Hi, my name is Kaushal
I’ve been a volunteer with SiKanda for two months, and I am in awe of the diverse and impactful work that SiKanda does. Through being a volunteer, I’ve been able to travel to different areas in Oaxaca to observe and participate in different projects led by SiKanda/Puente. Seeing the direct impact made through projects like MARES, and how these programs directly uplifted women and their overall communities and solidarity was inspiring. When I visited San Lorenzo Cacaotepec, I was struck by the organization and hygiene of the waste processing site, and by how closely SiKanda staff works with recyclers. Additionally, my time in Santiago Juxtlahuaca in La Mixteca was valuable, where I even had the opportunity to give a workshop presentation on pesticides and learn from the audience members on how pesticides have affected their lives or communities.
My work at SiKanda inspires me to be more active in my communities back in Tacoma or San Jose, California. With my new knowledge, I hope to be able to better serve migrant communities in the organizations that I work with back in Tacoma, and advocate for them in much more effective, intentional, and impactful ways, just like SiKanda does. I highly recommend volunteering with SiKanda to expand your horizons if you have the chance, because it will change your perspectives and expose you to life in Oaxaca.
