Today was a sad day; I had to leave the group in Kolkata as I make my way to Kathmandu where I will work on finalizing partnerships there to continue our international volunteer programs in Nepal.
We have partnered in Kolkata with an organization called Samaritan Help Mission. The org. was created by Mamoon Akhtar who grew up in the same slums where the org. is based. His work is admirable. He provides vocational training for women so they can earn a living as well as provides a low-cost school to children who ordinarily wouldn't be able to receive an education. Mamoon has so much drive and truly is an inspiration. He even moved his family to live at the school to save costs!
Mamoon has recognized the value of our program and has even asked to be our Ambassador to West Bengal (the state that Kolkata is in)! He even mentioned to me that he would like us to have an office at the new school he is building (to be done in three years).
The Kolkata group has been having a great time! In the last few days, some have been struck with an illness but they're recovering, slowly but surely. Alex, Kaitlin, Becca, Dea, and Sam: I had a great time with you and am so impressed by your adaptability and confidence in such a foreign environment. Keep teaching hard and I'll see you when we get back.
-Ben
New Delhi, India
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