For three weeks in the month of August, various arts and crafts activities were conducted at all of our projects for our young beneficiaries, led by Laura Amor and Silvia Benítez, two Spanish volunteers. Some of the objectives behind the workshops were to enhance the children’s psycho-motor skills, teach them to handle the various materials used, and enhance their creativity in innovative ways.
Aside from thoroughly enjoying the activities, they were helpful to arouse the children’s interest in studies. Language was not a barrier for either the volunteers or the children, who understood each other perfectly. Laura and Silvia drew, made face masks, sang songs and danced with the children. It was rewarding to see them opening up to, interacting with each other, and having so much fun.
When volunteers from the West go to India for the first time, a process of adaptation occurs when they come into close contact with vulnerable children. This process usually ends in a new attitude towards life and relationships, as was Silvia’s case, who has shared her feelings with us.
“Today I thank life for allowing me to learn this way; because I have been ‘slapped’ to make me see that I have infinite good fortune; because it has taught me the universal language of smiles and looks; because it has set me before another world and other lives that are totally different yet wonderful; because it has made me see my boundless love for children; because it has made me understand that I am just an accident and that my ego is not more than one of those pebbles I encounter along the way.
Today I think I'm more humble. Right now I feel like a millionth of a total and wonderful whole, and as such, why not, also a wonderful part, but not an important one.
Today, I promise myself to thank the universe more often for all that I have been offered. Today, I promise myself to get up every day with the firm intention of helping others, starting by those near me. Today, I commit myself to breathe in life every second, to be aware of every moment and never cease in my work of attempting to be a better person. Today, I see the world through different eyes.”
