Friends of the School headed to Varanasi on January 22, 2018, to stay anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.

Each day they have taken a crowded school bus along an even-more-crowded highway (honking horns, swerving bicycles, ox-carts, tuk-tuks (see the photo), the occasional elephant, cyclists hauling huge loads…) to the little village of Ganga Pur and beyond that, to GMV, or Gramyanchal Mahila Vidyapeeth (Rural Women’s College).

This year, for the first time, the school held a college Commencement ceremony.

Let Michael Fordham tell it:

“The first Commencement for the school was unexpectedly amazing. Even more fantastic considering they put it together in this rural area in such a short time.

“Colleges –especially in the rural area like our school, have not had the tradition of a graduation program. But Narayani decided to start the process and had a giant silk tent (over a thousand people were there) with chairs and a stage–awards, speakers, and a cultural program (Indian dancing and singing). It was a very nice experience–there was so much excitement.

“The graduating students and those who sat on the stand wore caps and gowns. You could tell the students and teachers (and parents) felt very good about their school.”

Awards were given to excellent students and teachers. We’ll tell you more about this in future articles!

What else are the Friends doing there?

They’re gathering data comparing our students to other students in the region.

They’re collecting info about and letters from students who received scholarships, for their sponsors

They’re collecting stories and photos of other students.

They’re evaluating the computer lab and looking for ways to improve it.

And they’re teaching English classes.

WHEW!!! You’d better believe they’ll be tired but HAPPY after their 35-hour trip back home!

Here’s a picture to make you smile: a student at GMV School in India, happy to be getting an education!

This is Shiwangi Singh. She’s 19, and she’s working toward a BS degree in zoology–and then on to a PhD.

She came to GMV School in 5th grade…and stayed. She feels safe and secure here, and knows she’s receiving an excellent education.

Here she is with visiting scholar Marilyn Johnson at Republic Day (like our 4th of July), where she was a mistress of ceremonies. Marilyn has taught at the school for several years and taught Shiwangi in high school.

Shiwangi’s parents have agreed that she can finish her education and get a job before they arrange a marriage for her. When asked how this school has changed her life, she said, “In every way the school has changed me!”