When I went to visit the Pardada Pardadi school, at first I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard about it, and seen pictures, but still I had no idea. Since it would take us three hours to get there, we had to leave early in the morning. After the long journey to the school, we had arrived. Right ahead of us stood the gates, which were placed directly in front of the school. After we had entered inside the gates, we were immediately directed to the steps which led up to the entrance of the school. And there, we were greeted by five girls, who stood waiting with scarves for each and every one of us.
Throughout the rest of the day we explored the rest of the school, including classrooms, the cafeteria where they eat three meals a day, as well as the playground. Some of the younger girls in primary school even prepared a dance, and it made me smile a lot to see how much fun they were having. And on top of that, I got to see what the school meant to them. And whilst I was there, I realised that each and every one of them were happy, and they enjoyed and valued coming to school, with all of their heart. They valued their education more than anything, and they constantly had a smile on their face.
Overall, I found the experience of visiting the school priceless. I got to see what the lives of these girls, some of which were my age, were like. I saw how their lives differed from mine, and how grateful they were for what they had. I also realized how attending the school could affect and change them and their family’s lives for the better. They could earn an income, and help to provide for their families. I want them to have a future where they can be independent, as well as happy. Because each and every one of them deserves that, just as much as anyone else. And if we can have it, then why can’t they?
