Experiences

They have given us and taught us a lot more

We came to the Sandipani Muni School with the intention of improving our Hindi doing some voluntary work with the children. Our experience at the school and working in such close contact with the children has rendered this trip a magical experience that has opened our eyes to a reality that we couldn’t have even begun to imagine. The school is an oasis surrounded by confusion and poverty.

On the eve of our return to Italy, we are short of words in describing exactly what the children have given us because they have given us and taught us a lot more than anything we could ever have given them. Thank you to each and every child and to every smile that has changed our lives and given a new dimension to the meaning of existence. We are thankful to Food for Life management for giving us this opportunity to come. These children have entered deep into our hearts and we will do whatever we can to help continue this wonderful mission.

Erica and Silvia students of State University of Milan (Italy), Faculty of Culture and Languages.

My first visit to India

I always wanted to spend some time doing social work with children and, as soon as I graduated from school in Switzerland, I searched for an association where I could spend few months offering service. Somehow I came across Food For Life Vrindavan and just by looking at the website and corresponding with the volunteers, I felt inspired. It is my first visit to India but the children made me feel at ease from the very beginning. I was a bit scared my first day at SMS. But I saw faces that would have brought me so much joy in the following days. I was overwhelmed by the affection, the smiles and the joy in their eyes. Even today, after three weeks, this special reciprocation still goes on, in fact it seems to increase with every smile. As my first experience as a volunteer I would have never expected something like this, I feel very fortunate by what has been gifted to me here.

Delia Pisoni, Switzerland.

Incredible Adventure!

My visit to Sandipani Muni School changed my entire life. No better way to describe it. Between the culture and the kids’ yearning for education, I was blown away. Coming from a small town and a very well-off place, I never realized how different people’s lives could be. It turns out that they are very different. I loved the children and their ability to smile through every aspect of their everyday life.

The incredible adventure I had throughout my two weeks at FFLV led me to start a club at my high school. The club will fund raise and bring awareness in our community about the needs of the children that FFLV helps. I can’t wait to come back to India and come back to the school with a major contribution!

Lindsay McMillan, 9th grade, Carmel High School, USA.

The Gift of Love

Working at Sandipani Muni School, I have been able to see this first hand how FFLV is changing children’s lives. And this organization has changed my life too! Around seven years ago, when I visited Vrindavan, I saw Rupa’s Food for Life project and I was impressed. I thought that if ever I get a chance to go back to India, I would love to do some service, maybe serving food to street kids, or singing to the school children. Well, I was in for the transformation of my life! The kids have stolen my heart. For the last two years I have been coming to India twice a year, for a total of five months, to teach English, geography, and life sciences to eager young minds.

Their enthusiasm is contagious and my heart feels fed. I feel a sense of purpose and the joy and peace that comes from that. Food for Life Vrindavan says that they give poor children, ‘the gift of hope,’ but I say that the children give us ‘the gift of love’. Dhat Spencer, USA. – volunteer coordinator, teacher at SMS

The most amazing time of my life

Volunteering at the Sandipani Muni school has been incredible. The children are so loving, giving & affectionate. Genuine happiness abounds in them. Although I went there to aid in their education, I came away feeling very enriched with the valuable lessons they had taught me – how to enjoy life with absolute simplicity, how to live selflessly and how to love endlessly.

Every day the children would greet us with big bear hugs and millions of kisses…and at the end of each school day they made us promise that we’d be back tomorrow!

It was difficult to leave them. Both staff and students made me feel very much part of the Sandipani Muni family and I am already planning my next trip back! It has, by far, been the most amazing time of my life.

Kajal with her friend Kitty, UK.

The land of love and smiles

After my return to Italy I have felt closer to my soul and the many emotions that still shatter my heart. First of all I would like to say thank you for all that you have given me, from the hugs to the assistance, to the smiles and advice, from the warmth to the great opportunity to serve. Coming back to Italy in December has not helped my soul either – everywhere full dinner tables and Christmas trees buried in gifts, but a spiritual poverty all around!

I hope to be able to put the puzzle pieces together, take a deep breath and get on with the battle for survival, waiting for the time when I will be there in the land of love and smiles again. Giorgina, Italy.

A shining light within the India experience

On our recent university study trip (University of Minnesota J-Term Global Seminar, ARCH 4150 – Sacred India: Architecture, Environment, Spirit), it was particularly a pleasure to work with the staff of Food For Life Vrindavan (FFLV) and Sandipani Muni School (SMS) with regards to carrying out the tasks we had envisioned with the Yackel Foundation funds received for the purpose. Your difficult but very important work touched our hearts and we were all transformed by our experience there.

The children of Sandipani Muni School were by far the highlight of our India trip and their joyous presence is a testimony to the success of the work you are doing. I have no doubt that for our students it was a shining light within their India experience and something that will stay with them for a very long time, if not forever.

I thank you for your work, and hope that we may continue on many such collaborations in the future. With warm regards. Virajita Singh, Senior Research Fellow/Adjunct Assistant Professor Centre for Sustainable Building Research, School of Architecture, College of Design, University of Minnesota, USA.

Touching children’s lives

Every day I take my children to school before going to work. Their school is clean, functional, and stuffed with everything imaginable. Living in the West, it was expected by me that my children would go to a good school. That expectation, in combination with the daily routine, leads me to take this blessing for granted. When that happens, I think of the children in Vrindavan. For many of them, it is expected that they do not attend school and never receive an education.

When I found Food for Life Vrindavan and met Rupa, I saw that this group was making a significant difference in the lives of Vrindavan’s children and the poor. Even before I took my family to Vrindavan, (which was an unforgettable experience) to meet our sponsored children, I had the sense of personally and directly touching these children’s lives by contributing to Food for Life Vrindavan. I have been sending money to various charities for some time. You know that the money is doing well, but it is often a bit impersonal–you don’t get to see the actual impact that your donation is having. The opposite is true with Food for Life Vrindavan. My family and I have a sense of connection with these children and their families. It is a joy to share what we have and to know that our modest sharing is making such a profound impact on their lives. I can only hope that someday they, too, can feel free to expect that education will be a normal part of their lives. Food for Life Vrindanvan is making that happen. I’m along for the duration. Kurt Mausert. Attorney at Law, Upper state NY.

Next to nothing

“When I was researching places to volunteer I knew I just wanted to help the most needy. Somehow, fate brought me to Sandipani Muni School. I feel that my service has really made a difference. Everybody, both the children and the staff, accepted me warmly. I felt welcomed and needed all five months of my stay there.

I worked with the staff on different challenges the organization faces and, together, we solved many of them. I am happy that they trusted me and that really changed my way of thinking. I even started to trust myself more. Being among these children made me realize that I am a very greedy person. I have a lot and I am never completely happy, but these children are amazing. They have next to nothing, but they are totally happy when they get just the basic necessities they need to survive. Those who are here for only a short time can never experience what I did and see what I saw. There are many different stories hidden behind those sparkling brown eyes of the children. A lot of them are really sad. I am proud to have been part of this organization – part of these children’s lives.” Petra Stipanic , Slovenia

Pure Potential and Talent

“Volunteering at Food for Life Vrindavan has revealed to me the paradoxical nature of India. And, especially of Vrindavan. Some days it is devilishly frustrating and on other days, pure joy. These children are absolutely incredible considering the poverty, deprivation and abuse many of them have suffered and still suffer when they are not at school. There is so much pure potential and talent in these beautiful youngsters. I started out last year thinking about what I could do for them. Before long the emphasis shifted to the great gifts of love, affection and awareness these kids are giving me.

I have been assisting the teachers in a pilot English program and organizing the school library. Watching them struggling and, finally, breaking through to understanding has been magnificent. Going to lunch with them at a classy restaurant where they had to read the menu and order in English was a hoot. Like children everywhere, there was a lot of pizza, fries, soda and cake. Seeing their pleasure as they begin to explore the books makes all the tedious clerical tasks involved more than worthwhile. It is a great privilege to serve them.” Cheryl C. Giusti, D.C. (KamayaniDevi), NY, USA

A Fire in the Soul to Serve the Children

“My first day at Sandipani Muni School was full of mixed emotions. I was excited because I was starting with something that I always wanted to do. I was nervous because I knew hardly anyone. But I was moved through and through when I saw those little bright faces smiling at me and climbing all over me.

I had read about Food for Life’s Sandipani Muni School before I came to work here. What had appeared to me before as just another NGO turned out to be way more than that. Living and working here has taught me the meaning of the word “dedication.” I met people from the top of the management to the cleaning lady. All I could see was dedication and respect towards their work. There is a fire in their souls to serve the children. With time, I discovered how much time, effort, and energy has been put into making it what it is today. The foundation has been laid strong and there is so much that is going on. This inspires me to dedicate my whole life to this organization because I know I am at the right place…” Sonia Chaudhary, New Delhi, India

While I was on my trip in India, we visited a school for poor children. At this school, during the day, there are 700 students, who were taken off the streets begging, In the evening, the school fills up with even more homeless children and the director of the school, Rupa, feeds them, all of them, every single one, every night, all on a budget of $450,000 a year. Seeing this touched me in a way that I feel I would like to do something to help them. I am writing to ask for donations to send to the school so that they can buy clothes, shoes, books and other things. Jake Ross, 13 years, 7th grade, USA

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to spend some time with all of you at FFLV. These days have been the most serene days of my life, and the children’s smiles have been a balm for my soul. From my side I will do whatever I can to support this wonderful project. Thanks for everything. Stefania, Italy

I want to thank you again for your hospitality. I had an AMAZING trip that will continue to direct my life. Many thanks to you and everyone at Food for Life who helped me out. I greatly admire you, your organization and what it is doing for the people of Vrindavan, and I hope I can continue to be involved in the future. Thanks again and you were right; Vrindavan is truly a life-changing place. Lauren, USA

I want to thank you for making me an instrument and giving me the opportunity to serve the wonderful children of Vrindavan. It gives me great pleasure to see so many happy little faces and the extraordinary work you have done in Vrindavan with the children. Vinnesh, South Africa

I must say I was once again impressed by the tremendous good work you are doing. The children were clearly enthusiastic and excited to enter the school. The smiles and vitality are clear evidence that you and your staff are succeeding in your noble work. It is certainly through dedicated work like this that the world will be changed, one life at a time. Richard, USA

They can be children again

Where to start when you want to write about Sandipani Muni School….the experience is so overwhelming and intense that it is hard to describe it in a few words. The smiles and the singing voices of the kids will be in my head forever and I can only say how grateful and fortunate I was to spend almost four weeks at Sandipani Muni School. What impressed me deeply is that the school is not only providing education, food, clothing, books and medical care but also provides the kids a safe place. The incredible team is always there to put a strong arm around them when they need comfort or help. The school is a place where they can dream and most important, they can be children again! Ineke Zondag, Dubai UAE

I had a fantastic time. I was so impressed with everything you’ve managed to do to help the children that I’d love to help the cause. You have a kind heart and it was so clear that all the kids love you and were appreciative of everything you have done to help them. Zosh, UK

We got your FFLV brochure today. I cried when I read some of the stories. I want to make a lot of money to donate to the girls. Your program really touches my heart. Rupal, USA

The work you are doing is just phenomenal. Your achievements are there for all to see. FFL Vrindavan is a shining beacon. Rampal, UK

“As soon as I arrived at the Sandipani Muni School (SMS) I sensed the magic in the air. I had been aware of and truly sad at the level of poverty in India, and always secretly wished that somehow I could help someone. Food for Life Vrindavan (FFLV) gives you that opportunity to become an instrument in contributing to the childrens’ future, or at least in giving them that chance to live. Just by spending a little time with the children, you receive an abundance of unconditional love, attention and clarity within your mind. Your heart melts and they take your soul forever. Each child offers you the chance to make that change in the world if you desire. They also teach you how to become humane. One can only pray to be allowed to serve the ‘Angels of Vrindavan’ in this lifetime.”

- Taj Bassi, on behalf of The Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness, Scotland, UK

“I was really happy to witness how much you have done for the children of Vrindavan. This project touches the heart and I’m looking forward to supporting it as far as my capacity allows. I want to note that I was very well attended during my visit and all of the staff were simply lovely. Visiting FFL was like a shot of wonder. Thank you for your kind service.”

- Nimai Pandit dasa, Spain

“I want to say how much my experience in Vrindavan meant to me. The time I spent there was so peaceful and happy. The love I felt at the school – for the children and from the children and their happiness at being there – was deeply affecting. As someone who has worked in education and with NGOs in the United States for a long time, I was amazed at how much FFLV has been able to do to improve education and the lives of poor children in Vrindavan in such a short time. In retrospect, although I had many extraordinary experiences during my two and a half months of travel in India, the week I spent with the staff and students of the Sandipani Muni School remains the most memorable and meaningful one of them all!”

- Mona Sanders, Organizational Development Consulting Services, Washington, D.C., USA

I remember the first visit to SMS: the warm welcome of the teacher, my terrible embarrassment in front of the children, so many of them, all in line for a toffee that my wife was distributing, so many thoughts on my mind at that moment; our western lifestyle and opulence…The children’s eyes hurt, they pass through you – those eyes that constantly see never-ending misery, those eyes that have exhausted even their tears. Their only hope is FFLV.

I have seen how the donations are transformed, either big or small. I have seen the new school, water wells, street cleaning, trees planted, food given to hungry women and children. I could go on, but it does not matter, what matters is our help for those eyes. Fiorenzo, Italy

A Flame of Hope

I came to the Sandipani Muni School a few months ago as a volunteer English teacher. I have known about the poverty in India, but nothing can prepare one for the terrible human misery that lies behind the smiling faces of these children at the Sandipani Muni School. Many of them live with their large families in huts made of plastic sheeting over a bamboo frame. In the summer they are baked, in the winter they freeze and in the rainy season the huts are flooded with mud and sewage. The school becomes their home. They are loved, educated, fed and their health is looked after. They arrive in a pitiful state due to disease, hopelessness and the raw brutality of survival. After becoming a part of the school they literally blossom like lovely lotus flowers.

I cannot express the excitement and joy I felt when I met the little girl we sponsor. I met her family and saw the tiny, squalid single room where they all live. It was a harrowing experience but it made me realize just how important our support for this child really is.

Susie Pagani-Phillips, English Teacher, Rome, Italy

When words have no more meaning

“…the eyes of the children search for you with curiosity, they have the desire to discover you, with small gestures they make you enter their heart. Theirs is the language of the heart. They are looking for care, a gentle glance and in exchange they make you understand who you are.

Their eyes are reflecting you, you are lost in the deepness, you drawn in their suffering….. then the joy to live appears, it is so strong that it inundates you and at that point the words have no more meaning. The voice disappears and leaves space for a big hug… the kind that only children can give. Rosita Biagini, Italy.