Make your Passion your Profession

'Choose your career on the basis of who you are'

Many regions and states in India are highly developed. If you looked around major cities in the North especially you would be surprised by the wealth and development which surrounds you. Not only is the landscape varied and the culture diverse but the opportunities between states and communities are vast. Each region though governed by the state controls education separately and government led schemes for health and livelihoods. This impacts the equality of how the system works and schemes are implemented. With so many rural communities and a ever growing population even on a state level villages and some districts can miss out. Opportunities are often said in England to be brighter for the upper classes, in India it is also true, the higher castes are more wealthy.

Part of the work which we are doing here in Tamil Nadu involves talking about career options after 10th Standard (Year 11), Degree courses at University, Diploma options, CV writing, personal development and training scheme and job hunting advice. Whilst in Vellore are target is to work with at least 24 individuals between the ages of 14-32 to create their own action plan. The action plan aims to help the individual think about their own qualities; strengths and weaknesses, skills and to get them to think about what they want to achieve, their dreams. To help them think about what they could achieve, a realistic plan for their future taking into consideration any issues which may prevent their success.

Our target communities in Vellore, the rural villages of Vanjur and Jebrapet have two primary schools and one secondary school between and many children from the surrounding villages  also attend them. The classes range from 30-100 pupils with few girls staying on past 9th Standard. However  the growing importance in some families is getting stronger in these communities and girls and boys are travelling to the city to continue their education, though the options of course continue to be very limited.

 Commonly known jobs, such as a Mechanical Engineer or a Doctor, are often oversubscribed and thus finding work is an extremely difficult task. However there are many roles within the fields of Engineering and Medicine that are less well know, and many other entire fields of work that are often overlooked, that can provide secure well paid work. On Monday we went to Don Bosco's Matriculation School and held a careers fair. As we were told it was for 9th Standard boys we planned to talk mainly about post 10th Standard  subject options and leading into why these choices would effect the degrees they can apply for later on. Not only did we want to inform them of the variety of career opportunities available to them but to inspire them to think about what they like , hobbies and subjects, what their passion is.Qualifications, education can be the key to their success as long as it is paired with your own interests and personal qualities.  When we arrived the headmaster gave us 11th Standard which was even better. We got the boys to promise that when they think about the next step to remember that you must Make your Passion your Profession! 

 While being in Vellore I have discovered that they choose to study Engineering or Medicine because they are told to and they aren't aware of the other choices. Sassi one of the national volunteers studied Electrical Engineering but doesn't ever and has never wish to be an Engineer. 'I never enjoyed Science or the course, I like Maths though'. When I asked him why he had studied it he said that his parents had never been to University and wanted him to study Engineering for it is thought to be a good thing to study. 'We don't know about the other jobs or degrees, people just know Doctor or Engineer.' Two young boys came over to talk to me after the careers fair to say thank you. One of the boys told me that he has always wanted to be an Electrical Engineer for that is all he knew but now he sees that even in that field of work he could train in 46 other types. The other had wanted to be a doctor but now thought his skills in Maths means he should be an accountant instead. They were so grateful and sweet, I hope to stay in touch so that after their exams we can support them further if they so wish. 

On Monday we also held a session in the Secondary school grounds for 258 6th-9th Standard pupils.  We spoke about the importance of reading and writing and education to be able to achieve their dream. We asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. Out of all those children  they knew 5 career choices; 

• Doctor/Nurse

• Engineer

• Teacher

• Police

• Army

Then we held up 6 pictures of other career choices and the children guessed what they might be and we talked about them. By the end of the session some children said they now wanted to be an accountant or a beautician instead.  We tried to encourage them to follow their heart and to explore as many options as possible before deciding what route to take to make sure you as an individual find work that is engaging for you interests and provides the support you need.

It's easy to think that running these sessions has no impact for their is no instant evidence of change. But it's a start and it's something, a seed of new knowledge has been planted. Even if just one of these children we met on Monday starts to think about the variety of options available to them or has a happy memory. Then it's a success. Why begin to help change happen tomorrow when you can begin today?

The next few weeks will be busy filled with many more of these awareness raising and education sessions. I am so thankful to be here in India. Waking up each day to visit more children and plan sessions to help them gather the skills they need to create a sustainable and enjoyable life.

Stay Beautiful,

Zsofia xxxx 

The greatest gift of all...

A smile is often said to be the prettiest thing a person can wear. Where ever you travel in the world people need to smile. Where ever you go people are willing to be your friend. All around the world their are people who are lonely, who's hearts have begun to wonder if love will ever come their way. 

I spent last week in hospital and while it wasn't the nicest of experiences I was fortunate to meet some lovely people. Dr Harsa and Nurse Mary have the most compassion I have ever known. When I was feeling frightened or very unwell they took the time to talk to me and explain exactly what was happening,unlike others in the ward.  They visited me through out the day and always smiled and said 'hello' even if they had nothing else to say. I will be eternally grateful for their care and support and before I left I wrote them  little notes to say thank you and gave them a friendship bracelet. I feel it's very important to show people how much you appreciated there love and kindness. I also left next to my bed a note for the next patient to let them know that I will be praying for them and wishing them a speeding recovery. Everyone deserves to know that they are adored.

Similarly I have been giving out the friendship bracelets to the children and women who we have been working with. To see their faces light up is a glorious thing. When others are happy it makes me happy. Today is International Happiness Day, a day when all over the world everyone should smile even brighter than any other day. It's such a joy to feel happy. Your heart sings; your feet dance and your mind sways in the wind. The world is light and you float on a breeze. The world moves to the rhythm of your joy. while every note is sung with the voice of contentment. I asked everyone on our team what makes them happy and why they are happy today. It was so nice to hear people talk about themselves and each other in such a positive light.

Sanjeet- Happy to be away from home and with everyone in Vellore, learning and spending time together speaking English.

Michelle- Happy and simply grateful that she decided to leave her job and take part in this wonderful opportunity.

Mac- Feels free to be himself, enjoying the space from home and being in a situation where he can meet new people and gain new and enlightening perspectives. 

Charlotte- Is feeling happy as she has eaten lots of sugar! Each day is special and each day is one which matters and she will always remember. She will only have happy memories of India.

Becky- The comfort and dynamics of the group means she can be herself; free to moan and complain as we are all such good friends now. Feeling positive as her body and mind are starting to get used to India. 

Gill- All the Cows!

Karima- The beautiful moments like now when we are all sat around together eating, laughing and building natural friendships. All the experiences the uniqueness of India.

I am feel so blessed that our friendships feel so effortlessly made and have developed so organically. We are all relaxed, free to be ourselves and when people are comfortable the most magical of memories happen. People, people who need people are the luckiest people in the world, spreading cheer in all our hearts.

To be smiled at is to be given the greatest gift of all!

Stay Beautiful,

Zsofia xxxx

International Women's Day

A celebration to express respect and admiration for Woman around the world

'We realise the importance of our voices when we are silenced' Malala Yousafzai

The first International Women's Day was held on March 19^th 1911. Over 1 million people attended rallies worldwide to mark the occasion.It’s now celebrated in over 100 countries. Restless Development strongly believe in the empowerment of women and girls, that females have the right to education, a right to peace, a right to work, a right to government office, a right to vote. A right to equality across all boards. Women perform 2/3 of the world’s work, produce 50% of the food, but earn only 10% of the income and own only 1% of the property. At the same time, women aren’t participating in public and political life on equal terms as men.

Women from poor backgrounds, from rural and indigenous communities and minority groups are still particularly marginalised within decision making processes and institutions. Not only this but they are more susceptible to domestic abuse and sexual assault due to lack of self confidence and belief in equality.This is something that together we can change. By coming together and celebrating women and girls everywhere, we can raise awareness and make a stand for the right to equality, putting women at the forefront of change.

Tamil Nadu is a shining example of the beginnings of change. It’s a pleasure to be among people who have a real vision for their future, who realise they have the right to make their own choices about who they want to be. In 2012 the Director General of Police, Letika Saran retired. She was the first female Director General of Police in Tamil Nadu and only the second to hold this post in country. She said that from her first posting she found it hard, being only one of two women in this field at this level. It was like working in a goldfish bowl, with the eye of the public and department on you. You had to constantly prove yourself, not just as Letika Saran but as a female police officer – failure wasn’t an option. In 2010 when Letika Saran made Director General of Police, her appointment was challenged by another police officer who said that his seniority had been overlooked. After it had been to court the government reappointed her for the position.

People see Letika Saran as a super achieving cop, people like Letika Saran show the world that they can achieve anything if they fight hard enough. On the Friday before International Women'd day we held a celebration at Don Bosco's youth centre in one of our target villages of Vanjur. The aim was to create a festival style atmosphere for the young women and housewives who attended, to empower them and for them to understand that they too can have a dream which with hard work and faith (maybe some fairy dust) can develop in something beautiful. It could be confidence and understanding, a skill, a job and a sustainable income. A bright future!

It was a truly incredible morning. Around the hall we had case studies of inspirational women from around the world and Tamil Nadu and a chain of paper women covered in quotes and facts all about the empowerment of women. We begun the celebration with a speech from us all which was translated into Tamil and then we music and games with craft activities and a guest speaker. Each lady  make a friendship bracelet and so did all of the volunteers so there was the understanding that we are all connected as friends and equals. We also painted a banner where everyone printed a fingerprint onto the tree and by the end of the morning it was blossoming and shining just like the women's smiles.

I had a lovely time and was touched by so many of women's joy and laughter. It was so magical the way they were so willing to share this celebration with us. At the end of the morning the national volunteers asked the women how they were feeling and if they had enjoyed themselves. The feedback was unbelievable, not only did they have fun and could be care free for a few hours but many told us that it has encouraged them to want to work and to brave. What more can you do but light hearts up one at a time. I hope in the weeks to come we can continue their journey on a beautiful path.

I am so grateful to share this time with so many inspiring and lovely women. They will forever be in my heart.

Stay Beautiful,

Zsofia xxxx

                                       

'Each one of us can make a difference, together we can make a change' Barabra Mikulski

'Spread love wherever you go. Never let anyone leave you without leaving happier' Mother Teresa 

An adventure to Vellore

We're all different
Yet we're the same
We may have different views
But together we should stay.
For if we work together
Who knows what joy we could bring
To those around the world
In pain and suffering.

This first week in Vellore has mainly been about exploring the city and discovering the local communities in which we shall be working. It was also spent cleaning the house for in 2 months a blanket of dust can quite quickly build up. We are extremely fortunate and have a western toilet and a working shower, even if it it's cold and the toilet actually doesn't flush. We also have mattress for the floor and a water filter. As soon as we cleaned it started to look much better and it already feels like home. It feels natural and normal to wake up to the shinnying sun through my bleary eyes and it is so refreshing having a freezing shower.

The Living Room

The Kitchen

Washing up anyone...

  One week down and the sun is getting hotter and the fans are proving not to be very powerful. We have been to visit the communities which we will be working in and spoken to the local schools about working in them. Sadly as it's exam time we haven't had much success in booking sessions for the older age groups. I have been learning to be more patient in the process, for everything takes a long time to get started.  Planning sessions  also takes time as we are a large group and so we must all discuss, which is good just sometimes less action is taken as we spend so long talking about what to do.  The previous team mentioned in their handover notes, which we got a week and half after arriving at placement, that they left a manual of resources and ideas which they had started so we could continue and have a good starting point. Unfortunately this hasn't been found and so we are starting at the very beginning, which may usually be the place to start (Sound of Music) but for development sustainability of these poor communities I fear  our work in these short few months won't begin to make the impact it could have if we had been better resourced. 

We have however made an amazing connection with the Don Bosco's orphanage and have been given 3 sessions a week at the community centre for women and children. I am so excited. The man who runs the centre used to know and work with Mother Teresa. Brother Lucas runs a week of training for the women where they learn trades such as sewing and weaving in the morning followed by an afternoon of study up to 12 standard (sixform) and then they are fully funded to study future at college and university if they wish too.  

This first week and a bit has been incredible, I have learn't so much about development work; to be patient; how to become involved in discussions and have had incredible experiences with the national volunteers as I continue to discover more about this beautiful culture. I am so used to eating with my fingers now, who needs a knife and fork. 

All my love to my friends and family all over the world,
Thinking of you,

Stay Beautiful,

     Zsofia xxxx 

' The English are so glamorous'

I have been in Chennai,  Southern India, for a week now and I am having the most incredible experience.  India has the most beautiful culture which I am slowly beginning to discover, each day I learn more about its traditions and diversity. 

 Tamil Nadu the state which I am staying has 6 practicing religions (Hindi, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism,Sikhism and Islam) and many district languages with the main language being Tamil. India alone has over 1600 spoken languages. I can barely speak one and here everyone must speak at least two, Tamil and English. English is taken as a subject up to the age 15 and any skilled job employment interviews are taken place in English. It's almost a requirement to be able to speak English if you wish to a decent standard of living.

So far most of my days have been spent in a room training with my fellow volunteers however yesterday we were taken on an adventure to the National Park and the Beach, by bus. Indian buses are quite the experience in themselves with brightly colored lights and music playing, passengers bobbing up and down as the vehicle drove it’s self. It was on the return journey which I had the fortune of meeting a lovely inspiring woman called Sharmila who kindly engaged in conversation with me for 2 hours on what I would describe as an extremely tightly packed bus, so squashed in fact there were men hanging out the doorway. I had a night tour from the bus window,  I was educated about the changed in women in India over recent years and about herself, all off which I wish to share with you.

Sharmila is in her late 20's and lives in Chennai (Tamil's Capital) after having completed a Buisness and Communication Masters at University. Unlike many Indian girls she traveled and stayed in another city away from her family but most families wouldn't let a girl move away for study. Since completing 2 different masters Shamila has been struggling to find employment, even though she also peaks 4 fluent languages. I have found this to be quite a trend here, people work so hard to been trained and educated and are still really struggling for employment.

 She told me about her new job which she we start tomorrow.She was so excited as she will be working for an English company in the field of computer programming which means a late start office hour to match English time. She had to leave her previous employment due to lack of respect for women in the work place. The women were paid less than the men with her monthly salary only amounting to 1,500 rupes after they had they deducted tax and other company expenses. To put that into perspective it comes to around 10 pounds. No one should have to live off that. Similarly women are expected to cover up in dress, with as limited skin showing as possible. Other wise  they are seen to be attracting dangerous attention and they would be at risk of sexual abuse and rape.Sadly there are high levels in Chennai and the city is viewed as unsafe after 6pm.

As we sat on the very crowded bus (men hanging out the door, full to the brim) Sharmila pointed out sights, the best shops, Gandhi Gardens, bridges and so on. She also told me about a Tamil poet who unfortunately I have forgotten the name off. It was very difficult to hear with then Indian nightlife beeping aggressively. The city is vibrant and full of bright colors but especially some buildings are covered in lights. These are wedding centres. Hindi weddings happen for a block of 4 months together and your book your wedding into a slot. This means the lights can stay up for the wedding season and then taken down afterwards. Sharlmia said that it is expected to attend at least 2 a month during this period. 

   The two of us spoke of many things, which would take a longtime to write about and I don't wish to bore you all, however as we become in deeper conversation and we laughed a lot it was as though I has known her for years. Shamila spoke in great detail about how India is unsafe, modernising and full of technology which was so informative. However my favorite conversation was when she randomly, in a moments silence said, 'Sofee why to English girls look so un glamorous, you would look so much better with jewelry and sparkly dresses'. I just laughed for it was true. There I was hot and sticky in a black t-shirt and trousers and she had on this beautiful sari, fresh flowers in her hair and earrings and wrist full of bangles. She continued to tell about the foreign way of eating,as she has been told that all people out of India ate Snakes and half baked foods. I din't wish to disappoint but I informed her that I tend to fully cook my food and have never eaten a snake.

The bus journey was over 2 hours so a friendship had time to be built. As you can see we took a photo, which really emphasizes our different shades of skin. As we looked at it together Shamila exclaimed that she wishes she was lighter and that she uses a whitening cream on her body like nearly all city women. 'Lighter skin is more beautiful'  I was shocked and I will admit I had to try very hard not to laugh but then I thought about  how in England we have an obsession with fake tan, be darker and sun bathe! I explained this to Shamila and we both laughed at how different our cultures were but also just how similar, women are changing their skin tone with the hope to find more beauty. But as I always say, the most important beauty is inside yourself. This we both agreed on, even though I must find some glamorous clothes.

Stay Beautiful,

          Zsofia xxxx

Spreading Friendship

So the day is near, tomorrow I leave for Tamil Nadu India. It is safe to say I am anxious but at the same time I feel as free as a little swallow. As Noel Streatfeild  liked describe the feeling, I am dog maddish and cotton woolish inside. Oh how I used to adore reading her book 'Ballet Shoes'. Anyway, the hours are ticking away until I depart and before I do I thought I would share a few ways I have prepared for my trip to keep my worries at bay.

Happy List I wrote a list of things to be grateful for and that make me happy when I am upset or anxious to take with me on my trip.

Music List A playlist of songs on my little mp3 which will give m energy, smiles and instant sparkles in my heart.

Letters to Loved ones I have been busy writing some poems and letter to my closest of friends to keep while I am away, for I don't know how much communication I will have back home. For others who I haven't been able to see I have tried my best to writing a text message with a short heart felt message in. I worry that I will be away from friends and family when they might need a day brightening so I hope that when they are sad they can read this and it will hopefully bring a smile.

Happiness Jars As I showed in my previous blog entry I made happiness jars and filled them with yummy treats and messages. The idea is that you give it to a friend and they can write down when something good happens, a merry moment and when they are under the weather they can read them and (fingers crossed) feel better.

Leaving'Fundraising Meal On Sunday I held a fundraising meal at the local Indian Restaurant (Ally's Balti) and invited everyone who i wanted to say goodbye to before I left. The Restaurant kindly gave 15% of the final bill to Worldwide Cancer Research and donated a voucher for a meal for two as a raffle prize. Over all we raised £152 and I am so grateful for everyone who came, it was so lovely to say goodbye to friends and family. Off course unfortunately not everyone could but I was over whelmed by how many did wish to attend. Some even gave me pressies!!!

Keep Sake Box My friend Lucy and her family actually gave me this as a leaving gift. The box has photos of us on the lid and when I received it I couldn't help but cry. Inside I have put some items and notes which I know will cheer me up if I get anxious and some photos of my loved ones.

Contact List I am hoping to be able to keep a journal whilst I am away and maybe send some letters home.So I have made a list of addresses and phone number of everyone I may want to contact when I am away in India.

Friendship Bracelets I decided to start a friendship chain between the UK and Tamil Nadu, I don't know how successful it will be but we can only try. So I am making beautiful friendship bracelets and will give them to a child in India as a gift from someone in the UK. I have now had over 100 people ask for a bracelet to be given in their name. I will try and maybe get them to write back in return or record a thank you message. We all need a reason to smile sometimes and these children are living in some of the poorest conditions in the world. Over 1.4 billion people are living in absolute poverty globally. The least we can do is be their friend. If you would like a bracelet just comment and let me know what colours.

Stay Beautiful,

Zsofia xxxx

Happiness in a Jar

The most Important thing in life is Happiness, to own the feeling of joy within ourselves- it's all that matters!

As the days get closer to my departure to India, I have felt myself getting more anxious inside. And when I am more anxious I become more self critical. When I am more self critical I become sad and it's hard to find reason to be happy. But I need to be happy, I need to be cheerful for the world already has enough sadness. The world needs more happy people, the world needs kindness for others and for ourselves. I find it hardest to be kind to myself, especially when I am anxious and I get all nervous and wound up. So I always try to remember that I am alive, I have a wonderful family and home and so many reasons to be thankful and I also have people who love me and depend on me.

I have written letters for my loved ones and created these jars with hearts in so that they know that no matter how far away I may be that I am thinking of them and love them with all my heart. These jars I feel can go two ways, they can be filled with treats and messages for a friend as a gift, such as a little candle and some home made cookies. Or as a personal happiness jar, where everyday or week you write down something that you are thankful for or something that makes you happy and place it inside. When you are sad or upset simply read it to yourself. It's amazing the power positive words can have on your soul.

To make the jars you will need:

• A Jar
• Some pretty paper
• Some paper doilies 
• Some colored thread
• Scissors
• A Pen
• Treats of choose
• Glitter     

To make these happiness jars are so easy and I think they look beautiful. Simply draw a heart on the back of the pretty paper and cut it out. Then place a doilie with the heart on top on the front of the jar and tie into place with the thread. Now fill with more cut out hearts, some sprinkles of glitter, happy messages and treats. Or for a different idea ass a tea light and use the jar as a candle holder. Now it's all ready to give to a friend.

 I have made a few to give to my friends before I leave for India next week. I have also made one for my dad as it's his birthday soon and I will fill it with treats and messages for them to read.