Women's Program Progress

The beginning of this week was very focused on work. Monday was my first day working alone. I really enjoyed the time to just stop and see what I could do as my own self, pushing myself somewhat out of my comfort zone. This meant getting a tuk tuk by myself, making my way to the Katputli Nagar slums and balancing English, Math and Computers with the women and the girls. It was a great way to further my own development as well as seeing where the girls were at in their development. Due to Diwali, many are not currently coming to class, instead they are busy cooking, cleaning and preparing for the holiday. We began the lessons Monday/Tuesday by going around to individual houses, prodding the women to stop what they were doing to come to class...to see how important it is to come each day. I can't imagine a life where the world stops in order to cook and clean for my household (maybe for one day, but this is for two weeks), but that is the Western womans mindset...of course.

Our lessons afterwards did go very well once we had everyone in class. Counting backwards from 100 to 0 with women who are so enthusiastic and passionate, but confused, was both enlightening and humbling. And the girls were very interested to hear all about Canada, my family, friends and life there. It's so very different from the life here and I realized (not for the first time, but a strong reminder) that I have SO. MUCH. ABUNDANCE. in my life. This is okay, but I'm prepared to continue to try and simplify my life and use any skills I have to help and give back to the global community. Heavy? Maybe. Important? Very.

 So far in the program, it seems that most volunteers have been making progress, but because they change every couple of months, the same things may be taught over and over without them knowing. It is still beneficial as it helps the women to retain English and Math skills and make some progress on conversation, but it is not regulated in any way. There are two women here that are working on a curriculum and learning objectives for the Women's Empowerment program. Monday, the three of us sat down and went through the Learning Objectives, Lesson plans and project sheets. The lessons begin with pre-assessment tests to see where each woman is at and then has helpful games and lessons to teach along the way, to bring them through Level 1 to Level 4. One woman I was working with from Finland has her Masters in International Relations from Finland and did her thesis on Women Empowerment. The other is a Principal of a school in New Zealand for teenage mothers and those that are pregnant. I not only was in awe of them, but it felt SO GOOD to have such stimulating conversation, on a Monday night, drinking Chai and hearing the buzz of volunteers having other like conversations around us. It made me realize that I want to complete my business degree AND take some courses in Women's Studies AND some in International Relations AND spend some time learning more about microfinancing, but that nothing beats the experience of sitting down in the homes of, and talking to, the the end beneficiaries - the women in need. As I started the Pre Assessment Questions Monday, I asked the women a number of questions relating to what goals they had for participating in the program. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there were three main objectives for all of them: A. To get a job, B. to help with the education of their own children and C. to have a bit of time for themselves.

In my girls session on Tuesday, we ended with a discussion around the question: Do you think men are equal to women and what are their differences? -- the girls that were there all said YES men are equal to women, but that one difference is women do all the housework and men do none. I laughed and said although it's somewhat similar in Canada, often the man shares in the housework and sometimes men are the only ones who stay home, take care of the baby and cook. They were so surprised and laughed like crazy. I asked them what they wanted to be in life and there was one doctor, lots of "teacher" responses and an air hostess. We talked about University and that all of them will go. We also chatted about famous Indian women who are very successful. Kiran Bedi is the first and highest (woman) ranking officer in the Indian Police Service. We also discussed Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Pati, the current president of India. Their futures are so bright and they are such sweet girls.

Katja bought Laxmi (Seema's daughter)
a beautiful new t-shirt to wear

Beginning the pre assessment quizes

Muskan put this on the board when I arrived Tuesday.
Happy Diwali!

Gitadevi getting her house painted for Diwali.

The homes becoming more colourful for Diwali

The girls and I had many giggles over these tongue twisters.

On Maria Thereza's last day, she told us this story, "Once there was a boy walking along the shore when a large wave capsized him and swept him into the sea. He thrashed around, crying "Help God, help!!!" A helicopter came and lowered the rope, but the boy brushed it aside thinking, I'm waiting for God. A rowboat appeared and offered an oar. The boat's captain yelled, "grab on and we'll pull you in!" and still the boy pushed it away, yelling back, "I'm waiting for God's hand!" Just then, a large tree branch floated from shore and offered dry land to the boy. He again pushed it away...and drowned. When he awoke, God was there. He asked, "Why didn't you save me?!" and God said, "I offered you a helicopter with a rope, a rowboat with paddles and a large tree branch my son. You were waiting for my hand and therefore you failed to see that these were indeed my hands and my heart." Opportunities come in all ways, shapes and sizes. It's just about remaining open to all possibilities and seizing the opportunities that come your way. Even when it's hot, frustrating and smells bad...haha.

Pyaar!