Six Thirty A.M., I feel the cool morning breeze brush my cheek and hear a faint rumble of chatter and laughter in the distance. As I approach the school building, I see the children leaping with excitement near the dining hall who can not contain their vibrant energy. An echo of “Misses” and stories the students are anxious to share mix into the crisp air. I smile and nod at the big brown chocolate pie eyes smiling back at me. I am unable to follow a continuous stream of thoughts because so many stories are being tossed around.
To focus the enthusiasm, I exclaim, “Good morning 4th Graders!” as my ipod and stereo speakers are swept away by the helpful children to be set up for the dance lesson. Anxious to begin and curious as to what today’s class will bring, the children scramble to their two lines for warm-up still bouncing away with eagerness. A smile overcomes my face and a wave of gratitude sweeps over me from deep inside my soul. I am thankful for the time I have with these incredible children. I appreciate the support of my community back home, which gave me the courage to embark on this journey. I am in awe of this beautiful place that exists in the world and wish for more places like it to come to be.
Education is the key to change poverty. Shanti Bhavan is opening the world to these children. Reading, writing, arithmetic and the arts are a part of their life and replace the misery, burden, and pain of their pasts. This special “Haven of Peace” will enable some of India’s next generation of poorest children to change their communities. Their destinies are no longer determined and they have power through knowledge to make an impact on others. At the tender age of 9, these children of Shanti Bhavan have already made a life changing impact on me.
- Elise Sievert, Shanti Bhavan 2011 Volunteer
