Julia Gori
COUNTRY: Italy
VOLUNTEERING PERIOD: September TO OCTOBER 2023
2 MONTHS
Julia Gori is from Pistoia, Italy. Having learnt Hindi from a young age, and with an unrivalled enthusiasm for Indian culture, she’s made the most of the opportunity to get to know everybody at Sambhali.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background? What is your connection to India?
I’ve been in love with India since before I can remember - ever since I was a kid. I started going to Indian movies when I was little, and learning more and more and more! I also started doing bharatanatyam about four years ago. It’s a classical form of Indian theatrical dance from the South of India, first practiced in the temples that has been spreading all over the world. Now I’m an Anthropology student focusing on the Indian subcontinent from social, cultural and political angles.
What brought you to the Sambhali Trust?
I was travelling through Jodphur in January last year, and saw an ad for Sambhali on Instagram. I need to do an internship as part of my anthropology degree, and as I read more I thought it sounded amazing - so I went ahead and decided to come back in September.
What is your day to day like at the trust? What are your favourite moments?
My main focus is teaching English at the Laadli centre. I take two classes in the morning for the women, and then spend the afternoon teaching the children. I really like the moments where I’ve had a connection with students, and have fun with the women or kids. I like when the kids understand something because I’ve explained it - I love that I can connect with them, even though we don’t understand the same language.
Have there been any particular challenges, and how have you overcome them?
Sometimes the women can be a bit shy, and reluctant to put themselves out there. I’m trying to use some of the Hindi I’ve learnt to build a friendly connection, and build a safe space so they are more confident to try speaking.
How has volunteering at the Sambhali Trust benefitted you?
I’ve become better at communicating with people even when there’s a language barrier, and have been learning more Hindi whilst I teach English - it has been a two way street! I’ve also learned to be more open-minded, and more patient - particularly with the kids, where I’ve recognised that people need to go at their own pace.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about volunteering with the Sambhali Trust? Do you think you will keep involved with Sambhali?
Be willing to put yourself out there! Feel free to get involved with the centre, and with the people around you. I’m really keen to keep involved with Sambhali. I think I will come back as soon as possible.