Goal over privilege: Why this Swiss girl left Dubai boardrooms to coach underprivileged youngsters in India
When Sandra Lavie Gojkovic boarded a one-way flight from Dubai to India, she carried little greater than two shirts, two pairs of trousers and a conviction that life needed to supply one thing past wealth and company success. Years later, that leap of religion has remodeled tons of of lives in a distant village on West Bengal’s Sagar Island, the place she now runs a free faculty for underprivileged kids.
The Swiss nationwide as soon as loved a snug way of life in Switzerland and Dubai, full with a profitable company profession, worldwide journey and monetary safety. However regardless of the outward success, she discovered herself looking for a deeper goal.
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“I realised cash alone can’t make me comfortable. I needed to do one thing that really mattered,” Sandra advised The Instances of India, recalling the second she determined to stroll away from her previous life.
She left behind her condo, automotive and well-paying job in Dubai and not using a concrete plan. As an alternative, she purchased a one-way ticket to India, decided to comply with her instincts.
“I did not know precisely the place I’d find yourself, however I knew I needed to comply with my coronary heart,” she stated.
Her journey ultimately introduced her to Sagar Island, the place she initially hoped to work with present non-profit organisations. Nonetheless, after spending time on the bottom, she felt many grassroots initiatives struggled with transparency or did not create lasting impression.
“I noticed that many organisations had good intentions, however the implementation was not at all times efficient. I felt I may contribute otherwise,” she advised the publication.
Quite than shifting on, Sandra selected to begin from scratch.
Her greatest problem wasn’t organising a faculty—it was incomes the belief of the local people. She spent months visiting properties, persuading dad and mom to ship their kids to high school and explaining why schooling may change their future.
“Folks did not belief me at first. I needed to go to households time and again and clarify why schooling was necessary,” she stated. “Belief is not in-built a day. It takes persistence and consistency.”
These efforts have since grown right into a community-driven initiative. Her organisation now runs a free main faculty for round 150 kids, whereas one other 120 college students enrolled in authorities faculties obtain tuition assist and nutritious meals. Past schooling, the initiative additionally supplies stitching coaching to practically 20 girls, serving to them earn an earnings, alongside consciousness campaigns towards baby marriage, home violence and human trafficking.
Wanting again on her journey, Sandra believes lasting social transformation begins removed from cities.
“Whereas working in India, I discovered one essential factor that actual change begins with villages,” she stated, stressing that empowering rural communities via schooling creates the strongest basis for long-term change.
Regardless of giving up a lifetime of consolation, Sandra says she has by no means seemed again.
“I’ve all the things I would like. The grins of those kids give me extra happiness than something cash may purchase,” she stated. Calling the undertaking her life’s goal, she added, “That is my life’s mission. I can’t think about doing anything now.”
