11 Months in India: Working with Children at Prime Trust by Anna

When I first arrived in India, I have to admit—it was overwhelming. Everything felt so different from what I was used to: the sounds, the smells, the traffic, the crowds, even the weather. I remember stepping out of the airport and being hit by a wave of heat and noise all at once. It was intense and unfamiliar, and for the first few days, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to adjust. But surprisingly, that feeling faded quicker than I expected. After a few weeks, I started getting used to the rhythm of daily life. The honking, the calls from street vendors, the constant buzz in the air—it became part of a new normal. Eventually, I even began to enjoy it.

Before I started working with the children at Prime Trust, one of my biggest concerns was the language barrier. I didn’t speak Tamil, and I was nervous about how I’d be able to connect or help in a meaningful way. But those worries eased quickly. Children have this amazing ability to communicate beyond words. Whether it was through gestures, facial expressions, shared routines, or simply playing together, we found our own ways to understand each other. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was more than enough to build real, honest connections.

The work itself was incredibly rewarding. Every day brought something different. Sometimes I helped with homework, sometimes we painted or danced or just talked. Being around the children—seeing their energy, creativity, and curiosity—was truly uplifting. They made me laugh, challenged me, and taught me a lot along the way. I quickly realized that while I came there to support them, I was also learning from them every single day.

Volunteering at Prime Trust was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had. Spending time with the kids gave meaning to my stay, and I’ll always carry the memories of our time together with me.