Hackney reflects on their time in India...

The team are incredibly proud of Deborah, Jacqueline, Ruth, Charlie, Keann, Jade and Ryanne, who have all successfully completed their primary school teaching placements! They all gave teaching their best efforts and Charlie (17) reflected 'it was the best part of being here!'. Ryanne (14) described how the experience has 'taught me to co-operate' with people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as improving communication skills by using body language, gestures and facial expressions to communicate with Hindi speaking children. A huge well done to them all!

Deborah, Ryanne & Charlie after a steep climb to the top courtyard, Kumbhalgarh Fort

Upon completion of the their teaching placements, the group made their way deep into the Aravelli Hills to visit the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort. Built during the course of the 15th century, Kumbhalgarh is an impressive structure resting on an Aravelli hilltop. 'As I huffed and puffed my way to the top, the view overtook me', Charlie (17), it was indeed a hike but one well worth making!

Charlie & Jennifer on the rooftop of Kumbhalgarh Fort!

Next stop was Ranakpur Jain Temple. Spectacularly displaying 1444 intricately hand carved pillars, the group were given a tour of the Temple by a Jain Priest. Following tradition, before leaving each individual made a private wish underneath a marble elephant!

The group arriving at Ranakpur Jain Temple

A very peaceful looking Keann in Ranakpur Temple. Ommmm!

Yesterday was spent preparing for a special leaving party in our linked destitute boys home. After a day of making 200 samosas to be shared with the boys, the group visited the boys, shared their home made samosas and played a selection of games with them. 

Busy making 200 samosas in preparation for a party in our linked destitute boys home!

The Hackney young women saying goodbye to the boys!

As the Beyond Boundaries Hackney Project 2013 draws to a close, in between packing, the group met today for some final reflections on their experiences in India. They drew some powerful observations:

'I didn't realise how such little things could make such a difference to the lives of the children. I wanted to change their lives in a big way, but now I think if everyone does the small things then that will equal the big thing. The big difference I was looking for. I've realised that now' .(Charlie, 17)

'I saw what life without education is like. The people here they live in quite ram-shackled buildings, they share one room, all together, whole family. It's made me realise that back home I have the opportunities to get the education which I need to make my life comfortable and to make the people around me comfortable and the value I get from it [education]'.

(Ryanne, 14) 

We are so proud of all the young people's achievements over the past two weeks and the team would like to thank Charlie, Ryanne, Ruth, Keann, Deborah, Jade and Jacqueline for their dedication to the children who attend our linked projects in Rajasthan. We hope stepping outside of their comfort zone has been a rewarding experience and one which will stay with them for many years to come.

We would also like like to thank The London Borough of Hackney staff team for their round the clock passionate hard work with all of the young people and all of the staff on the ground in India for providing a seamless operation. 

Katherine and the Basti Ram team

Thank you for reading my blog and showing your support for Basti Ram. If you would like to find out more about the innovative work we do or how you can get involved please visit www.bastiram.org email bastiram.uk@gmail.com or call +44 (0) 7515 857 865