I´m optimistic

I´m optimistic

By Raquel Saavedra*

“I have so much to learn from them…”

Before coming here I was already very interested in Indian culture and women empowerment projects, but since I arrived it has being a fascinating and enriching opportunity far beyond my expectations. Spending time with the women at the Bamboo Center has been an adventure, it´s being an eye opener and definitely has changed my perception of life.

Raquel and Priya at the Bamboo Center

India is a country full of beauty. I have been amazed by the love and care of the women in the village, they put their heart into every gesture of their lifes and enjoy the most simple things, even when they face a lot of challenges and have so many complications in their daily lifes – one of my first thoughts when I came here was “I have so much to learn from them…”

I was expecting to find a lot of grief and sadness, what I found instead is a lot of courage, generosity and hard working women looking forward to improve their lifes and support their families. I have been impressed by their beautiful clothing, their language, their songs, their food… and they are eager to show and share it.

In the jewelery workshop the women get the opportunity to experiment in their own designs, show their creativity, and get self confidence, they always work cheerfully and laugh, telling jokes between them, chatting and singing while working and are never shy to sing a song or two.

Now the world is changing and the barriers are falling, I´m optimistic, and I think that through sharing information people are getting more aware and closer, and are willing to share their culture, their knowelege, open their minds to difference and start to support each other.

I belive that every human being has something to give and sometimes it takes only an opportunity for that talent to emerge.
Joining Pathway to Potential has been a wonderfull experience for me and I´m honored to share a little bit of this with you.

*Raquel Saavedra is a volunteer working for Pathway to Potential in Auroville, South-East India. To contact Raquel or learn more about Pathway to Potential email info@pathwaytopotential.org or check out our facebook page .

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Pathway to Potential is a registered charity supporting underpriveledged women in developing countries to reach their full potential through cooperative enterprise. Currently working in Tamil Nadu, south east India and now beginning to work in Thailand and other parts of Asia, Pathway to Potential sincerely hopes and dreams that this work and model can be shared and replicated around the world.