India 2023

From March 21-25th, twenty-nine students (aged 7-15) from Vittalapuram Village School in Telangana, India took part in our third Rise & Sean Educational Field Trip. Together with 3 cooks, 2 bus drivers, 2 school chaperones and one champion volunteer/educator, plus founders Todd Lawson, Christina Tottle and our daughter Seanna, we boarded a big bus and headed to our “base camp” at Mahanandi Temple.

From there we undertook consecutive day trips to other places of unique interest in the region, such as the stunning Belam Caves, Iganti Temple and Ahobilam. In each of these locations the young students were exposed to the wonders of Mother Nature and the historical and cultural significance of India’s vast and varied network of temples.

The chief goal of the Foundation is to introduce kids to the idea of travel, and how it can open a world of possibilities. We want these kids to be able to dream big and to believe in themselves. Every day was a new educational opportunity and experience — from learning how to swim in 800-year-old “swimming pools” to world geography to English to our tenets of kindness and respect.

Minds were open, minds were blown, and incredible lifelong bonds were created and formed.

We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our generous donors who helped us to fund and facilitate this amazing experience.

Thank you,
Todd & Christina
Co-Founders & Co-Directors
Rise & Sean Foundation