Empowering Women's with Sustainable Livelihood

My name is Cristina Principe, and I am a British-Italian documentary filmmaker and writer.

During my recent trip to Rajasthan, I had the pleasure of meeting the RSKS team to learn more about their beautiful work in supporting girls through education and social development. It was a deeply meaningful experience that allowed me to witness firsthand the care, structure, and humanity with which the organisation serves local communities.

Our day began in the morning at the RSKS office in Ajmer, where I was warmly welcomed with tea and biscuits, and staff meet and greet. The team introduced me to the organisation's mission and explained more about the different programmes and centres they run. From the very beginning, I was struck by the kindness, professionalism, and genuine dedication of everyone I met.

I was then accompanied by Team RSKS to the first centre in the village. There, I was greeted by the girls and staff involved in a sewing and skills development programme. The girls are learning not only how to sew garments, but also the basics of marketing, so they can eventually sell the clothes they create.

Each girl is provided with a sewing machine by the centre and supported throughout her learning journey.

I was incredibly touched by the warmth with which the girls and the teacher welcomed me. They showed me the garments they had made, taught me how to sew, dressed me in a traditional Rajasthani outfit, and made me feel like part of their family. The time I spent there was so special that, two days later, I decided to return to the centre to spend more time with them. After that, we visited another RSKS education centre, this time for younger girls between the ages of 10 and 19. The girls welcomed me with a beautiful song, flower garlands, and performances of dances and songs they love to do in their free time.

The centre was full of their drawings and creative work, and it felt like a vibrant, joyful, and safe place where they could learn, express themselves, and spend meaningful time with their educators.

Following a lunch break, we visited a third centre in another village, where girls of a similar age are provided with English education. The foundation supports them with backpacks, age-appropriate learning books, pencils, and colouring materials. The walls were filled with English learning boards and colourful drawings from educational activities, creating an inspiring and welcoming learning environment.

What impressed me most during my visit was the 360-degree nature of the RSKS social development programme. Their work goes far beyond basic education. It includes health education, women's empowerment, creative development, and practical support that helps girls grow into strong, educated, independent young women. Just as importantly, their programmes play a vital role in protecting girls from child marriage and in creating safer, more hopeful futures for them.

My visit to RSKS was not only inspiring, but also deeply moving on a human level. The love, commitment, and long-term vision behind their work are visible in every centre, every educator, and every girl they support. I am grateful to the team for welcoming me so warmly and for allowing me to witness such important and beautiful work firsthand.

With immense gratitude,

Cristina Principe.
British-Italian Documentary Filmmaker and Writer.

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