I’d visited Deep Griha a few years previously and was so inspired by what I saw, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I became a volunteer. 3 years later, I’m here for 4 months, involved in child empowerment and the school drop-out programme.

In some ways working as a volunteer is as I expected, but like any position, to be here for a long period of time brings rewards, challenges and joys that I couldn’t have anticipated. The most rewarding part has been building relationships with the children and young people, their attitude from the very start has been incredibly hospitable and warm. I was a stranger who appeared one day in their classroom and within minutes I was ‘didi’ (big sister) and they all wanted my attention.

Most of the challenges and frustrations occur because of the language barrier, their English being far superior to my limited Marathi! But this also brings a positive challenge, to find innovative and creative ways to teach that go beyond the constraints of language.

The children are an inspiration; despite the challenges life has thrown at them, they always come into the classroom smiling and friendly with an open and loving approach.