Day 4. Thane District

Rural India is absolutely breathtaking. A vibrant green layer of vegetation covers both sides of the road setting up the stage for a few majestic mountains on the horizon.

Today we are learning about Impact India Foundation and visiting a couple of schools for tribal kids in the Thane District.

The fresh air and calm surroundings create the perfect environment for what we were about to witness. As we walk to the school building, lots of tiny faces start to show up on the windows curiously looking at the new visitors, and others were brave enough to come out of their classrooms to take a closer look at the group tourist that were now approaching their grounds. We walk into one of the classrooms where a group of teenage girls await for us, excited to share their health edu

cation initiative. All the girls are wearing white and blue uniforms with beautiful red flowers on their hair, which is perfectly done in either braids or ponytails. The girls sing a welcome song for us and hand each one of us a red rose to show their appreciation for our visit. Then they proceed to proudly show us what they have learned about nutrition and health in general. There are ten girls that have been trained to be health monitors for their classmates to help the doctor in-site check weights, and heights of the other girls as the doctor checks their eyes and listens to their hearts. It is very inspiring to see these girls help and teach each other how to better care for themselves. I can’t help but to think that out here, in rural India these girls are building a better future for each other.

To my surprise, I learned that this is not the case. Even though these girls are educated, fed, and have higher aspirations for their futures, none of the will live the area after school. Most will never live away from their families, either because of lack of financial support or because is part of the culture, and others will simply marry shortly after they complete their studies. There is no other option. During one of our class discussions this issue came up. When will these girls realize that their dreams and goals will never come true?

I still remember their smiles and bright red flowers adorning their hair. As I wave good-bye I leave with the realization that they will never live this place, and will not get to experience a different reality. At least these girls will have the knowledge and empowerment learned in this school, that will help them face the life that waits for them; a life that has already been written for them.