Senior Couple Help Build School in Jaipur

Larry and Zil Snyder, from the San Francisco Bay Area, took a tour of India in 1998 arranged by Spirit of India.

In the city of Jaipur, they happened upon a run-down school just behind their hotel. Since Larry was a retired professor and Zil a children's book author, they both had great interest in visiting the school. They were greeted warmly by the headmaster and given a tour. The school was in desparate need of repair and supplies and they were currently raising funds to build new classrooms.

Upon returning home, this school and the relationships formed there remained on their minds and Larry and Zil decided they wanted to do something to contribute. Over the next two years, the Snyders sent $12000 to India, all their own money except for a $200 contribution from their church. The money has been used to hire new teachers and teaher aides, for developing new curriculum and offering teacher training courses as well as for literacy programs for girls forced to stay home to care for siblings and scholarships for higher education.

Now, five years later, Larry and Zil are returning to visit the school they helped to rebuild and share time with their new friends in India. They will visit several of the small village schools surrounding Jaipur which their contributions also serve. Spirit of India is arranging their travel once again and is so pleased to have discovered this heartwarming exchange.

Spirit of India's vision is to foster understanding between cultures.

Owner Barbara Sansone states "this story is just one example of how authentic travel experiences can create connection between cultures, one person at a time; and that we are more alike than different in our needs and desires as fellow humans." If others in the Marin community wish to contribute to the ongoing needs of the school, donations can be sent to the Larry & Zil Snyder Donor Advise Fund at Marin Community Foundation. The money is then sent by the Marin Community Foundation to an NGO (non-governmental organization) in India, headed by Ms. Pushpa Singh, who directly oversees the dispersement of the funds to the school for specific projects.

Larry & Zil are returning fromtheir trip to India on April 6. They are available for media interviews and to discuss how others can get involved. They can be reached at 415-381-1056.

(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941

all text & photos © 1997-00,
Barbara Sansone