Education to unlocking the full potential of every child

Volunteering at an underprivileged elementary school in Hyderabad, India was a heartfelt experience for me and my technology leadership team. As a first-generation American, I have always been aware of the importance of education, thanks to my parents and grandparents who instilled this value in me. My grandfather, a world war two survivor, once said, “Everything can be taken away from you except your education,” and my father always reminded me that “education is the economic equalizer.” It was with these values in mind that my team and I embarked on our volunteer mission.

The school we visited serves children whose families survive on less than $100 per month, with many of the kids living in homes without electricity. The school itself did not have running water, bathrooms or a functioning playground, and the idea of internet access and smart devices was unimaginable. It was heartbreaking to witness the children’s disadvantaged state, but their resourcefulness and intelligence were apparent even amidst their adversity.

We knew that education was the key to changing their future, and we wanted to help. We started by painting the school, giving it a fresh new look that uplifted the spirits of the children. The before and after pictures are delightful to see. We also distributed backpacks that they would use for an average of five years. These may seem like small gestures, but they were a big deal for the kids and the school. It was heartwarming to see the joy on their faces as they received these gifts.

Our visit to the school reminded us how blessed we are, and it built empathy in us for the less fortunate. We realized that we wanted to do more for the school and the children. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and we wanted to be a part of that change. We wanted to help provide them with the resources they need to build a better future for themselves and their families.

As we left the school, we were left with a sense of hope and purpose. We knew that one day these kids could work in our India office. We may have given them backpacks and painted their school, but it was they who taught us the value of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Volunteering at the underprivileged school in Hyderabad, India was a humbling experience that taught us the true meaning of empathy and compassion. It reinforced the importance of education and the role it plays in breaking the cycle of poverty. We left the school with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Economic wealth may not have a monopoly on intelligence, but education is the key to unlocking the full potential of every child.