This was my second visit to the Veerni Institute as a volunteer within a two year
period. Since my previous trip to Jodhpur, major changes had taken place. The Institute
had become an independent entity no longer under the control and the auspices of
the Maharaja's Trust Fund. In addition, Veerni had also been registered officially
as an Indian based NGO with its own local Board of Directors.
A tremendous job was accomplished by Mahendra (Director), supported by his loyal
team, comprising Parbhat Singh, Vimlesh and Siona, who together worked day and night
to facilitate the smooth move from the old institute and school to the new building.
My memories from 2 years back of the old hostel included scenes of overflowing toilets
and blocked drains, a grubby and messy dining hall, unpleasant wardens taking care
of the girls and a general feeling of dissatisfaction and even humiliation amongst
the girls. Mahendra located a half constructed building that he immediately recognized
as suitable for 70 girls and for about 4 months he kept his eye on the construction
work to make sure it would all be completed by the start of the new school year.
Together with his team he handled all the new purchases for the building including,
beds, mattresses, linen, school uniforms and more. In addition he employed 2 outstanding
matrons who are on duty 24/7 to take care of the girls in a professional and friendly
manner.
This time, on entering the new Institute, I was immediately struck by the warm "family
atmosphere" of the place. The girls are all incredibly happy and one can feel how
relaxed and at ease they feel in their new surroundings. They have excellent facilities,
plenty of showers, toilets and warm water, the washbasins always supplied with soap
and towels, the dining hall is pleasant and the food nourishing and plentiful.
The two matrons, one young and one older, are in the building day and night. Theycare
for each and every one of the girls in a motherly fashion, worrying about their
health and wellbeing, assisting them with homework during the evening homework sessions.
Medically the girls are monitored weekly by Vimlesh, the nurse, and if necessary
are taken for further examinations and blood tests at the hospital or to a dentist
for dental check-ups.
The girls' days are full, both with studies as well as with a variety of extra curriculum
activities such as computer training, arts and crafts and sports afternoons. In
addition they love to celebrate birthday parties and put on shows with lots of dancing
and singing. I myself participated in the Diwali festival party where they excitedly
dressed me up as a Rajasthani Princess and found all the necessary garb and jewelry
to complete my costume.
One can feel the joy and confidence simply bubbling out of all these wonderful teenage
girls who are proud to be The Veerni Girls.
All are determined to excel at school and express a desire to continue to higher
education. All believe that this is their doorway to an independent life. All understand
that they are in the process of being empowered so that they will be able to earn
a living and be able to contribute to their families in the future.
The success of Veerni takes on many forms which are slowly making a significant
impact on the surrounding society. Two days before I left Jodhpur Mahendra and Jacqueline
were notified by the leading villagers in the village of Megwalon Ki Dhani that
a decision had been taken to cancel all the Child Bride marriages of their Veerni
girls. This is a new and incredibly important change in the mind set of these parents
who now understand the importance of educating their daughters and the impact this
can have on the futures of their families.
One of the aims of my visit was to discuss and brain storm about the future growth
and development of VeerniSansthan. The village families as well as the young girls
themselves are begging to be accepted, there is a waiting list of at least 100 youngsters
who wish to start studying at the Institute. One of the possibilities might be to
purchase land on which to build our own Institute designed to house between 150
and 200 girls. The new building might also have a special wing for Vocational Training.
Together with Mahendra we drove out of the town on many occasions to see various
plots of land and to discuss prices and purchase conditions.
If indeed this is going to be the way for Veernito develop and progress, then a
suitable funder must be found to assist both with the purchase of property as well
as to support the construction of a big and beautiful new building to house The
Veerni Girls. I am immensely proud to be a part of Veerni Sansthan.
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