I ended my time volunteering in Bir on a high note. The boys had planned ahead and sat "secretly" passing notes all class, which I obviously didn't notice. We finished up the assessment I had created (Assessments on the last day... What a mean teacher!) and then it was time for games in the last 20 minutes or so. The beaming boys showered me with gifts including a journal they had all signed, pens, chocolate bars, chips, cans of pop and earrings. Each boy also solemnly draped a white scarf around my neck. Then we did some pictures and gave lots of hugs.
I actually felt a little bad, as it was also the last day for other volunteers and there was no fuss made over them.
I left in tears, and it was especially hard when one young man announced that he would see me in the next life. I had made it very clear that I was only there for a short while and that I couldn't promise to come back any time soon. I didn't want to create false expectations, or leave these precious boys feeling lied to.
There were ups and downs to the volunteer experience, but overall it is one that I will cherish dearly.
That afternoon I was collected by a cab and made my way back Delhi. The incidents on the bus I've already spoken about, so I won't repeat them.
I actually felt a little bad, as it was also the last day for other volunteers and there was no fuss made over them.
I left in tears, and it was especially hard when one young man announced that he would see me in the next life. I had made it very clear that I was only there for a short while and that I couldn't promise to come back any time soon. I didn't want to create false expectations, or leave these precious boys feeling lied to.
There were ups and downs to the volunteer experience, but overall it is one that I will cherish dearly.
That afternoon I was collected by a cab and made my way back Delhi. The incidents on the bus I've already spoken about, so I won't repeat them.