A step outide the city

On day three of our journey we took a step outside the hustle and bustle of Delhi and made a visit to a more rural village just outside the city. On the first couple days the group seemed a bit culture shocked and I think this visit was very helpful with the adaptation process. We were able to see life outside the big city and see what Indian life was like in a quieter, more secluded area. While it of course was still very different, the atmosphere offered something more relatable than the very populated and busy center of the city.

MRYDO Members

While we were here we had the opportunity to visit Model Rural Youth Development Organization, where we got a better understanding of how a non profit organization runs in India with no assistance from the government. They welcomed us with open arms and were thrilled to tell us all about their work across various impoverished areas within India. Their areas of focus include a variety of heath, water and sanitation issues, woman's rights and gender equality and many other problems India is currently facing. They explained that they hope to work on these issues through various projects which are funded by grants given to them by outside organizations. It appears that they have been very successful and will continue to be as they receive more support from grants, the government and also society.

The women of MRYDO

Following the presentation some of the woman who work with organization and have benefited greatly from these projects. While the women did not speak English, through Dr. Shahs translations we were able to connect with them and understand their empowering stories. The leader of the group told us about how this mission has changed her life by showing her that she can run her life on her own. It did this by teaching her how to manage her finances, open a business, and how to pass on the knowledge she has gained to help others grow. 

Dili Haat Market

To wrap up the day we made a stop at the Dili Haat market. Here we all had the chance to go shopping for some traditional India crafts and jewelry or to have a quick bite to eat. For some of us this was out first time bargaining prices which was found to be more thrilling than I had expected. By the end of it had appeared that all of us left satisfied and enthusiastic about what we had purchased for ourselves and for our friends and families back home. Overall, it was another amazing day in India filled with beautiful culture and many learning experiences. 

By: Rachel Francisco