Uplift Humanity India Summer Volunteer Program

I had a great experience with Uplift Humanity. I didn't really know what I was about to venture into when I first signed up for this cause, but I soon realized what a huge purpose it served. The purpose of Uplift Humanity is to rehabilitate juveniles/orphans who do not have the resources or proper influences to help them contribute and thrive in society. Going to India and helping these unprivileged kids really is eye opening, and it is simply amazing to see how happy they are despite having next to nothing. I am so happy I was given the opportunity to make a difference in their lives, and will forever remember this experience! I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to make a difference in a child's life!

I chose to do uplift because I felt it was unjust that these kids who made a mistake out of dire poverty or poor moral guidance would be stuck in the trap of recidivism. Growing up incredibly privileged in a telugu family, it only felt fair that I give back to the community that raised me. The personal interaction with the kids and the tangible bond you form with them are why I chose Uplift specifically. This closer interaction is what differentiates Uplift from other community service projects in India which are commonly building projects, fundraisers, etc. On the more practical end, Uplift is one of the few organizations with direct outreach in Hyderabad making it an easy choice for me.

My experiences throughout my 10 days of working with the redefined my perception of “Juvenile Delinquents”, reconnected me with the place my roots are set in, and improved my command of Telegu. Often when people hear “juvenile delinquents”, they think of rowdy teenagers who have little respect or regard for others. My perception was the same until I actually met the kids, who treated us with the utmost respect and kindness. These kids opened up about their lives, telling us about who they are, how they were raised, and unfortunately what they did. Learning more about them, you see that these kids are not inherently bad, but, their situation was a result of poverty and lack of a proper upbringing. Furthermore, living in America for all my life leads to a disconnect with your roots, traveling to Hyderabad alone and seeing so many aspects of the city gave me the opportunity to see for myself how the city has changed and developed. Lastly, communicating solely in Telugu for a little over two weeks has strongly improved my command of the language which is incredibly useful for life in Hyderabad. My experience doing Uplift has possibly been one of the best in High School through the friends I made, appreciation I gained, and the new skills that I aquired.

The Uplift Humanity Program wasn't just great-- it was absolutely exceptional. However, I must say that as a part of the Hyderabad chapter- the only chapter that was working with juveniles our age, I was quite nervous at first. After all, the extravagant films and exaggerated news stories of modern media portray juveniles to be obnoxious, unworthy, and rebellious teenagers. This gave me all-the-more of a reason to be utterly shocked when the juveniles greeted us with warm smiles and friendly handshakes the first day we visited them. Everyday as we kept coming back and teaching them life skills, they grew closer with us. At first, it was a friendly yet robotic exchange of broken Telugu . Before we knew it, we were freely exchanging our cultures. They were absolutely fascinated when we showed them some of our "common necessities" like the plenty of dollar bills in the back of our wallets, our smart phone games, and the clear luxury displayed in the pictures on our phones.

Our mission was to teach them life skills, but I believe that the care we gave was more important. Most of the juveniles came into prison because of circumstances surrounding their parents: parents who simply did not care, parents who could not afford to care, and parents who were not alive or known to care. And yet, despite their desolate circumstances, they taught us Telugu when we messed up instead of laughing. They packed up our belongings without us asking so we had less work to do. They waited patiently in their seats for two hours when our bus got stuck in traffic. They showed their gratitude by giving us drawings or wired flowers every day, painstakingly made with little time, limited resources, and lots of love. Ironically, we were the ones with the bigger money, and yet, we couldn't gift them anything that rivaled their presents. It really proved that love has no bounds.

More so than the content we taught, the fact that people like volunteers came and gave them individualized attention is what made them feel loved and worthy, something they don't feel often. And by the tears streaming down every seemingly reserved teenager, I knew that not only will they miss us but also the care we gave that they have so long awaited for- and the care they will likely never get again.

This trip was supposed designed for me to teach the juveniles life skills. But in fact, I learned plenty and grew as a person. It opened my eyes to the poor and unfair judicial system in place that forced countless kids into prison. It made me realize that no one is simply good or bad like in a superhero movie because unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances can put one in unthinkable situations- just like the juveniles. As cliche as it may seem, this experience was so life changing for me that it made me realize what I'd like to pursue in the future as a career: Public Policy. To set policies that would represent the unrepresented and value the undervalued is what these amazing teenagers taught me. Like rejecting a lottery win, I see no reason to pass up a beautiful chance like Uplift Humanity.

Attending Uplift Humanity's UHI's Summer Program was easily the best decision I have ever made. Teaching, playing different games, and interacting with these kids made me feel like I was really making a difference in their life. Most of these kids do not have families so for them to smile and be able to really reach out to me made them feel like they had a brother to look up to and there's no better feeling for me. In 2 weeks I was teaching them about sharing, body language, bullying, and much more but I really though they were teaching me. I felt like their stories and seeing their everyday life taught me to appreciate the little things in life and that will change me forever. The most touching moment of my trip to Nadiad was the last night at the hotel. It was when the orphans rode 30 minutes on their bikes after school, at night, just to visit me and the other volunteers for the last time. At that moment I knew that I would never forget them and the impact the volunteers and I had made.

The two weeks I spent teaching, playing, and learning with the juvenile children were some of the most eye opening two weeks of my life. The minute I stepped into the facility, I was blown away. All my preconceived notions on what an Indian "juvenile" meant were proven false. These kids were some of the most respectful, kind, and determined people I ever met. Everyday I spent with them, the more I learned about them, their stories, and their lives. Sure, I was there teaching them about life skills and morals, but more than that they were teaching me. Teaching me about hard work, dedication, never giving up, and truly looking at the glass half full. As the two weeks flew by, our bonds became stronger and every second spent with each other was cherished. I would have never gotten this life changing experience without Uplift. And for that, I thank them. If you are looking for a volunteer abroad program, Uplift Humanity India is without a doubt the way to go. I promise, it will change your life for the better.

My experience in Uplift Humanity absolutely amazing. The day we got to meet the juveniles/orphans was quite possibly the best day of my life. I think what makes this organization so unique is that through our program, we get to actually form real bonds with each child. They have all become like my little brothers. I also know that by working them and becoming their friends, we have given them a strong foundation that will help them succeed in the future.
Furthermore, it is completely safe, from food, housing, water, etc. However, we also do have a good amount of freedom to explore India and truly immerse ourselves into authentic Indian culture. We also have tons of fun when we go back to the guest house, and all the other volunteers will end up becoming your best friends.
Overall, doing Uplift was one of the best decisions I made and I think everyone else should apply so they can also be able to have this life changing experience! :)

When we finish our lessons, we were allowed to play with the kids for almost an hour every day. This was where we could connect with the kids on a different level. It was nice to see the children as both students and friends. My first day with the kids we played ice breakers but there was still something that separated us from them, but after playing with them in their playground, the next day of lessons was so much better. I personally was able to understand the kids more and talk to them more comfortably.The lessons became less like lectures and more like discussions. The children began to open up more and more each day. At the playground, every day a new story would enlighten me. One day it was about one's days acting in a circus and another day was about being kicked out of their home by the age of 7. Despite all of these hardships that the kids had to face in their lives at such a young age, they were the most happiest people I have ever been around. Their contentment with life is something that I will always remember and cherish. This is a one of a kind experience that I was very fortunate to have gained with Uplift Humanity.

I participated in the Uplift Humanity Summer 2014 Vadodara Program and I could not be more proud of my decision to enroll. I traveled to India after 14 years and not only did Uplift Humanity give me the chance to reconnect with my roots, but the program itself was extremely fulfilling. I made so many new friends whom I still keep in contact with and greatest of all, we were able to help children who needed it the most. They appreciated our efforts and meeting them had a lasting impact on each and everyone of us. We were there to teach them lessons that they could incorporate into their everyday lives. However, they taught us even more. In such a short amount of time, we built lasting relationships with our peers as well as the children. They welcomed us with open arms and gradually opened up to us about their own lives and aspirations. It was such a rewarding feeling when the kids thanked us, asked us to keep in touch, and promise to come back and visit them on the very last day. I am thankful I had this opportunity and if I ever had the chance, I would do it again.