When I send my kids to school, I know that in addition to receiving an education they will have access to clean facilities, warm food and bathrooms. Unfortunately, a lot of parents in India aren’t as fortunate. Thankfully, there is hope. Thanks to organizations, like Coca-Cola India and World Vision, partnering together, kids are now being provided with access to water and proper sanitation. Two basic things that will allow these children to stay in school and better their future.
Getting to visit Thimmaiah Reddy Government High School located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, India, was one of the highlights of my trip. Not only did they go out of their way to welcome us (more on that below) but also because it allowed me to see first hand how much clean water and bathrooms for both boys and girls can make a major difference in their lives and their community.
Not having proper bathrooms affects the young girls more than the boys because they will typically drop out of school once they start their menstrual cycle since there is no where for them to properly care for themselves. I can’t imagine my daughter having to drop out of school, let alone because of not having access to a bathroom. Since the Thimmaiah Reddy Government High School now has proper sanitation, girls who had stopped going to school, have now returned to school.
Girl’s Bathroom
Boy’s Bathroom
Unlike my kids who complain about going to school, these children enjoy it because they know the impact it can have on their lives.
From the moment we got off of the bus, they lavished us with kindness. We we greeted by their band playing, flowers on the ground, a line of students on both sides of the walk way waving and smiling at us.
They even performed for us.
As if that wasn’t enough,they also graced us with gifts I now have displayed in my home to serve as a reminder.
Access To Water and Proper Sanitation In Schools Throughout India Is Vital!
Check out the video of my visit to the Thimmaiah Reddy Government High School.
Coca-Cola sponsored my travel, accommodations and other expenses for my trip to India. However, ALL opinions expressed are my own!
had no idea that was so. would love to help
Wow what an amazing experience of a lifetime! It’s so nice to visit other cultures and help in way you can!