Meet Bea Yago, Mumbai Smiles volunteer group coordinator, Valencia

Today we want to introduce you to one more volunteer of Mumbai Smiles. She is Bea, the creator and coordinator of the new group of volunteers from Valencia. Her love for India has led her to have a great passion to help in each and every ways that she could to change things in this Asian country. She has even decided to write a book, the profit of which will go to Mumbai Smiles.

Since when have you been collaborating with Mumbai Smiles and what is your role?

I have collaborated since 2019 with Mumbai Smiles. I have always had a lot of connection with India. Whenever I could, I traveled to the Asian country and took the opportunity to make some kind of donation or help to a local NGO. After reading Jaume’s book, I decided to travel to Bombay and get to know the NGO first-hand. Both its history and all the work that is done there moved me, so on my return trip I subscribed on the web, to make small donations.

In addition, in my company I have dedicated a small space for Mumbai Smiles with handmade bracelets and a donation box.

Over the time I thought of doing a mandala workshop for charity and Mumbai Smiles suggested that I form a volunteer group in Valencia. I was excited by the idea, and we are working on that now. My job is to make this group ready to collaborate with Mumbai Smiles in everything we can, from our city, Valencia. We are, at the moment, 7 people.

How did you find out about the organization and what led you to become a volunteer?

I got to know Mumbai Smiles through their advertising campaigns, but it was when I read Jaume’s book that I really became interested in the NGO. I have always defended the right to a decent childhood, children should always be children. That is why I am willing to help in everything that is in my power and what could be better than through Mumbai Smiles. In fact, I have just written a book on India, in which I discuss the situation around human trafficking and a portion of the profits will go to Mumbai Smiles. In addition, the prologue was made by Jaume, to whom I am very grateful.

Would you like to travel to Bombay again to get a closer look at the Mumbai Smiles projects?

Yes, I already went and I don’t rule out going back. It was an unforgettable experience for me.

A message for those people who have not yet decided to take the step of collaborating with Mumbai Smiles

I would like to encourage all those people who, like me, love the country and its people. With very little we can help them lead a better life, we can help children to be children. If you are interested in collaborating our group, do not hesitate to write to us at sdb.valencia@sonrisasdebombay.org.