I volunteered at an Orphanage in India for a week through Helping Abroad. I received the initial information as to where I would be located and a little information about the orphanage and was told to get in touch with the contacts I had been given when I arrived.
On the weeks leading up to my arrival I emailed and called the phone number with no reply. I was not completely sure of where to go and if they were expecting me as I hadn't heard anything in months.
I got a taxi to the orphanage. The taxi driver had no idea where to go and we ended up having to pick up a local in a nearby village who showed us the way.
I arrived and the orphanage staff had no knowledge of my arrival. They had not heard anything from Helping Abroad and seemed very confused when I showed them the emails I had been sent.
They were kind enough to give me a bed and allow me to assist with the running of the orphanage and the schooling of the children for the week however I feel my experience would have been far greater if they had known about my arrival and were prepared to allow me to help out more.
On my final day there they asked me for a donation to cover the costs of me staying there. I was aware that the money I had previously paid Helping Abroad had all gone to the orphanage in order to cover this. They said they had not received any money. We rung the contact number I had and a man who answered hardly explained the situation but just told me I had to pay what they were asking. I ended up paying an extra $120 USD on top of the $250 I had already paid before my arrival.
The staff at the orphanage told me they would love to have me back but next time I would be better off organising my visit directly through them rather than Helping Abroad.
I emailed Helping Abroad when I got back to Jaipur and never received any kind of response clarifying what happened and where my money went.
I cannot recommend the experience of helping in an Indian orphanage enough however be very sceptical of the companies that organise these programmes. Helping Abroad offered no assistance and just took my money which could have gone a long way to helping the orphanage. I encourage those looking to do something similar to look further into volunteer programs and if possible organise them directly with the place you will be volunteering at.
Helping Abroad
Helping Abroad, a 501 C 3, is an international volunteer organization. Our goal is to offer safe, affordable, and life-changing volunteer abroad experiences supporting local orphanages, environmental projects, schools, grassroots organizations, and communities in need across the world. Helping Abroad presently runs incredible volunteer abroad program in 20 countries around the world.
Hi I'm Hanna from Paris,
I went for two weeks in Sri Lanka , in Galle , to volunteer to teach English in a Monastery.
When I arrived my coordinator arranged a night at a host family who was very nice and make me feel at ease. The children were very cute , and taught me a couple of Sinhalese words. The next morning I could choose at what time the cab was going to take me to Galle. He was also very nice and made me taste different food on the way.
Once I arrived , Michael - my coordinator- explained everything to me , and really made me feel comfy.
I started my program the next day , the monks were very cute , and I loved teaching english to them.
The people I met who lived with me were adorable , and soon we were a big family eating, living and having fun together.
Leaving the monestry was a very sad moment , they brought us gifts and fruits , and made bracelets for us.
It was very nice to discover the buddhist culture. And I can t wait to come back to this nice house.
Michael and his family cooked very good food , and always brought us tea. He helped us when we needed it , and was like a father to us. It was so nice to be emerged in a sri lankan family , I really felt at home , and close to the culture. I have gained in confidence , and have grown up. The rooms were quite comfortable , and my roommates were very funny , especially my friend Malin.
I m now leaving to Kegalle in the Mountains , and I hope my trip will be as nice as it has started.
I recommend this program , but staying longer , because it takes some time to create a relation with the little monks - who can be quite naughty at the beginning - , and to take working sheets with you and exercises . I really felt like they were happy to meet me , and will stay in contact with the people and the monks I met !
Thanks for reading , Hanna
Love from Paris :)
I just returned from a two (2) week adventure in Sri Lanka. I volunteered at a children's orphanage near the southern tip of Sri Lanka, in Galle and I would definitely recommend volunteering with Helping Abroad. This was the first time I had ever volunteered abroad and my experience was very enjoyable, fascinating and most worthwhile. The administrative fees and the fee paid to the host family for meals and accommodations were fair and reasonable, compared to other volunteering placement organizations I had researched. Although the initial support from the organization was very basic, I did not find I was lacking any information or needed anything that wasn't provided before, during or after my volunteer placement.
Helping Abroad's in-Country Volunteer Coordinator and Father in the host family, Michael, was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, kind and most accommodating. Michael's wife and family were so enjoyable and pleasant....they certainly made my experience most memorable, comfortable and exciting. The meals were absolutely delicious and bountiful and the accommodations were comfortable. Michael was always available to answer questions and/or provide anything that was needed. He was truly a gentleman and I couldn't have asked for a better host.
My experience at the orphanage was exactly what I wanted. I spent the morning working with the 3-5 year old children and then was able to spend the afternoon exploring the beauty and wonderful sights of Sri Lanka, especially the gorgeous beaches. The kids were great...they were so excited to see me every morning, which truly melted my heart. Even though they did not speak much English, they were eager to repeat and learn English words and phrases. With the language barrier, I found it best to speak with my heart.
I had brought some monetary donations with me for the orphanage, but rather than give the funds directly to the orphanage, we decided to have specific things fixed, replaced and/or repaired while I was there (doors, windows, wall panels, locks, ceiling fans, etc.). Michael was great in coordinating the carpenter(s) and making sure the work was done to the satisfaction of not only myself, but also to the orphanage administration. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Michael and his family! They really went out of their way to make me feel comfortable, while so far away from home.
Michael also arranged for weekend travel for me and another volunteer. He made an effort and priority to provide us with a sightseeing travel weekend that exceeded our expectations and allowed us to see a great deal of the Sri Lankan culture and natural beauty.
I would recommend Helping Abroad and I look forward to volunteering again in the next year. My heart is full and my mind has been broadened to a different culture that I am excited to embrace. Thank you!
I was in the Puntarenas program (Jaco) and had one of the greatest experiencesof my life. My coordinator was very good and always made sure that I was being taken care of and had everything that I needed. I intend on returning again one day and would recommend this program to anyone.
