I went with this program to Jaipur, India the summer of 2014 where I volunteered in an orphanage 5 days a week for two weeks and traveled around to see the Taj Mahal, Dharamshala, the Pakistani border and other sites we really couldn't miss. At the time, I was fifteen, a few years younger than their standard age limit, but I was able to assured them of my maturity and get in to the program with a 17 year-old friend of mine. Both our parents were nervous to send their teenage daughters half-way around the world to India, but we found Sankalp to be really safe and enlightening. The volunteering was very rewarding and authentic, it was unlike anything else I'd ever experienced. The children are in such need of simple care and love, it was incredible to feel like I was making a difference in someone's life every day. Sankalp provided transportation to and from volunteer locations every day for each of the programs in Jaipur. In the afternoons and weekends, we were free to discover Jaipur and its surroundings for ourselves as long as we were back at the house by curfew (9 pm on weekdays). This allowed for exploration of the Bazaars, nearby temples, and forts. The other volunteers were all very friendly and I made several long lasting friendships. The volunteer housing was comfortable, we slept in bunk beds and shared bathrooms with 3 other volunteers. There was air conditioning at night, a kitchen and a living room/lounge area. We had two authentic Indian meals a day cooked for us and were told where to go for groceries to make ourselves breakfast. The travel week at the end of my stay was also very comfortable, we were always well accommodated and stayed in safe, clean locations. One of the program directors, Pranay, goes with volunteers for this portion of the trip. We spent a few days hiking in the Himalayas which was beautiful and refreshing while not too challenging. My family is very active so I had no problem with the hike and volunteers less prepared than I all made it to the camp at the end of our hike. That said, it wasn't easy, but it's nothing to worry about. My friend and I had unusual flights home and had to travel separately from the other volunteers to the airport but Sankalp took initiative to arrange safe transport and help us get to our flight home on time. Overall it was a priceless experience. I never felt unsafe, abandoned or babied. My only regret was that I didn't stay longer.
If you're thinking about volunteering in India, I encourage you to choose Sankalp and if you do send my love to the kids at the orphanage, Puni, Pranay and Anita.
Feel free to email me with any questions,
Clio
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