[An experience of a German Volunteer at SADDAC]
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I arrived on the 1st of September 2006 at Daund and stayed there for about four months. Previously I was working for mentally disabled people in Bangalore.The time that I spent at SADDAC meant for me a total new area of experiencing India. Not only that I was living in a simple town, surrounded by a rural area in the heart of Maharashtra, but also the fact that I got the chance to be with street- children and therefore to be confronted with essential questions of the Indian society; and I regard it as a great opportunity.
Generally, to live with children is one of the most refreshing experiences I had. There´s rarely a moment of rest in them, the unbound energy of life is constantly setting them under fire, their creativity sets no limits and their moods of happiness and suffering each appear in extreme feelings. To face this every day meant for me, to adjust in their way of living – and with great joy I remembered my own childhood, and though unwillingly, turned into one in some situations.
On the fact that they were children from the street I didn´t pay so much attention. Of course, to understand the child’s behaviour, the mood and their being you have to consider their background, which is one of the worst a child can have in life. But I considered my role in this small community not in a therapeutic way. Rather, I felt that it is the best to make them forget what bad they already experienced, and to provide them all those life-essential things they had: lack of love, respect, security and an activity suited for the child – like drawing, games and education. I thought to myself several times, "It is not so important what they do. So let me give myself the duty to let them do something."
After some weeks I realised that the relationship with the kids turned into one of trust and reliance. From the part of children I also felt respected. Gradually, I was growing in friendship with the elder ones. This made me quite happy, since it was the proof of a harmonious living-together; and foremost the pre-condition for a healthy authority towards the children.
Of course, the barrier of language and the different cultural backgrounds (including the way of thinking, judging and behaving) sometimes made situations difficult, but I always, and I think the whole crew of SADDAC also, saw in this fact a great chance to overcome clichés and to approach to each other in an understanding way – because at the end every human being is the same.
About the staff of SADDAC – the workers on the spot as well as the helping Brothers of the ‘Society of Jesuits’, all those many visitors and friends – I really have to say that they are doing a great job: professional with the work, authority towards the children as well as the offer of a friendship, creativity in the solutions of the day by day appearing situations and the never ending enthusiasm to be there for others, in a selfless way!
At the end I have to say that I found many important inspirations from the very staff at Daund, specially Sr. Olive, to learn to lead such a special way of life – and I am thankful for that.
May all of you be fortunate!
Till David Schade,
Germany
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