Visit to Priti's family made me feel proud

 

-Berit Eline Folkestad, Sponsor, Norway

 

When I used to read letters from my mother's sponsored child sent by Plan International Sudan, it also encouraged me to be a sponsor at some point in my life. Being a sponsor was a kind of dream since my childhood.

My dream transformed into reality when I became a sponsor of Priti since 2012. Priti is 8 year old pretty girl from Nepal, now studies at grade two. I felt proud once I made a trip to her family in last month. After meeting Plan International's staff, we continued journey to Priti's home on 18^th January 2016.

Meeting with Priti
We reached Priti’s home after half an hour drive. The family welcomed us warmly by garlands and Khada (Tibetan silk scarf). They offered us a cup of aromatic tea (tea boiled together with ginger cinnamon) and some fresh apples.

With Priti at her home

Seeing all the arrangements, I got sense that Priti’s family was trying to do the best possible to make me feel comfortable. What I was experiencing there was beyond my imagination, because I was never cared or honored in such a nicer way.

After the welcome, we did chat about the family. I presented some gifts to them as a token of love.

Earthquake, but Priti is safe 
At a talk with family, Priti shared her experiences about Nepal’s Earthquake that struck in April 2015. During the quake time, she was playing inside her house and suddenly everything started to tremble. She had no idea what was going on. Her mother pulled her out of house and remained safe. It was a terrible shock to her and family.  

Enjoyed every moments

Each moments became pleasant to us during the visit. I taught few English alphabets and words to Priti. She was curious and nervous while learning. However, despite the huge language barrier, she enjoyed a lot and me too. I felt language doesn't block us to feel, we communicated through sentiments and emotions. The local people gathered were also stunned to see what we were doing at the premises of Priti's house.

Little support brings hope

Priti's mother has engaged in cooperative organization that was promoted by Plan International. She saves money regularly at the cooperative and can borrow at time of need. Plan International has also provided educational materials to Priti. These supports have brought hope in their lives.

Difficult to say goodbye

Spending almost one and half hour, I left Priti’s home with heavy heart and promised to see next time. I asked her to keep sending letters and photos through Plan International.   

Sense of pride  

Children at an Early Childhood and Education Development Center

supported by Plan International 

While returning from her home I realised that my little support has contributed in the lives of children at her community. Not only Priti, but also other children have received educational materials from Plan International where she lives. Many women at her community are engaged in income raising activities through women groups and cooperatives. This gave me real sense of contentment and made me feel proud.

(The blog was written by Plan International staff based on talk with Berit Eline Folkestad during her visit to Makwanpur, Nepal)