Inspiration Wednesday

The girls I take photos of will probably never have to be forced to marry at 12. Or leave school to work before they can read. Let's hope these girls will escape that life too.

When my friends Jenny and Dave moved to India a couple of years ago, we were sad to see them leave NYC. But they like to live big adventures and this was no different. Jenny & I had volunteered together before she left and she quickly found a new cause to champion in India. 

Pardada Pardadi helps rural Indian girls go to school by paying them directly for their attendance. Upon graduation, they have an excellent "dowry" to start their lives along with a full education and trade training. They are trying to break the cycle of poverty and uplift young women in a place that needs both. 

Here's Jenny with 2 of the girls when they came to California - first flights, first time outside India, first supermarket!
 

I've supported this group through purchasing their gorgeous pillows (excellent gifts!) and hope you will consider adding them to your charity list. Or shopping list.

For more on Pardada Pardadi Educational Society, visit Education 4 Change

To purchase gifts made by the students, visit From Village to World

To read about life as New Yorkers in India by Jenny and Dave, visit Our Delhi Struggle

Photo credits: all courtesy of Pardada Pardadi except the supermarket courtesy of Our Delhi Struggle.