In July 2006, a group of 20 members from Surrey West Girl Guide Senior Section travelled to Pune to visit Deep Griha Society and undertake a service project at City of Child.

The team comprised of 16 young people from Surrey West (all aged between 16 and 24) and four older leaders, headed by Brenda Lambourne. Brenda has been involved in fund raising for Deep Griha for more than ten years, having first encountered the organisation during a visit to the Sangam World Guide Centre based in Pune.Three years were spent planning the project and raising funds. Then, in July, the team arrived.

Says Brenda: "It was decided that we word work on painting the dormitories during the daytime and then spend the late afternoon and evenings teaching the young children at City of Child. This was quite a lot to ask from the young people. It was a very demanding project."The Surrey West team were able to stay at City of Child, in the purpose-built dormitories for visitors and guests."

Following breakfast we started to work on the painting. This part of the project was lead by Emily Knight, who had already been at City of Child the previous month along with her sister and a friend where they completed the painting of the Chapel Mural and the new guest dormitories. Emily was an inspiration to all in her designs and the team worked very hard for four days, putting in very long hours indeed."

Hard at work inspecting the finished article. In addition to their work at City of Child, the Surrey West team also donated GBP6,000 towards the work of Deep Griha and a further GBP1,000 for DISHA.

"The team of young people were dedicated and hard working and really gave 100% in every way. I feel privileged indeed to have been able to lead such a project.

"Special thanks to all from Surrey West Girl Guides who worked so hard to make this project a reality.