When she left Squamish for a six-month volunteer tour-of-duty in India and Africa, Tracy Curley didn't know what to expect. She knew she was going to be helping people living in harsh third world conditions - and she knew she was ready for the challenge.
But perhaps what she didn't expect was that her simple presence would affect so many people.In an email recently sent to The Chief, Curley recalls some of her experiences in and around Bangalore, India during the first two weeks of her journey. Culture shock was high on the list.
"I have just had the most amazing week," she writes. "I stayed at Myrada's Training Center, 35 minutes out of Chitadruga. It was a five-hour drive and just crazy, we past four accidents on the way - talk about crossing centerlines! Then in the country it is only one lane. Now we were all playing 'chicken' but I swear both [drivers] swerve at the last second."
Curley is volunteering with the HOPE International Development Agency - and has started to actively help with the organization in many different facets. Her first leg of the trip is in an area of India called Bangalore, where she is helping to empower women in the workforce.
"I was not feeling the greatest about India before I left Bangalore but I have a whole new outlook as I see them through new eyes," she said. "The project I have been asked to work on is Myrada's way of providing micro-finance to the poorest of people who live in the villages all over this state. Myrada has a whole sequence of steps to empower the people and especially women. These women are being shown how to become an independent and valued part of their communities - they pool their money and give loans through these funds and get trained in ways to make an income so they are not wholly dependent on being farm labourer. They are living in indebted servitude to the wealthy farmers."
Curley noted that women are being more widely accepted amongst the men in the community, due to the efforts of the Myrada self-help groups. By meeting with many other women who share the same problems, they are making valuable headway and gaining respect within their communities.
"When asked what was the main thing that motivated them to join the Self Help Groups that were being promoted by Myrada, it was to meet other women because prior to that they were not allowed to visit each other (even neighbours) for the men were very afraid. It has all changed and the men are very supportive as there are men's SHGs and mixed groups for the Watershed Projects," said Curley.
Curley will soon be heading to Ethiopia to assist in more watershed development projects, but will hold a special place in her heart for the people of India.
"I have been treated with so much love. It is kind of uncomfortable but they are so happy to meet me. Sometimes, you'd think I was royalty. We have had many laughs and I have to hold back many tears for I am so overcome with emotion," said Curley.
"It was hard to say goodbye knowing I will probably never see these people again and they have touched me so deeply. I do not know what God has in store for me, but I know I am blessed."
