I participated in a one-month volunteer program in Bangalore, India. My Program Coordinator was so great! He was helpful and well organized. He took us to several interesting places and made sure that we had what we needed. He helped me and the others to understand our surroundings better, from an Indian point of view.
The project was great and they did a good job getting us oriented and providing a safe, wonderful environment to carry out our service project. I had a great time working with the younger girls, mostly ages four to twelve, though I did have contact with the older ones as well. We worked to teach English, Math and Interpersonal skills, as well as to boost their confidence in their own abilities. We played all sorts of games to keep the girls engaged, and spent all of our breaks playing with them. I loved working there! The project supervisors are truly amazing men who help people in need (many who others turn their backs on) solely out of the goodness of their hearts. I would definitely suggest this project to others, especially women aiming to help girls!
My accommodations were in a home stay and the family I was with was WONDERFUL! They had two little girls who lit up the house and were all extremely kind, not to mention great cooks! A home stay is definitely the way to go. For transportation I took auto rickshaws and they were fantastic - worth the extra money. For longer travel, the train is a much better option than the bus.
Advice to future participants: Grab onto every opportunity you are given. It wont sink in when you get back that you are actually gone. And make sure to get to know the locals!! They are the best part!
What I will miss the most: The people, food and absurd craziness that I grew quite fond of
Program:
Volunteer Abroad
Location:
India
Posted:
Dec 21, 2008
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