Mandy’s Experience
In 2014, I volunteered at Sambhali Trust for three months. I was looking for an opportunity to learn more about women's rights and international development. As a white volunteer from the U.S., I also wanted to ensure that the work I would be doing would not be inflicting harm on the community I intended to help. So often, it can happen with international volunteer work. I chose Sambhali Trust because it was a volunteer opportunity that was not voluntourism but a valuable resource.
Even though it was six years ago, I still recall my experience vividly. After my long journey from the U.S. to India, I remember arriving at the airport in Jodhpur tired, nervous, and excited. I was picked up by a welcoming staff member of Sambhali Trust, who took me to the guest house (Durag Niwas). I was greeted very warmly by the staff, the other volunteers, and Govind when I arrived. The guest house is truly an oasis to the chaos of the city. It is a beautiful place with wonderful people. It was also really great having so many other volunteers there. We acted as a support system for one another, and I knew that I could go to anyone at the guest house if I had any issue or question.
My adjustment to India was quite slow. Being my first time in India and my first time traveling alone, it took some time to wrap my head around India. No matter how much I read about India beforehand, nothing could have prepared me thoroughly for the experience. India is full of wonders beyond your imagination (or at least mine!).
After my first week orienting myself to the guest house, Sambhali Trust, and India, I was placed on the administrative team and in the Brothers for Sisters Empowerment Center (now called Fatima Empowerment Center). In the mornings, I went to Brothers for Sisters to assist with English and math lessons. I also worked with seven participants who wanted to earn additional income during their sewing class. These young women gained crafting skills and had an opportunity to build camaraderie among one another. Similar to how Sambhali Trust employs women to make handicrafts for its Boutique, these women made bracelets sold in the U.S. to fundraise for Sambhali Trust. These young women were paid for their time and effort, and the profits from the sales were given to Sambhali Trust. Additionally, in the afternoons, I did administrative work in the office at Durag Niwas. This work included connecting Sambhali Trust with the U.S. to increase boutique sales and find potential donors and supporters.
During my time there, I quickly saw how the Empowerment Center meant the world to the women and girls in attendance. The Empowerment Center was accessible, as it was located in their neighborhood, and it provided respite and a place for fellowship. The support they received and the skills they built while there enhanced their self-confidence and provided them with the opportunity to chart a path to economic independence.
Sambhali Trust is a valuable resource and support system for these women, girls, and their families, and I feel honored to have been allowed to volunteer my time at Sambhali Trust.