Room to Read boasts a network of over 40 volunteer chapters, groups of individuals who raise funds for and awareness of Room to Read around the globe. In 2010, the chapters raised approximately 30% of Room to Read’s total operating budget. Last December, several chapter leaders joined in the inaugural Chapter Leader Trek to Rajasthan, India. Sherrie Nguyen, co-leader for the Austin Chapter in Texas, shares her impressions and experiences of meeting some of the girls participating in Room to Read’s Girls’ Education program in India.
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We marched onto the school grounds to the beat of a drum and trumpet. There we were adorned with garlands of flowers, newspaper hats made by the students and marks on our foreheads. The entire village had come to watch, as if we were stars on the red carpet.
It wasn’t until we stepped into the classroom and were met by a resounding “Namaste” that I came floating back to reality. As we took turns introducing ourselves, I told the girls that I like to surf, which was loosely translated as “playing in the water.” I later realized we were the first foreigners these girls had ever seen, and how vastly different our worlds must seem.
When I interacted with the scholars in a small group, I learned that each wanted to be either a teacher or policewoman when she grew up. Curious, I asked why and got an insightful and direct response from one of the girls: "Because they can affect change." In this tiny village where most people make a living in agriculture, policemen and teachers are seen as authority figures with reputable careers. In this particular school, the headmaster and teachers are all male. I was stunned that, in a world where most girls never advance past 8th grade, each girl here had hope in her eyes and the aspiration to break the status quo.
I asked to learn a Hindi word, and was taught “home” and “work." Just by this casual interaction, it was evident that family is central to the lives of people in this village, and even a 10-year-old girl has to work incredibly hard to help out. For one girl, this meant waking up early every morning to fetch water from the well. When it came time to go to school, her parents would tell her to just stay home and finish her chores. She would beg to leave, sometimes just running to school to seek refuge; she was that determined to continue her education, with or without their support.
Despite the factors against them, these girls are determined to improve their circumstances, and Room to Read has helped tremendously. We played a life skills game with an older age group, covering everything from how AIDS is contracted, to the effects of puberty, to how to be an effective communicator. These were very progressive and sensitive subjects, but the girls’ confidence shone. When asked if they wanted to finish secondary school, every single head nodded "yes" with enthusiasm.
As a chapter leader, I felt blessed and humbled by the Chapter Leader Trek—not only by seeing our work, but seeing how these girls fight daily for things we take for granted. Attending this trip reaffirmed my desire to make a difference in the world, and after seeing the success of Room to Read’s work with my own eyes, I’m confident we’re doing just that. I was awestruck by the children’s zest for learning, undeniable courage, and perseverance to gain an education; I will share their story for years to come. Although we were treated as honored guests and thanked profusely by the community for our efforts, the true stars of the village were right there all along.
Take a quick journey to Rajasthan by viewing Sherrie's slideshow.
Interested in joining a Room to Read Chapter or attending a fundraising event? Visit our website for more information.
Great post, Sherrie! So excited to hear more about the trip in person.
Posted by: Peggy | Jan 13, 2011 at 09:30 AM
That is so exciting! Love to hear what the young girls had to say. What an amazing trip!
Posted by: YayDevelopment | Jan 13, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Sherrie, this I know: each and every student will now hold the Chapter Leaders in the highest esteem when they imagine...."I too will affect change." They will forever hold the care, the compassion, the confidence, the esteem, and the playfulness you showcased to them.
Thank you for adding some spark in the sparkle of those shining stars!
Posted by: JVC | Jan 13, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Thank you for sharing this Sherri. Truly inspiring.
Posted by: Chandrika | Jan 17, 2011 at 10:10 PM
hello sherrie..u must be forgot me but i remind you my name again myself is teena & i am as an academic supporter in rajasthan for prep program.u visited our school on dec.9th 2010..i was watching the photos from visit..i just wanted to requst you to upload few more photos of yr visit..so i can show it to my school..if u dont mind..thanks very much..regards & happy new year2011..teena panwar
Posted by: teena panwar | Jan 21, 2011 at 04:40 AM
hi teena, here are the additional pictures! sorry for the delay, i did not receive notice of your comment :)
Posted by: sherrie nguyen | Mar 23, 2011 at 05:10 AM
hi teena, here are the other pictures. sorry for the delay as i did not receive notice of the comment. enjoy! http://www.flickr.com/photos/10115848@N03/sets/72157625746251796/
Posted by: sherrie nguyen | Mar 23, 2011 at 05:11 AM