By Charlotte Long
Lucky students from Brentford School for Girls who were chosen to travel to India on a charity expedition said the experience has “changed their lives.”
A group of five sixth formers who have spent the past year raising money for the trip, saw them help run eye clinics for the poor in Punjab, during a nine-day trip earlier this month.
Kajal Satta,17, who lives in Ealing said: “I was born in India and moved here when I was four, but I have always wanted to go back.
"It was more rural than I expected, I didn't really expect so many fields and countryside.
“The trip made me realise we are a lot more fortunate in London, as in India it is not easy to access health care."
The project, “Leaning Vision” saw the students help out at eye camps in Amritsar, Punjab, between October 9 to 18.
The girls were impressed at how organised the establishment seemed.
“There was a positive atmosphere and all of the patients there were treated quickly,” said Kajal.
“I think we helped by engaging with the people who were being treated and creating a comforting atmosphere.”
Part of the schedule was a visit to a college for girls and a seminar on women in leadership.
Muna Ali, 17, of Fulham , said the experience emphasised to her the gender inequality issues which occur all over the world.
Her India experience superseded her initial predictions, she said: “ It was nothing like I expected, it was better.
"People continuously stared at us and we were treated like royalty.
"The respect is something you wouldn't find here often.”
The girls fund-raised persistently to finance their trip, and continue to raise money and awareness for the charity by sharing their experience with students in assemblies and holding events.
Muna said: “This charity is very close to my heart.
"The trip has been the highlight of my life, it's changed my perspective of how I see things now.
“Over there, they didn't have much, but they appreciated what they did, which was mainly family.
"It's taught me to be grateful and to live every moment as if it's your last.”
