Last summer 2010 myself and my friend volunteered with shake hands-sankalp for a month. It was the most amazing and enjoyable experience. After researching a few organisations we easily chose Sankalp, as not only was it great value for money, also the contact we had with one of the organisers beforehand was very friendly and reassuring with any concern we had.
When we got to our volunteer house, we were surprised at how good the condition of the house was. The house was very clean and had all that we needed to enjoy our stay in Jaipur. We had daily access to the internet and computer so that we were able to keep in contact with family and friends at home.
Working with the street kids education was the highlight of the experience. Each morning we were collected and brought to our work place and collected again afterwards. There we met the most amazing kids. It was very obvious from the beginning that the priority of the organisation was for the benefit of the children.Sankalp organisation did its best for all the volunteer programs.
While staying in the volunteer house, we had an amazing cook,who made us lovely indian food each night. There was always so much food for us to enjoy.
During my first week in Jaipur I fell sick a little and immediately I was looked after and took to the doctor by one of the organisers Pranay Udawat. I was very well looked after.Pranay showed great concern for all of the volunteers.
At weekends we would go on trips with other volunteers and without fall, Pranay and a few others would help us organise the trips to ensure we got the safest and best out of the trip. On one occassion were a few of us attended an Indian wedding, the organisation gave us the volunteers phone so that we could get in touch with them if needed. We were always well looked after and Sankalp always made sure that we were not only enjoying our trip but safe too. Pranay and the other people involved were always there for any concerns or questions we had. They were always there to help us.
As part of the volunteer programme we also had a two week travel plan organised by Sankalp. The trip ensured that we got the most of our stay in India. We travelled to the Taj, Pushkar, The Golden Temple and much more. We then went on a Himalyan trek for three days. Throughout the 10 day travel programme Sankalp ensured that our, accomadation was of good standard and that we were well feed.
The cost of the programme was 800e roughly. I found that extremely great value for money. It included accommadation, great meals, all the trips within the 10 day programme,transportation to and from the workplace, pickup from Delhi airport and much more.
Since we returned home, Sankalp has continued to keep in touch with us. Sending us pictures of the children and updating us on the programme. It is definately one thing I want to do again. It was one of the most amazing life changing experience. Highly recommended.
