Day 8 Thursday

Day 8

Today we visited freeset in the heart of Kolkata's red light district. Freeset is a business that was starting with the aim of providing women street workers with another form of income. When we arrived the group were treated to a tour of the two buildings (one for the production of bags and the other for T-shirts) we were shown the making rooms, packaging rooms, crèche, offices, printing, shop etc. 

I spent the first half of the afternoon in the crèche, it was interesting to see how the attitude of the staff differs to that of an English crèche. In the uk if a child falls over numerous forms would need to be filled out where here all the women just laughed, picked up the child and let them get on with it. There was also a car seat tied to he felling with string to make a swing and bottles of detol used for toys!

This morning we had forgotten to order a packed lunch so Annie the head of freeset ran to the shops bringing back a selection of crisps, bread, popcorn and cupcakes which I think I speak for all of us when I say it was a welcome break from curry!

For the second half of the afternoon I was up in the finishing department with the rest of the team. Half of us including myself were plating strips from saris into friendship bracelets which are going to be sold in the uk at soul survivor, while the rest of the group customised some bangles as part of a custom order for a french festival.

Before the visit today we were all apprehensive about what to expect due to the sensitive nature of the business. However once we entered the building rather than looking at the woman and seeing broken lives and pain we saw in its place joy and hope.

We will be back there tomorrow and look forward to what it will bring!

Jess x