TMF now has international volunteers! 4 MBA students and one of their Professors during their exposure visit to Indian companies, wanted to visit one of our partners - education oriented in particular. Raza was suggested for a half day visit. Through a long discussion almost over 1 and half months and a couple of skype meetings, these students - all young women - Stephanie, Jessica, Nermein, Sonia and their professor Joanne visited RAZA on 23rd June 2011.
They were one excited lot and to contain their excitement was a bit "difficult", though it was a great feeling that they wanted to do something for the institution, children, they wanted to give out snacks, teacher aids, etc, etc, and did not know how to go about it. They also wanted to raise funds for RAZA which came as a big surprise! The wonderful part in this is that they had no clue what RAZA did although they were given a brief about the organisation, I am sure it is not sufficient to raise funds for people/NGO however noble they are from a different country.
I guess, the students excelled in their marketing skills to raise a whooping Rs.200,000/- + in such a short span of time for RAZA!!! They had brought along a whole lot of things that the teachers could use, sweets and candies of the children. WE as TMF are grateful for their efforts. Their arrival was welcomed in a traditional Indian way with jasmine garlands, fresh fruit juice and a little chat before we embarked on meeting children and the teachers. They played and had fun with the students and were completely at ease with everyone of them. It was a wonderful experience to watch them become part of the school.
The vocational training students gifted them with handmade mobile pouches and other goodies (christmas came early for them!! :)) They were made to judge a few competitions and give out prizes. They were impressed with the young trainers/volunteers who have played a big role in transforming the muslim children and youth.
The professor was glad that the students chose this activity as part of their exposure tour. This was not what they had expected at all!!! In our closing discussion, the students were, Nermein in particular was in tears, when each one described their experiences. It ranged from unexpected feelings to totally in love with the work with RAZA and its works. Most importantly were the efforts put in and the changes that have been made to give these children a quality english education defying some of the muslim conservative thinking.
We also discussed that this visit should not end with a 'feel good factor'. As future managers they could start thinking in terms of what their 'social value addition' be in their companies and how could they increase their outreach for other of our partners here. The other aspect is how these 4 can promote volunteering and fund raising to their juniors or new joinees. The professor wanted them to include this visit as part of their thesis and presentation for their viva!! and they would be graded on that. I have no words for that! All the four has promised to send their presentations to me once they get back :) Most of which would be in the form of pictures and videos :)
The visit ended with a sumptuous lunch of Hyderabad Biriyani, Chicken Kebab and dessert:)
Mamatha