TOMS!

So this week things have almost formed a routine. But there's no point ever getting comfortable, something will inevitably pop up (although of course, when, where and why will always remain a mystery until the last possible second). So when I found myself handing out free shoes on a Thursday morning, I wasn't too surprised.

TOMS shoes, you know those toms shoes, came to Devnar to give a donation of 1000 pairs of shoes to the kids. Each child got two pairs each (one pair per six months).They were distributed by a charity Hands for Hope working in collaboration with TOMS. The coordinator was a friendly American named Lee who's spent 20 years in India.

Free Shoes! 

Anna and I dived right into helping. The school was a bit chaotic, orders were shouted and generally no-one had a clue what what going on! Somehow the rabble of children were sorted into lines, shoes were taken off and the sizing process could begin.

Waiting for shoes

Somehow I found myself crouching on the tiled floor with an official sizing chart and someone's foot in my hand. No time to waste and 500 kids to be shod. The day passed in a blur of feet, numbers, grabbing shoes and even more feet. Must have seen over 200 feet in a single day, some even had extra toes. Not an average Thursday! It was hard work but I enjoyed being proactive.

Eventually every pupil had two brand spanking new pairs of shoes. It was a delight to give the shoes out. So many of the kids had been wandering around barefoot. The Principal Lily Madam often reprimands the shoeless at assembly as they "set a bad example". She has a particular talent for the disappointed teacher voice, something I'm attempting to emulate. The kids were excited to get them.

Harika from LKG "Madam Shoos!" 

Anna had been hard at work cataloging the recipients' sizes and names while I was sizing and handing out shoes. Lee was so impressed with our work he gifted us each a pair and asked us to donate the rest at Sai Junior College. I'd not managed to see it yet, what a perfect opportunity!

We set off after a lunch of rice, Sambar and Daal. The college is approx 5km away. We drove in the School's Jeep down narrow alleyways (with the occasional cow) and bustling streets boasting a wide array of car parts. Finally we reached the College.

Sai Junior College Courtyard

The college is part of Devnar and was founded also by Dr. Saibaba Goud. The Denvar pupils who wish to continue into years 11 to 13 come here. Again food, board and education is free. Here the students learn a range of practical skills and produce disposable food containers to sell. This helps them generate an income and be financially independent.

Paper Rolls for the plate making machine

"BANG" new plate "BANG" another plate

I was impressed with the college

There we donated shoes for 250 students, 500 shoes.

Bit of brand placement. Lee is to the left, sadly not looking at the Camera. 

Shoes! 

Things went more smoothly here and as the sun began to set we were finished.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time giving out the shoes. it was great to see what s difference they made to the kids. The idea of purchasing one shoe and another pair being sent to someone who needs them is brilliant. It sounds a bit far fetched actually but I've seen proof of the policy in action. It's a worthwhile and guilt -free purchase. They're going on my Christmas list when I get home!

Check out the collection (I'm a fan of the Nepalese boot myself)

Afterwards we thanked Hands for Hope for the opportunity and they thanked us for our help. It was a fun day.

Lee gave our driver directions to another western brand, this time Dominos! Earlier we'd told him the tragic tale of our wild-pizza chase all over Begumpet trying to find a Pizzeria last Sunday.

Before coming here I'd mentally prepared myself for a year devoid of delicious Pizza (this involved eating Pizza as much as possible before leaving). But when I learned it was an option here in Hyderabad I thought I might as well treat myself.

The Pizza cost a fiver in UK terms, at home it would have been at least 15 quid. This and the fact i'd done a good days work justified the purchase. Anna and I also got a Stuffed Garlic Bread to share (this of course managed to be nothing like conventional garlic bread with the added surprise of Jalapenos - you can't have it all!)

The car journey back was slightly tortuous, I could smell the yummy Pizza aroma but not devour the Pizza, typically we got tuck in the hugest traffic jam I'd ever been in! But after a decade we made it back to the school.

Finally I could sink my teeth into the glorious Pizza.

Pizza - what dreams are made of 

As the familiar tomatoey, doughy and cheesy flavor danced over my tongue,  I realized what a crazy and wonderful day it had been. If I hadn't jumped at the chance to give out shoes I would have experienced the joy of giving and the equal joy of Pizza-face-stuffing that day. It's not everyday you see over 300 feet and gift the owners of said feet with shoes that a thoughtful shoe consumer thousands of miles away made possible. Being in India means daily surprises and unexpected adventures, you never know where you'll end up!

Days like this make me feel so lucky to be here!