Why did you decide to volunteer with GVI in India?
Thao: Despite not researching much further than GVI, the organisation seemed like no-brainer when it came to my volunteering preferences. I knew I wanted to do something that involved teaching and wanting to travel around India was always a desire of mine. GVI seemed to give volunteers the balance of honest work and the ability to explore the state of Kerala at the same time. They certainly delivered in that respect as the whole trip turned out to be one huge, ongoing adventure.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Thao: The days with GVI were long but very, very rewarding. After quickly preparing breakfast in the busy kitchen at base, we would leave for school at approximately 7am to get to school on time.
Our school timetable involved a morning tuition session lasting 40 or so minutes with the Auxilium students. After this, we took on our roles as the primary source of education for the Manipur orphans - a group of displaced children who were sold to child labour criminals. We would spend the day, or three lessons, with our own small groups teaching them a mixture of English, Science, Maths, Art and Sport. When the day was over for the students, we would make our way to afternoon tuition for those needing that extra help. While we would usually help the students study for upcoming exams or just their homework, we'd also use this time to run art and sports clubs which was a great way for the students to partake in a purely GVI-led program, something that school could not itself afford.
Despite these long weeks, we took our weekends just as seriously. By the end of my time with GVI, we had taken weekend trips away to the Backwaters, Varkala, Munnar and Periyar and spent this time swimming in the Arabian Sea, going on treks through forests, relaxing on houseboats and eating great homemade chocolate. Other times were spent in Fort Kochi shopping at the markets and getting AU$15 full body massages!
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Thao: I had applied for this volunteer program on the basis of having to do an overseas component for my International Studies course with Deakin University. Of course, while most students went on exchange, I wanted something more hands-on and practical as a way of kick-starting a possible career in the international development/NGO sector, something that has become even more of an aspiration after finishing this program. Thankfully, I could not have ended my University career and started my professional one on a higher note.
Ultimately, the impact of this program has interlaced itself in every aspect of my life in the most positive manner. I left the program a much more confident person, richer in experience and very aware of the connections I made with the people I was fortunate enough to meet throughout the program. I am now on my way to becoming a GVI ambassador and can only hope that my truly incredible time volunteering with GVI influences others to do the same.