Ms Edwards has lived in India for two-and-a-half years and for the past 12 months has worked as an external relations manager for the Baale Mane Trust in Bangalore.

Baale Mane houses 45 girls and supports 25 others, most of whom have been forced into child labour.

“I originally came to India on a three-month internship almost three years ago and got a good taste for the life here but wasn’t satisfied with my limited time,” Ms Edwards said.

“I realised how little can be done in three months so when a two-year placement came up as the external relations manager at the girls’ home I jumped at the chance. 

“I have the opportunity to work with new and interesting people every day and when you are working in an under-resourced and underfunded industry you are forced to use a lot more initiative and imagination to get things done.”

Ms Edwards said her friends and family in Australia had been very supportive of her move to India.

“I’m living in Bangalore which is the Silicon Valley of India and is a very metropolitan city,” she said.

“Sometimes you feel like you could be in any western city in the world and then a cow walks past you on a main road and it reminds you that you are in fact in India. 

“It’s been great having friends and family come to visit me in Bangalore because it’s only then that they can see why I fell in love with this place. 

“Particularly at the home, the girls are all so happy and welcoming that it’s impossible not to get attached.”

After living in India for so long, Ms Edwards said she’d slotted into the Indian way of life well.

“There are many things that are unique to India and it was definitely a big adjustment to get used to it but now I find myself doing very Indian things, like being two hours late to everything, head wobbling instead of giving a direct answer and there are many other mannerisms that many westerners would perceive as rude but when you’re here you realise that its just the Indian way,” she said.

In an effort to raise funds for her organisation, and others that work with homeless people, Ms Edwards in involved in a number of fundraising events including the Under The Stars sleepout. 

This year’s event will be held on October 1 and organisers are hoping to attract 2000 participants.

“All money raised will be allocated towards the expansion of our campus,” Ms Edwards said.

“Right now there are 45 girls sleeping in two rooms and the ages of these girls range from six to 18 years old. 

“We also hope to improve communal spaces such as an eating area, a library and a proper play area. 

“Another purpose for extending the campus is that at present the staff that live and work at Baale Mane are sleeping in the same dormitories as the girls.”

For more information about Baale Mane go to: https://milaap.org/campaigns/sleepsunderthestars or visit the website www.baalemane.org/

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au