Anything but slumming it

Having seen first-hand how children in Goa have to choose between begging and learning, the 24-year-old has made some changes in her home life.

She no longer shops for things that aren’t really necessary, and she no longer worries about the little things she doesn’t have.

Instead she spends time appreciating what she does have, and teaches Birstall’s children to be a little more grateful.

Danielle, deputy manager of Kiddiwinks, spent four months in Goa teaching English to children as young as three.

But as well as some basic language skills, Danielle also taught the children, who have been forced to grow up very quickly, how to play.

“I took some Play Doh and the children made me promise to bring it the next time I saw them; it was, to them, the best thing they’d ever seen,” she said.

“The children are so happy all the time, even though they have next to nothing. It’s like you don’t miss what you don’t have.”

Danielle spent her time volunteering for Educators’ Trust India, and said the trip was extremely challenging, both physically and emotionally.

To celebrate Danielle’s return tots at Kiddiwinks spent a day wearing orange – Educators’ Trust India’s colour – and enjoyed Indian food.

Danielle showed the children pictures of her time in Goa, and spoke to them about how little children their age had.