Learning about Poverty in India

                 Hi Everyone, it’s Olivia. Today was a hard, but powerful day. We learned about poverty in India through a Catholic organization called Montfort Social Institution. The impoverished often do not have the necessary access to necessities, such as water, food, and education. The government largely ignores these communities’ rights in the Indian constitution leading to lack of housing rights and inadequate relief funding. This system prevents people from being able to easily leave these situations. One group that we visited had lived on their land for 80 years and they do not have a lot of opportunities out.

                However, there are organizations trying to make a change, such as MSI. MSI tries to help teach marketable skills to the communities, rather than simply giving money. We learned this when we broke into different groups to visit these communities and learn about them. When we arrived, we observed lessons for the women of the community on how to make shampoo. The organization strives to teach the women living in the slums necessary skills to start their own shops. Once they have attended all of the lectures, they provide the women with a small endowment to help them start their business.

                These women, in spite of daily hardship, have a joy that naturally spreads to others. During my groups visit to the community, we taught each other songs. I found myself smiling and laughing with them. They had so much energy and a feeling I can only describe as hope. It is so important to understand that these people are a community with their own culture. After the day, I felt two conflicting emotions. One was happiness from the experience these women shared with me. Their hospitality and excitement flourished love. It was beautiful to see their close-knit community. The other—and more prominent one--was heartache. I want much more for these communities. Their struggling is needless and can be changed. To conclude this, I urge you, dear reader, to think about your own life and think about the countless of opportunities and blessings you have in your everyday life.