Visiting India has provided me with some of the best memories of my time at university. I was fortunate enough to see more of the world, but also to make a great impact on other people's lives. With the help of a well-put-together team, I was able to give to the communities of Sainji and the Van-Gujjars while also learning a lot from them.
We helped improve the primary school teachers' English-speaking skills and teaching abilities and contributed to the wellbeing of the community by raising donations. These donations went towards improving Gems School and the schools at the Van Gujjars. We also educated the women of Sainji and the women of the Van Gujjars on feminine hygiene and basic first aid.
At Sainji, we attended a few school days and had the opportunity to assist the teachers with different subjects. We even held a science day, creating various science experiments with different age groups.
We’ve met Lori, who oversees the operations at GEMS School, employs people from the surrounding villages, further supporting sustainability and giving back to the community. Her husband Kunwar, a friendly and kind-hearted man, helped us with transport through the mountains and around Sainji. He even showed us around a neighbouring village, where one of his friends kindly welcomed us into their traditional wooden home. This gave us a unique opportunity to see how they lived sustainably, farming and gathering honey from bees' nests hanging from the outside of their buildings.
I also had the honour of speaking publicly in front of a part of Sainji’s community and the GEMS school teachers. I shared my personal story about arriving in the UK with little knowledge of English. This moment meant a great deal to me, boosting my confidence and sparking a deeper interest in public speaking. Participating in teaching also revealed how much I enjoy helping others improve, which made me consider a career in similar environments.
As a group, we were fortunate to visit Woodstock School in Mussoorie, one of the more privileged schools in northern India. The contrast between GEMS and Woodstock was like night and day, showing how different the education system can be for students based on their background and upbringing.
Whenever we had free time, we explored nearby villages, mountains, temples, and monuments. We spent time bonding as a team, often gathering at Lori’s bakery, where we debriefed, planned, and enjoyed delicious local cuisine and Lori’s homemade baked goods. We also reflected on how we could best contribute to the growth of GEMS School.
One of the most memorable experiences was celebrating Holi, the festival marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The locals gathered to sing, dance, and throw coloured powder while using water pistols and balloons. It was an incredible way to witness the community's joy and cultural traditions first-hand.
Experiencing different traditions and living within such rich cultures has shaped my view of the world. Experiencing sustainable living and learning ways to be more sustainable was also incredibly valuable.
Daniel Istvanfi, a BSc Sport and Exercise Science Graduate