Bill Clinton interacts with kids, women in UP village

Former US President Bill Clinton on Thursday interacted with women and children on issues like empowerment at Jabrauli village in Mohalganj block. Sources said Clinton was not feeling well but still spent nearly three hours talking to students of a local school and women from self-help groups run by Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana.

After meeting Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the airport, Clinton arrived at the village around 1:30pm with a group of people, who claimed to be part of his foundation. He first reached Jabrauli Upper Primary School, where a group of 40 children was waiting for him since morning.

During the interaction, the children asked the former US President whether he liked the village and if there were similar schools in his country. Members of Clinton’s foundation apprised the students’ mothers of the importance of timely detection of diarrhoea. They also asked the women to administer ORS to the affected kids.

Later, Clinton spoke to women from the self-help groups of Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana. The interaction was organised under the banner of “No Ceilings”, an intiative of his foundation and “an effort led by his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton and his daughter Chelesa Clinton”.

The women told Clinton how they felt empowered to be part of the self-help groups. After listening to them, Clinton said, “I believe self-help groups achieve go a long way in helping women, children and communities. In India and South Asia, these groups have achieved incredible success.”

Clinton thanked women for the warm welcome said: “It is interesting that we are trying to help you, who are already doing so well. Education and healthcare are the problem areas. We are making sure that people like you get what you need.”

As he was set to leave, Rajpati, a self-help group leader hailing from Amethi’s Sahaigarh village said: “Sir we have come to know that America has not had any women President. Thus, all of us request you to ensure that Hillary Clinton achieves that title.”

While a section of villagers rued they could not meet the former US president owing to security reasons, others were glad the village was spruced up to greet Clinton. The administration filled potholes on the road, whitewashed the school and cleaned the village.