We are slowly landing with a great joy in our heart. We lived an exceptional experience and it is the beginning of a close cooperation with our indian friends of Vimukti. Thanks to Arun Lobo, the project's director in Pothnal and our guide during this very intense trip. We came close to a colorful and surprising India. "Incredible India", the Indians say with a disarming smile.
Genuine meetings, skin-deep emotions and the feeling of going explore a different and nearby world because we have to share a lot with these men and women who welcome us with sparks in their eyes, creating a climate of confidence.
Step by step, with the help of both teams (Vimukti Pothnal and ensemble, agissons), we will discover a region and two teams who have created strong and lasting friendship to develop an educational programme for the disadvantaged, the marginalized people in this very isolated area in the North of Karnataka.
We watched, we heard, we gave all we could give, we shared too short moments of the daily life of the men, women and children who were welcoming us. During our stay, it was a great honour for me to inaugurate the "Child friendly programmes" in front of more than 400 people (children and adults) and about ten local and regional representatives.
We brought back a special collection of silk scarves and shawls and a lot of very nice terracota jewels handmade by women in Pothnal. The handcrafsts will be sold for the benefit of the association in the different events organized by our partners. We prepared a sponsoring charter for members who wish to build individual links with a child and his family in the Project. Schools exchanges are planned. We will be writing to you about them soon.
We have our hearts set on sharing all this with you when we meet and particularly at the annual general meeting in May.