My mother and I fell in love with this place.
While traveling in Jaipur, we came across “Ladli” (meaning “loving girl” in Hindi), a vocational training program for abused, orphaned and destitute children in the desert city of Jaipur, India. I learned that this vocational center paid children that were vulnerable to begging (and even prostitution!) and taught them skills in craftmaking, a very valuable skill in the jewelry capital of Jaipur. They were also taught Hindi, English, Art, Math, and Dance, and were provided nutrition, medical check-ups and counseling.
Through Darshna Goswami (pictured below next to me), the Project Coordinator at Ladli, we were introduced to Tulsi, a beautiful woman whom, through Ladli, was able to make her dreams of going to nursing school come true. She's in the photo below on the left next to Darshna.
L to R: Tulsi was able to make her dreams of going to nursing school come true through Ladli; Darshna Goswami the Project Coordinator at Ladli; me and my mom.
I also met her younger sister Roshni, who handmade all the bracelet souvenirs that my mother and I bought as presents for friends.
Roshni holds up the bracelet she just made me.
My mother and I were looking to buy souvenirs anyway so why not spend more money here?
I loved that our purchase here was going towards supporting the education of these beautiful children.
All the girls saying hi while we interrupt their math class with Ladli teacher Kamini.
Ladli supports both girls and boys. The reason there are only girls in these photos is because the boys are in other building and unfortunately we didn't have the time to visit them.
The girls mainly work on making jewelry as well as taking classes. The boys work on making high quality clothes like this pretty kaftan that Tulsi is holding up below. They also take classes in another building.
Tulsi holds up a hand embroidered kaftan made by the boys of Ladli. They are in another building that we didn't have the time to visit.
You too can support Ladli by visiting and buying their beautiful handmade crafts!
This visit inspired me to start my FreshTraveler online shop where you can support them by ordering your own custom made bracelet, necklace or even hand embroidered kaftan.
Please check it out and consider making a purchase. I can attest that the quality of these goods is very high and they work with 100% real semi-precious stones. I LOVE everything that I bought from them!
It really makes a very special present for your loved ones and even a greater present for the children of Ladli.
Also.... as a Travel Advisor, I can plan your perfect trip to India, including a visit to Ladli! Use the form below to get started!
