration. Watching them pass the materials, make eye contact, and smile as if to say, “I’m doing what you asked!”, was incredibly rewarding.
The lack of materials in the school prompted me to purchase supplies myself—a small investment of just a few euros that made a world of difference.
In the afternoon, from 4 to 6, I participated in the ”Impact” program, where we explored the wonders of mathematics and basic English skills. This time, nearly 30 children attended, many of whom do not have the opportunity to go to school.
This week has reminded me that even in the most challenging circumstances, the smallest victories—whether a shared smile or a successfully completed task—can bring immense joy.