My two weeks at CRY started in the first semester of my freshmen year at university. Indian friends who had worked with CRY, and were studying at the same university introduced me to CRY. As an NRI, I had not heard of CRY. The more I found out, the more I believed in CRY. I decided to volunteer at CRY Delhi for two weeks during my summer vacation, before heading to South India to visit relatives. My only concern was if I would be able to do anything worthwhile, since I did not know Hindi.

The first person I met at CRY was Amita, and she immediately made me feel welcome. I was thrilled to find out that almost everyone in the office spoke English. After 2 days of orientation I had a much better understanding of how CRY worked. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and I could see their passion for their work. As part of the Global Operations Division, my first task was to revise the Volunteer/Friends of CRY Club guidelines set by CRY. I learned what is expected of a volunteer, and how CRY works on the international level. A week later came the part I'd been looking forward to, a project visit. Now I would find out where CRY's money went.

Over the weekend, I read the information I was given about CHETNA (Childhood Enhancement through Training & Action), an NGO supported by CRY that works to improve the lives of street children in South and Central Delhi. This year CHETNA is concentrating on changing the attitude of the police toward street children, and sensitising the media and public about the problems street children face everyday. On reaching CHETNA's office, Avik, the development support co-ordinator, and I, were given a brief presentation on CHETNA by its founder, Mr. Sanjeev Gupta. I realized how crucial the UN resolution on Human Rights is to any organisation working with children. Mr. Gupta then took us to a recreation center run by CHETNA.

The center was basically a cement room with neither chairs nor desks, but it seemed to be enough for the children. The beginner's half of the classroom mostly consisted of teenage boys who were learning the basics of Hindi-reading, writing, and grammar. The enthusiastic bunch conversed cheerfully with Avik. The advanced side of the classroom, mostly had girls of various ages. Some were learning Hindi, others the English alphabet, and others arithmetic. While the older girls shyly but cheerfully answered Avik's questions, an adorable younger girl started chatting with me. I couldn't stop smiling as I looked at her. As we waved goodbye, it was heart-warming to hear them saying "bye didi." I think I could have spent the whole day with them, especially with the adorable little one. I realized that not knowing Hindi didn't matter as much as I thought, because being human is its own universal language.

We returned to the office, and began evaluating CHETNA's progress through the first quarter. We saw an excellent short film on the lives of street children, made by 5 street children who were now working with CHETNA. The 20 minute film, now being shown internationally, is both sad and enlightening. We then left for India Gate, where countless child vendors make their living by selling balloons, food, and other gadgets to tourists. I joined in a game with them. Although I did not give them any money, or anything else, I felt that just being there for them was cherished as it is something they are sadly not used to. As we left, I felt I had just experienced a day that most people don't have the opportunity to, or rather choose not to.

As I try to describe my two weeks at CRY, I know I cannot record everything I have learned, or even begin to talk about all the inspiring people I have met. I can say however that volunteering at CRY for even this short time has been a privilege and an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I could have never learned some of the things I have come across at CRY and yesterday at CHETNA in the classroom. It is completely different sitting somewhere in America telling people to come to our event or buy CRY cards, and actually seeing what kind of work is being done by the NGOs that CRY supports. I only hope I can take some of what I have learned here and motivate others to do the same. I'd like to thank everyone at CRY for giving me the opportunity to come here, and I again must say how inspiring all of you are. I hope to do you all justice by continuing to do my small part by generating funds/awareness in my community and by someday cultivating the same sense of passion all of you show for your work.

With Best Wishes Always,
Sameera Chilakapati