Longitude

Longitude’s Building Communities program which Ravi and his Association of Relief Volunteers (ARV) have created, has so much to offer to the Dalit community. The villagers are provided with stable, long-term homes and the education to fight for greater recognition and support from their government. Ravi’s continuing commitment to the Dalit community is my reason for returning to Gummallapadu village.

This time around, we are very fortunate to be joined by so many new volunteers. Even before this trip began however, what really surprised me was the large number of returning volunteers (six out of 16)! I think that’s a testament to the uniqueness of the BC program.

It’s great to see all of my friends in the village again. It’s been too long since my hat has been stolen by a rambunctious toddler. And although I’m not proud to admit it, every time I accidentally drop cement on a mason makes me a little happy inside. It’s also been cool to see all the new programs ARV has established recently. In Gummallapadu village, a teaching assistant stays after school with the kids to ensure they are getting all of their schoolwork done and teaching them proper study skills. From ARV’s perspective, building a community is more than building houses. It’s about creating a better future for these people.

Jonathan