Message from the
Vice President

Embracing Change and Connection in Jodhpur 

Returning to India for my fourth visit to Sambhali filled me with anticipation, mainly because I had spent the last year studying Hindi. I was eager to put my growing language skills to the test, hoping to engage more deeply with the community that had welcomed me so warmly on past visits. I quickly discovered that while my comprehension had improved, speaking was still a challenge. Nonetheless, each attempt at conversing in Hindi brought me closer to those around me and renewed my appreciation for all Hindi speakers who learn English and get all the words in the correct order. 

Language became a powerful lens through which I saw the courage and growth of the Sambhali community. From the girls in the Boarding Homes to the women in the Empowerment Centers, everyone I met was actively learning, often overcoming cultural and socioeconomic barriers to do so. Young girls were leaving their homes to pursue better educational opportunities, supported by a network that believed in their potential. Mothers and grandmothers, many of whom had never finished school, were learning to read, write, and speak a second language. When I arrived, many of the women at the Laadli Empowerment Center already spoke English at a higher level than I spoke Hindi, despite having only three months of lessons. Women were learning to take control of their health and how to stand up to gender-based violence. Their determination underscored how transformative education can be and how deeply Sambhali fosters resilience and growth. 

Each trip brings me closer to the people at the heart of Sambhali. Beyond classrooms and workshops, the personal connections stay with me; the shared meals, the home visits, and the stories exchanged. This time, Shereen and I had the chance to visit some of the Empowerment Center graduates who now make the beautiful items sold at Sambhali's boutiques, gaining insight into their lives and families beyond the programs. These moments deepened my understanding of the community and highlighted the trust and relationships that make Sambhali unique. Sambhali is a network of individuals embracing change together, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of that community. 

With gratitude,

Ginka Poole
Vice President
Sambhali U.S.