"For an under-served child to break out of the severe limiting physical living conditions and live a meaningful life, it is imperative that the education being imparted is not just about the quality of curriculum but about preparing the child for life ahead."

I have visited India 3 times now and have fallen more in love with the country and its people each time.

In 2007 I volunteered at the Parikrma Foundation in Bangalore, working in two different schools with some of the poorest children in India.

Most of them live in the slums, many come from violent backgrounds where alcholism and neglect is prominent and 1375 children come from 3 orphanges. Parirkma gives them free education,three meals a day, free healthcare and support for the families. Some of these children would not get a meal a day if it weren't for Parikrma.

I found the work they did so inspiring and rewarding and the teachers so passionate. The children were so eager to learn, grateful and they were the happiest children I've met, even though they have hardly anything. Their smiles were infectious! I know I will go back one day and volunteer again, but in the meantime, I realised I often think about the children I met and became close and worked one on one with, and I would like to do my little bit to help. I would eventually like to run further and also fundraise in different ways, for different causes, so hopefully this is just the beginning!

 

Over the last few months I've started exercising more and actually quite enjoying it! Running has given me more energy, made me feel happier and a chance to be outdoors, which I love. I still need to keep pushing myself, but this is a good excuse to keep at it!

The money I raise will go straight to the Parikrma Foundation to help fund and run the four schools they have at the moment in Bangalore. It will help give more children the start in life they deserve, and help break the cycle of poverty that is so big in India. Thank you for reading and I know times are hard so, every little helps! 

 

Take a look at their website for lots more information...

http://parikrmafoundation.org/html/home.html