Why did you decide to volunteer with Volunteering India in India?
Thomas: I decided to volunteer abroad with Volunteering India as it offered the best combination of affordability, quality of program and most importantly for myself flexibility. Most other programs seemed very prescriptive in terms of dates and such whereas Volunteering India allowed me to determine how many days or weeks I could commit to.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Thomas: A typical day involved an exciting adventure on the New Delhi rickshaw / bus network to and from the street children project near Mori Gate. During the day I was afforded the opportunity to be creative in terms of education and a variety of fun strategies (including some questionable singing) were employed to impart the teaching of English to some very enthusiastic street children! The evening were a chance to sample the wonders of New Delhi especially the huge range of incredible street markets as well as things like going to see a Bollywood film in the cinema or touring some of the amazing historical and cultural sites. (Going to visit the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s home and place where he died was particularly moving).
What made this experience unique and special?
Thomas: What made the experience of volunteering in India both unique and special was the opportunity to work with people from across the world as part of a team to do something to give back to others, particularly those most in need. It was the chance to use my skill set as a teacher to work with young street children who are not afforded the most basic of human rights and it was an absolute privilege.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Thomas: Personally the volunteering experience in New Delhi serves as a continuing reminder to myself of how challenging and difficult life is for others and how lucky and fortunate I am in my own life. I will never forget the smiling faces and the simple appreciation of children when I gave them something as simple as a sticker on their books. I should also mention what wonderful hosts Volunteering India were and how they provided the platform for an incredible experience in India.