Reality Gives Student
“I fell in love with India after my first visit in 2013. I loved the vibrant atmosphere, the colours, the music, the food, the art, the clothes, the people…. everything! I knew straight away that I wanted to go back.
So, in September 2014 I did. I joined Reality Gives for a month to work on different projects which included developing the Volunteer and Ambassador Programme, supporting the girls football team, leading English conversation classes and collaborating with students on their dance project. I was given immediate responsibility and, compared to other experiences, I had the chance to act upon my own initiatives! Working in Dharavi was an eye-opening experience. What was portrayed, mostly by the media, as a dangerous and off-bounds place turned out to be absolutely amazing.
All that I loved about India was encompassed in Dharavi!
Volunteering with Reality Gives gave me the chance to meet many inspiring, enthusiastic and determinate people of all ages. I cannot deny that it was a challenge, especially adapting to the new environment, however, it was an incredible learning experience and I really hope to go back in the near future.”
“I fell in love with India after my first visit in 2013. I loved the vibrant atmosphere, the colours, the music, the food, the art, the clothes, the people…. everything! I knew straight away that I wanted to go back.
So, in September 2014 I did. I joined Reality Gives for a month to work on different projects which included developing the Volunteer and Ambassador Programme, supporting the girls football team, leading English conversation classes and collaborating with students on their dance project. I was given immediate responsibility and, compared to other experiences, I had the chance to act upon my own initiatives! Working in Dharavi was an eye-opening experience. What was portrayed, mostly by the media, as a dangerous and off-bounds place turned out to be absolutely amazing.
All that I loved about India was encompassed in Dharavi!
Volunteering with Reality Gives gave me the chance to meet many inspiring, enthusiastic and determinate people of all ages. I cannot deny that it was a challenge, especially adapting to the new environment, however, it was an incredible learning experience and I really hope to go back in the near future.”
Reality Gives Student
Meet Sharda, a student on the Reality Gives Youth Program.
Originally from Karnataka, Sharda moved to Mumbai 15 years ago and lives in the heart of Dharavi with her husband and sons. “I come from a village,” says Sharda, “things are different in Mumbai. City life moves so quickly. It’s hard to keep up when people around you are speaking English. I needed to find a way to understand what was going on.”
“A friend recommended this English class to me,” she explains, “I love learning English – especially in class where we get to read aloud and do drama – that’s probably the most fun part.”
For Sharda, learning English was about more than just getting to know the city around her. “I have two boys at home and their English was much better than mine. I wanted to communicate with them more – now they practice with me so we can all improve together.”
The confidence and skills Sharda is building on the Youth Program have propelled her towards a new career. “I dream of being a teacher”, she says. “I need good English to achieve it. My family have been a great support to me. My sons and husband are proud that I am learning a new skill and that I have plans to build a career of my own. I am looking forward to learning more English and reaching my goal.”
Reality Gives Student
We are a charity providing future generations living in low-income communities with quality education since 2009.
© Copyright 2025 Reality Gives. All Rights Reserved.
We are a charity providing future generations living in low-income communities with quality education since 2009.
© Copyright 2025 Reality Gives. All Rights Reserved.
