I got to know One! through a friend who gave Tania’s contact number. And that’s the way the journey started. I made an appointment, met Tania and Pallavi and got to work!

The first day...I have to admit, I’ve never been that great with children and trying to teach them was even harder. Obviously the first wall was communication but the first lesson I learned was that the children understand more the gestures and actions than the words, and also, that they learn by example.

At that time we didn’t have a classroom, we used to teach outside by the road, sitting on mats and papers. The houses of the children used to be in front of our ‘recyclable’ school. In this environment, it’s hard to get the attention of any child, but somehow we managed.

From these days, I remember very well Sona, Kokila, Ajay and Rahul. Ajay is a small boy, with very big eyes, always write or copying letters. Rahul was smaller, with small eyes and brown hair, very strong, making angry faces and lion noises. He would never pay attention, forever playing. Sona, a nice little girl, very intelligent and very moody. I really hope she learned something. Her mother used to pay attention to what she was doing and although she wanted her to learn faster, she sometimes helped. And my dear Kokila, smaller than Sona and for the same reason less oriented. Like the sea, coming and going, always there, but without understanding why she was there.

Now that I am writing this I realize I know these children...and that they were a part of my life in India.

It was fun, and it was hard; one question always came to my mind: are they learning? Am I being useful? I don’t know even now, but they were there and at least they had a routine. They knew they had books and pencils, and they waited for that...maybe it was just to switch their attention away from the street, their parents, their house—to a pencil, a color, a drawing or some weird ladies, one blonde white one, and the other who looks like an Indian but can’t speak Hindi. Maybe at the beginning they were intrigued by us, and then...we were a part of their day.

Now we have a classroom which is divided for the different age groups. There are many games, memory, puzzles, and we even have color books, work books and toys.

I believe teaching children takes a long time and when they are from the streets it's even longer, creating them a routine and teaching them even the most basic of basics.

I joined One! because I believed I could give something, I could share something of what was given to me though my parents, family and friends. At the end of one year in India, I am sure these children have given me more than what I could have given them.

Sponsoring a child is a great job, and this organization needs this support, but working in the field is taking action. It’s being part of the growth of each boy and girl. It is a great satisfaction when they recognize you and let you into their world. Don’t lose the opportunity to see a smile at the end of the day, or to see them learn how to write. Be a part of it!

                                                               Gabriela