Our new Work Camp programme in India welcomes people who want to be part of a group of international volunteers based in the same camp but working on different projects with the local community. Work camps are divided into two age groups: 18 – 30 and 30+. Volunteers live together and are supported by the local staff from their arrival in Dehli until their departure.

These programmes offer rewarding volunteer work experiences working with Children in schools and day care centres, Women's Collectives, Health Centers and Environmental projects. Seasons permitting we have projects in the Himalayan Mountains, Rajasthan in the west and the beachside beauty of Goa in the South. Four programmes are available:

1. Community volunteering in Rajasthan or Himachal 2. Jaipur Volunteer Programme 3. Animal Care Programme 4. Himachal – Goa combination programme

1. Community volunteering in Rajasthan or Himachal This programme is specifically designed for 18-30 year olds, offering volunteering programmes in two magnificent locations in India, the desert state of Rajasthan or the inspiring Himalayan region. Volunteers live together with other international volunteers and are supported by local staff. Many different projects are available in these two locations. You can spend your day assisting local teachers in rural schools teaching English or Maths, playing games with the children and making sure they get regular health check ups. Or maybe you would like to participate in health workshops for adolescent girls, or make a difference volunteering in an orphanage or a school for mentally challenged children. Not only do these programmes offer the chance to volunteer with reputable projects in the area, they also include exciting and varied cultural excursions and learning experiences. Go on a Tiger Safari, or trekking in the Himalayas. Learn Yoga or attend workshops on Indian cooking. These programmes are specifically designed to offer you a real experience of India, where you will enjoy meaningful cultural interaction and opportunities to travel and experience the wonderful surroundings.

Volunteer Work Camps in India Youth Programme (18-30)

Locations:

Rajasthan The north-western state of Rajasthan is well known for its rich history, colourful culture and vast desert. As the most popular tourist destination in India, Rajasthan offers many opportunities to participants for sightseeing within the region, during, after, or before the volunteer programme.

Himachal This Himalayan location is situated around the regionally important town of Palampur in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The camp is located 30 kms from Dharamsala, the capital of the exiled Tibetan government and centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture, adding another cultural dimension to the numerous opportunities that the programme offers.

Projects

The volunteer activities in these programmes primarily relate to education and child care in various institutions that we have identified as appropriate for volunteers and local intervention. Volunteers will visit the local projects as part of their orientation, there they will choose together with the local staff their preferred project for the duration of the programme. Projects available vary depending on the local needs, volunteers should be prepared to be flexible with regard to their project placement. Teaching/Education, Women Empowerment and Child care are the common activities that we offer in the Rajasthan and Himalaya regions. Most of the volunteer work will be carried out during week days in the mornings. In Himachal, volunteers may also have the opportunity to get involved in extra afternoon volunteer work (see bellow). Teaching/Education: Volunteers teaching in rural schools has been one of the most successful interventions of our local partner and the most popular activity. Volunteers participate in educational enhancement for students of primary school specifically in the areas of English, Maths and enhancing creativity. In order to promote participation of more and more volunteers in this activity, you will be provided with detailed workbooks and guidelines for teaching. Those participants who have no formal education or practical experience in teaching can also carry out this activity comfortably with the help of aids provided. The volunteer activities in the field include:

- Regularly teaching children English and Mathematics in the schools.

- Creating a playful environment and enhancing the creativity of the children through painting, playing games, singing etc.

- Working with local teachers in creating low cost teaching material and to train them in making education more fun for the children.

- Each volunteer will take responsibility for the everyday attendance of a few children to the school, aim to improve overall interest in the school and reduce drop-out rate.

- Ensuring regular health check ups for the children in each school through cooperating with the local doctors and hospital staff.

- Creating basic hygiene awareness amongst children on a regular basis. Example project School for Snake Charmers’ children (Rajasthan): Working with this ancient and very interesting nomadic community will be a culturally and socially rewarding experience. Volunteers will be involved in regularly imparting education to the children attending school, spreading awareness about the importance of education amongst community members. Welfare and Child Care: In addition to the attention at schools, early childhood care and education is an area of critical need in rural areas. Drawing upon experience over the last few years our partner has taken up the responsibility of maintenance and care of local child care centres, and volunteers are encouraged to get involved. Also called Anganwari, these centres carry out holistic child care in the area. Volunteer activities include:

• Personal attention and care to the children coming to the center everyday. • Give assistance to the local worker for record maintenance for each child based on health,

vaccination, growth and nutritional condition. • Making and feeding the children a specially prepared nutritious meal everyday with the help

of a local worker. • Continuous survey of all pregnant women and new born babies in the area for regular

health check ups and vaccination. • Creating a colorful and enjoyable environment for the children with games, stories and

other creative activities (all material support and training would be provided by the host organisation)

• Developing the motor skills of the little children through various games etc Example project: School for Mentally challenged children, Thakardwara (Himachal): Since June 2005, international volunteers have been working at this special school for the mentally challenged. As a result of this intervention, the number of students has grown and attendance of children has become much more regular. Severely understaffed, the two teachers in the school are often struggling to give adequate attention to each of the approximately 20-odd students enrolled in the school. The volunteer activities in this institution would include: assisting teachers in completing assignments for the students, organizing education and fun activities for the children, and visiting students’ homes for sensitization of the family towards their children with special needs. Women Empowerment:

A variety of educational and confidence building activities are organised for the benefit of adolescent girls and women of the local community by volunteers. These activities are geared towards expanding the horizon of this often neglected section of the community with the purpose of giving them a sense of self-worth and empowerment. Volunteers contribute significantly in the areas of:

- Computer training : it is a fact that in the developing world the knowledge of computer can give the students a employability advantage and make it easier for them to access modern

means to information and expression. Volunteers can make use of the well tested and developed modules of imparting basic computer skills to enthusiastic local girls and women.

- English classes : In an increasingly unilingual world , knowledge of English can make a huge difference to the confidence, employability and social status of an individual. With English not being the first language in the rural areas, people from a vast majority of Indian population miss out on quality opportunities of gaining confidence in the sue of language. Volunteers, with their involvement in teaching English to local women can help the project achieve a multitude of objectives like empowerment and increasing employability.

Extra Afternoon Volunteer Options in Himachal:

If you would like to get involved in more volunteer work than your core option offers. You may have the option to further volunteer work which can include the following:

1. Additional tutoring for slow learning children: With the help of regularly updated records of school children, interested volunteers can take up special classes for children that need more tutoring at their homes. This activity can have the additional benefit of building more confidence in the community about volunteers’ work and awareness about the need for regular schooling.

2. Maintenance of institutional facilities: During some afternoons, the volunteers can take up maintenance, renovation and decoration of their various work places like schools, daycare centers etc. Such work will not be available on a continuous basis and hence may be seen as an extra activity that the volunteers would carry.

Arrival and Orientation

You will arrive in Dehli where you will be picked up in the airport. After a night in a hotel, you will be transferred to Jaipur where you will start your orientation. You will spend four nights in a host family and you will be provided with information on how to carry out your work, cultural do’s and don’ts, safety issues and other practical tips. You will also take some time to do a bit of sightseeing before heading to Agra for your over-night visit to the Taj Mahal (optional). Following this you will take an overnight train to Palampur to start your volunteering project. Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation will be at a local facility in the area that you will be working in. Rooms will be based on a minimum of 3 people sharing and bedding and simple furniture will be provided. The bathroom may or may not be en suite, depending on the location of accommodation. There will be no “shower” but you will have access to bucket baths of hot water. Work placements will be in deprived villages that receive little attention from the government. Most meals are included and will consist mainly of vegetable and sometimes fish curries, Indian breads, rice and fruit. Recreational Activities

There will be plenty for you to do in your free time. There will be access to special workshops on aspects of Indian culture including yoga and Indian cooking. Some volunteers take up the opportunity to borrow a bicycle and tour the local countryside. Some plan excursions to local points

of interest, whereas others will just take the time to relax. Most Friday evenings, volunteers arrange a small party or get together to celebrate the end of the working week. Project Support

Throughout your stay in India you will have the support and guidance of a coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay and provide you with competent assistance. The staff will be on hand throughout the day. In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our staff in Ireland at any time should you need to.

Start Dates and Programme Durations

This programme is available for participation with 4, 8 and 12 weeks week options. The programmes start on fixed dates which are joined by participants from many different countries. The starting dates of the 4 week and 8 week options are the same and the schedule includes the first week as orientation in Jaipur, the “Pink City”, a very popular destination for national and international visitors.

Himachal programme 2010 start dates: 18th Jan, 15th Feb, 15th Mar, 12th Apr, 10th May, 7th Jun, 5th Jul, 2nd Aug, 30th Aug, 27th Sept, 25th Oct, 22nd Nov, 20th Dec

Rajasthan programme 2010 start dates: 25th Jan, 22nd Feb, 22nd Mar, 2nd Aug, 30th Aug, 27th Sept, 25th Oct, 22nd Nov, 20th Dec

It is also possible to stay in two locations for a small extra cost (e.g. 8 weeks in Rajasthan + 4 weeks in Himachal).

Prices:

4 weeks: 1299 € 8 weeks: 1735 € 12 weeks: 2155 € Prices may be subject to change. They are reviewed annually and may be updated in the first week of November.

Price includes

• Predeparture orientation and support • Pickup at the New Delhi airport and one night in Delhi hotel • All transport between projects, sightseeing, excursions and airport transfers • Home-stay with local English speaking families in Jaipur during orientation (4 nights). • Sightseeing of Amber fort in Jaipur with optional Elephant ride • Accommodation in camps on the basis of minimum triple occupancy. • All meals during the working days, orientation days • One-week workshop on yoga and/or Indian cooking (1 workshop for 4 weeks programme

and 2 for 8 weeks) • Dedicated on-site assistance of an English speaking staff • All material required for various activities during the volunteer work like color pens papers,

sports equipment etc. • Debrief workshop on return to Ireland • Use of facilities including, DVD player, stereo, television, board games and internet

telephone • Invitation to join EIL Development Education Network • Excursions (see bellow)

Excursions:

• For Rajasthan o Tiger safari at Ranthambore National Tiger Reserve. For any reason related to

weather or particular instances like closure of the National Park, if Tiger Safari is not possible then an overnight Pushkar Excursion will be organised.

o Camel safari excursion included for the volunteers with overnight camping in the desert, including dinner and breakfast (only for 8 weeks programme).

• For Himalaya o Trekking trip in the Himalayas for a total of 2 nights and 2 days (including

travel time to destination) with overnight camping inclusive of all meals and necessary gear.

o A one-night, two day excursion to Amritsar, the holy city of Sikh religion, where the volunteers can visit a host of historical and religious sights (only for 8 weeks programme).

Optional Excursion

• Taj Mahal trip (on the 4th day of the orientation programme: €94) What is not included

• Visa Fee • Flights • Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week) • Personal expenses

Visa Six-month tourist visas are issued by the Indian Embassy. You must have proof of onward/return travel. The EIL Development Education Network Our volunteers work and live alongside local people in local communities in some of the most deprived areas in the world. It is in response to their experiences that the EIL development education programme was set up. On their return to Ireland we ask our volunteers to be the voice for the stories of the people they worked with and to highlight their experience of poverty and inequality. Then together we campaign to make a difference by promoting global justice, human rights, fair trade, debt relief and greater equality and respect among the peoples of the world. Our goal is to see global justice and equality reach the top of the Irish agenda. For more information see www.eilireland.org/deved Further information Prior to departure, you will be invited to a predeparture workshop and will receive an orientation booklet on your destination. This will include details of local contacts, customs, visas, health, money, and other essential information. In the meantime, here are some suggestions for further reading: Paul Theroux: ‘The Great Railway Bazaar’ Salman Rushdie: ‘Midnight’s Children’ EM Forster: ‘A Passage to India’

2. Jaipur Volunteer Programme

This programme gives you the chance to work in a local project in the Jaipur city area. You will also have the possibility of going on local excursions and can also benefit from various cultural activities happening in the city of Jaipur, that will further immerse you into the Indian culture. Location Jaipur, India: Rajasthan's beautiful Pink City Jaipur was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the color of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur is one of India’s most renowned tourist destinations for its blend of authentic Indian culture and modern lifestyles. Like many urban areas of India, the city of Jaipur faces a whole host of development challenges. As rural villagers rush towards cities like Jaipur, searching for employment and new opportunities, the social institutions have difficulty keeping up with the rush of demand. Jaipur is home to numerous ‘slum’ communities, where poor families live on government owned land in shacks and extremely unhygienic, unhealthy conditions. Schools, day care centres, and hospitals are usually over-crowded and under resourced. Projects and volunteer activities There are 8 types of project available in the Jaipur programme: 1. Helping disadvantaged children Population explosion is feared to be one of the biggest challenges as India struggles to provide care and education to a growing number of children being born in underprivileged situations making them vulnerable to malnutrition, illiteracy, abuse and neglect. The various projects being supported by volunteers aim to create opportunities where children from the fringes of society can have equal opportunities to grow. Possible volunteer activities:

- Identifying non school going children and running bridge course - Teaching English, computer and general arithmetic - Family visit for creating awareness about importance of education - Sports activities for making children more creative and vivacious - Organising various campaigns for child rights - Organising picnic, excursion, child fair, zoo visit etc.

2. Child care and preprimary education in slum areas Possible volunteer activities:

- Day to day care of underprivileged children aged below 5 years at special centers opened for poor and weaker sections of society (Balwadi)

- Decoration of Child care centers and schools 3. Women empowerment Despite increasing school enrolment and improvement of literacy among women, a conservative and male dominated society has restrained their development and empowerment. The projects available range from large, long established but under-supported institutions to small scale women empowerment initiatives. Possible volunteer activities:

- Teaching conversational English, computer and general arithmetic - Family visits of women or adolescent girls for raising awareness - Case studies for women that have been victims of domestic violence

- Morale boosting of women through fun activities, creative workshops - Imparting basic life skills especially for orphan adolescents - Awareness raising activities on family planning, sexual health, women’s rights

4. Environmental awareness Projects Due to rapid urbanisation more and more land is being deforested, ground water is becoming scarse and polluted, and public health is now endangered because of irresponsible use of plastic and industries. These types of behaviours, influenced by a general lack of public awareness, are causing great harm to the overall environment. A number of small scale initiatives supported by the government and local NGOs are trying to control and reverse the ill-effects of this unregulated development, striving to strike a balance between the realities of modern India and the necessary protection of the environment. Possible volunteer activities:

- Working with the projects for better research and documentation of environmental issues Working with local educational and government institutions to organise awareness campaigns amongst community members.

- Tree plantation - Work with the community for building waste disposal infrastructure and promote its usage. - Build and maintain water conservation facilities.

5. HIV AIDS patient care and assistance work Even though massive efforts are being made in India to contain the spread of the virus, the scale of the challenge leaves a lot to be desired and therefore making assistance of organisations and individuals working to fight the virus, of critical need. The main responsibility of the volunteers will be to shadow the medical practitioners that assist HIV/AIDS afflicted individuals with diagnosis, and day to day care. Due to the great social taboo associated with HIV/AIDS, the participants are required to have a very high level of integrity when it comes to patient information. The participants would therefore not always be able to work directly with the patients for long periods of time and would mainly be assisting the medical practitioners that spare the time to help these persons in need. 6. Orphanage Assistance Volunteers are required at a few orphan homes that are in need of hands-on assistance for easing the workload of their local workers. Volunteers will conduct a number of educational, recreational and physical health activities for the emotional and physical well-being of the children. Possible volunteer activities:

- Helping children with homework - Conversational and written English teaching - Computer training - Helping slower learning children

7. Health and hygiene awareness On average, a poor Indian spends about 30% of his income on treating diseases that arise from poor hygiene in his surroundings. Spreading awareness about common and simple practices of good health and hygiene is therefore critical for the long term well-being of any community, and especially its children.

With this very important purpose in mind, volunteers are required to conduct a number of activities for spreading awareness in poor sections of the society.

Possible volunteer activities: - Conducting surveys of various slum poor communities to assess hygiene related practices. - Take on specific door to door awareness building activities in the community. - Campaigning with local authorities for better collection and disposal of waste - Educating children in schools about hygienic practices

8. Working with Special needs children (mentally and physically challenged kids) Only a handful of governement institutions and a few NGOs are running special schools and vocational centers for special needs children. The objective of the projects working with these groups is to educate and empower them so that they can live in society with dignity and independence.

Possible volunteer activities: - Teaching English, general arithmetic to those who are able to learn - Preparation of teaching learning materials according to the children’s special needs - Family visits for creating greater sensitivity and greater interest amongst parents for the

education of their children. - Help in organizing picnics, excursion and other educational visits - Help in organizing various indoor and outdoor games of which they capable of - Identifying their area of interest and helping them in improving skill - Training of vocational skills like weaving, carpentry etc.

Accommodation You will be accommodated in a volunteer house. There will be local staff for preparing food and provide supervision assistance in a periodic manner. You will live with other volunteers in a welcoming and supportive environment, suitable for comfort, socialisation, and cross cultural exchange.

Start dates Jan 12, Jan 26, Feb 9, Feb 23, Mar 9, Mar 23, Apr 6, Apr 20, May 4, May 4, May 18, Jun 1, Jun 15, Jun 29, Jul 29, Jul 13, Jul 27, Aug 10, Aug 24, Sep 7, Sep 21, Oct 5, Oct 19, Nov 2, Nov 16, Nov 30, Dec 14, Dec 28 Prices: 4 weeks: 1049 € 8 weeks: 1399 € 12 weeks: 1749 € Prices may be subject to change. They are reviewed annually and may be updated in the first week of November. Price includes

• Predeparture orientation and support • Pickup at the Jaipur airport • Accommodation in a volunteer house (up to 4 people per room) • All meals (vegetarian) during the working days, orientation days • Local programme coordinator support • Placement in a local project • Debrief workshop on return to Ireland • Invitation to join EIL Development Education Network

What is not included

• Daily transportation between volunteer house and project • Visa Fee • Flights • Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week) • Personal expenses

3. Animal Care Programme

This programme gives you the chance to work in a local animal care project in the Jaipur city area. Volunteers play an active role in giving care to rescued animals, and participate in community educational awareness campaigns. The programme includes an in-depth orientation period and require no veterinary experience, only motivation and an eagerness to help. You will also have the possibility of going on local excursions and can also benefit from various cultural activities happening in the city of Jaipur, that will further immerse you into the Indian culture. Animal Situation in Jaipur Upon arriving to India, international travellers are often immediately awestruck at the overwhelming amount of abounded and uncared animals that flood the streets of urban areas. Unlike many other countries, India does not have the proper resources to adequately address the problem of neglected and overpopulated animals.

Rapid urbanization taking place in most part of India, occurs at the expense of many animals’ health and wellbeing. Areas once inhabited freely by animals are quickly being encroached upon by urban development. These unfamiliar urban environments leave animals vulnerable to mistreatment, disease, and inadequate nourishment. In cities like Jaipur, where poverty and poor infrastructure consume most of the community dialogue, taking care of neglected animals is usually considered a distant priority of the government and private social activists alike. India has laws in place that protect animals but they are not effectively enforced, nor are they taken seriously by most of the community. Location Known as the Pink City because of the color of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur is one of India’s most renowned tourist destinations for its blend of authentic Indian culture and modern lifestyles. Like many urban areas of India, the city of Jaipur faces a whole host of development challenges. Jaipur is home to numerous ‘slum’ communities, where poor families live on government owned landed in shacks and extremely unhygienic, unhealthy conditions. Projects and Volunteer Activities The following projects are available: Government Zoo The government zoo in Jaipur has limited funds and man power to carry out various required activities for animals, hence volunteers are always needed at the zoo. These are some example of possible activities:

• Assist caretakers feeding animals and cleaning animal’s living spaces • Run awareness campaigns at the Zoo, through signboards and posters, to sensitize public,

encouraging responsible and sensitive treatment to animals • Assist veterinarians at the Zoo, providing direct care and treatment to injured animals

Elephant Village The Elephant Village is an NGO / Government sponsored project where owners can bring their elephants to receive treatment and support. Possible volunteer activities include:

• Renovate and decorate village infrastructures • Assist veterinary doctor to give medicine and treat elephants • Participate in campaigns to discourage mistreatment of elephants

Animal Shelters and Animal hostpitals Animals in these shelters typically include cows, birds, camel, and cats. Volunteer activities:

• Improve the care and support to rescued and injured animals • Feed animals, clean living spaces, and provide care • Assist veterinarian with direct medical assistance to animals • Support projects with administrative tasks

Schools and Community Centers

• Lead classes and special courses for students and general public encouraging fair treatment of animal and animally friendly behaviour.

• Provide knowledge and assistance about adopting an animal in a shelter. • Teaching methods will be interactive and creative, including film shows and skits

Monkey Temple This is a large temple near Jaipur where thousands of monkeys gather to feed off food scraps left by visitors. Volunteer activities include:

• Run awareness campaign discouraging visitors from giving food that is harmful to the monkeys or cause mistreatment.

Accommodation You will be accommodated in a volunteer house. There are local staff who prepare food and provide supervision assistance in a periodic manner. You will live with other volunteers in a welcoming and supportive environment, suitable for comfort, socialization, and cross cultural exchange. Start dates Jan 25, Feb 8, Feb 22, Mar 8, Mar 22, Apr 5, Apr 19, May 3, May 17, May 31, Jun 14, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 9, Aug 23, Sep 6, Sep 20, Oct 4, Oct 18, Nov 1, Nov 15, Nov 29, Dec 13, Dec 27 Prices: 2 weeks: 949 € 4 weeks: 1189 € 6 weeks: 1459 € 8 weeks: 1699 € Prices may be subject to change. They are reviewed annually and may be updated in the first week of November. Price includes

• Predeparture orientation and support • Pickup at the Jaipur airport • Accommodation in a volunteer house (up to 4 persons per room) • All meals (vegetarian) during the working days, orientation days • Local programme coordinator support • Placement in a local project • Debrief workshop on return to Ireland • Invitation to join EIL Development Education Network • Excursions (see bellow)

What is not included • Daily transportation between volunteer house and project • Visa Fee • Flights • Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week) • Personal expenses

4. Himachal - Goa Combination Programme (8 weeks) This new 8 weeks programme gives volunteer the opportunity to experience two very different locations: the mountains of the Himalaya and the coast and beaches of the Goa region. After the first four weeks you will be transferred to the volunteer camp in Goa where you will start to volunteer in a new local project. In both locations, you can volunteer on a number of different community projects including education, orphanages and childcare (see above). Not only does this programmes offer the chance to volunteer with reputable projects, it also includes exciting and varied cultural excursions and learning experiences. Go trekking in the Himalayas, learn Yoga or attend workshops on Indian cooking. These programmes are specifically designed to offer you a real experience of India, where you will enjoy meaningful cultural interaction and opportunities to travel and experience the wonderful surroundings. Locations: Himachal This Himalayan location is situated around the regionally important town of Palampur in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The camp is located 30 kms from Dharamsala, the capital of the exiled Tibetan government and centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture, adding another cultural dimension to the numerous opportunities that the programme offers. Goa The state of Goa is India’s most well known beach destination. This former Portuguese colony with its many fabulous beaches offers a distinct cultural experience through its music, food and climate. The volunteer camp in Goa is situated near the Majorda beach in southern Goa. The 30 km long beach is known for its palm trees and silvery sand and is one of the best yet least explored regions. Work placements will be in deprived communities that receive little attention from the government. Projects The volunteer activities in these programmes primarily relate to education and child care in various institutions that we have identified as appropriate for volunteers and local intervention. Volunteers will visit the local projects as part of their orientation, there they will choose together with the local staff their preferred project for the duration of the programme. Projects available vary depending on the local needs, volunteers should be prepared to be flexible with regard to their project placement. Teaching/Education, Women Empowerment and Child care are the activities that we offer in the Himalaya and Goa regions (See above for project example In Himachal). Most of the volunteer

work will be carried out during week days in the mornings. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to get involved in extra afternoon volunteer work (see above). Project example in Goa: School for Mentally challenged children, Madgaon: Volunteers’ intervention is required for general help, care and special attention for each of the approximately 40 students enrolled in the school. The volunteer activities in this institution would include:

- Teaching children based on instruction and advice of local teachers

- Helping the students in completing study assignments. - Organising education and fun activities for the children - Visiting students’ homes for sensitization of the family

towards their children with special needs. Arrival and Orientation You will arrive in Dehli where you will be picked up in the airport. After a night in a hotel, you will be transferred to Jaipur where you will start your orientation. You will spend four nights in a host family and you will be provided with information on how to carry out your work, cultural do’s and don’ts, safety issues and other practical tips. You will also take some time to do a bit of sightseeing before heading to Agra for your over-night visit to the Taj Mahal (optional). Following this you will take an overnight train to Palamphur to start your volunteering project. Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation will be at a local facility in the area that you will be working in. Rooms will be based on a minimum of 3 people sharing and bedding and simple furniture will be provided. The bathroom may or may not be en suite, depending on the location of accommodation. There will be no “shower” but you will have access to bucket baths of hot water basically you fill a bucket of water and use a jug to pour the water over you (this is to conserve water). It takes a few days getting used to but its fine, all part of the cultural experience. Aside from your personal space, volunteers benefit from a dining area where they eat food prepared by local staff, a kitchen where they can cook special meals, a common area for relaxing, watching movies and holding cultural workshops. There is internet at the camps, however this is not always reliable. Internet cafes are available in Palampur town (around 1.5km from the camp). Most meals are included and will consist mainly of vegetable and sometimes fish curries, Indian breads, rice and fruit.

In Goa you will be staying in an old-style Portuguese house with a spacious recreation hall, a dining area and computer centre. In addition, 3 wings of housing consist of spacious rooms that will comfortably accommodate up to 6 participants per room with private bathroom facilities. There is also a small cafe for volunteers to buy any additional things for their everyday need at the camps itself. The camps is 3 km from the beautiful and tranquil Majorda beach.

Recreational Activities There will be plenty for you to do in your free time. There will be access to special workshops on aspects of Indian culture including yoga and Indian cooking. Some volunteers take up the opportunity to borrow a bicycle and tour the local countryside. Some plan excursions to local points of interest, whereas others will just take the time to relax. Most Friday evenings, volunteers arrange a small party or get together to celebrate the end of the working week.

Transfer between Himachal and Goa At the end of the fourth week (day 27), you will catch an evening train to Delhi and will arrive in Delhi the next day. You will have the whole day in Delhi to relax, shop etc. Breakfast only is included on this day. You will board a train for Goa the following day (35-hour journey), you will be in an air-conditioned compartment. You will be accompanied by a partner representative to ensure your safety and comfort.

There will also be the option of taking a flight from Delhi to Goa to avoid the long train ride. The fares of these flights are not fixed and so anyone who is interested in this option will need to enquire about these prices and agree on them before the arrangement can be made. Please contact us if you are interested in this option. The train journey is included in the price but you will need to pay extra if you wish to catch a flight. You will receive 60 Euros refund if you do not take the train.

Transfer to Mumbai for departure On day 55 you will catch a train to Mumbai. On the final day (day 56) you will have some free time to relax and for sightseeing. Flights home should depart between 1800 hrs on day 56 - Sunday (except during Christmas).

Project Support Throughout your stay in India you will have the support and guidance of a coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay

Arrival dates 2010 (same as Himachal programme)

18th Jan, 15th Feb, 15th Mar, 12th Apr, 10th May, 7th Jun, 5th Jul, 2nd Aug, 30th Aug, 27th Sept, 25th Oct, 22nd Nov, 20th Dec

Prices:

8 weeks: €1999 Prices may be subject to change. They are reviewed annually and may be updated in the first week of November. Program Extensions: Program extensions are possible for Goa. During this period, the volunteers can have an extended stay and continue the volunteer work organised for them.

1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks 4 weeks Euro 210 Euro 335 Euro 465 Euro 515

Price includes

• Predeparture orientation and support • Pickup at the New Delhi airport and one night in Delhi hotel • All transport between projects, sightseeing, excursions and airport transfers • Home-stay with local English speaking families in Jaipur during orientation (4 nights). • Sightseeing of Amber fort in Jaipur with optional Elephant ride • Accommodation in camps on the basis of minimum triple occupancy. • All meals during the working days, orientation days • 5 day yoga workshop • Trekking excursion in Dharamsala on full board basis with Tibetan guides and overnight

camping in the mountains. • Dedicated on-site assistance of an English speaking staff • All material required for various activities during the volunteer work like color pens papers,

sports equipment etc. • Debrief workshop on return to Ireland • Use of facilities including, DVD player, stereo, television, board games and internet

telephone • Invitation to join EIL Development Education Network

Optional Excursion

• Taj Mahal trip (on the 4th day of the orientation programme: €94)

What is not included • Visa Fee • Flights • Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week) • Personal expenses

The EIL Development Education Network Our volunteers work and live alongside local people in local communities in some of the most deprived areas in the world. It is in response to their experiences that the EIL development education programme was set up. On their return to Ireland we ask our volunteers to be the voice for the stories of the people they worked with and to highlight their experience of poverty and inequality. Then together we campaign to make a difference by promoting global justice, human rights, fair trade, debt relief and greater equality and respect among the peoples of the world. Our goal is to see global justice and equality reach the top of the Irish agenda. For more information see www.eilireland.org/deved

Further information Prior to departure, you will be invited to a predeparture workshop and will receive an orientation booklet on your destination. This will include details of local contacts, customs, visas, health, money, and other essential information.

In the meantime, here are some suggestions for further reading: Paul Theroux: ‘The Great Railway Bazaar’, Salman Rushdie: ‘Midnight’s Children’. EM Forster: ‘A Passage to India’

EIL Intercultural Learning , 1 Empress Place , Summerhill North , Cork .

Tel : 021 4551535 Locall: 1850 29 29 39 Fax: 021 4551587 Email : info@volunteerabroad .ie - www .volunteerabroad .ie