The Volunteer's role begins in February, and is divided into three phases, summarised below.
(Click on each link for more information)
Depak and Brian working together in the Sundarbans
1. Preparation (February - June)
Effective preparation is vital for overcoming the challenges presented by the Programme and making a positive contribution to the partner schools.
The Preparation Phase is the four month period between February and June. Each Volunteer works with their team to ensure that they are fully equipped and prepared to offer a quality service to the partner organisations.
We understand that Volunteers need to balance their personal commitments with those of the Programme; nevertheless, former Volunteers have successfully passed exams, submitted their theses and completed various work projects whilst also preparing sufficiently for the Programme. The process is, however, fairly demanding and requires considerable commitment from the time that offers are accepted.
A) Knowledge and Skills Development: three action-packed weekends support the Volunteers' preparations. These cover an introduction to: the Partner organisations, development issues, skills development and teamwork.
B) Health, Safety and Security: the safe completion of the Programme by all is the number one objective of the Volunteer Programme. There is a focus on HSS during the preparation phase, to ensure everyone is adequately prepared to complete the Programme safely.
C) Fundraising for the participation fee. Between the months of January and May, Volunteers fundraise their participation fee, with the support of Suas.
2. Overseas Placement (June – August)
Volunteers spend 10 weeks in India; 9 weeks working in our Partner Schools, and one week of workshops on development issues (Global Perspectives Week).
A) A 9 Week Placement in one of our Indian Partner schools. In teams of 10-12, Volunteers will work together to serve the teachers and children.
The teams will work with children, between the age of 4 and 18, on a broad range of projects; both curricular and extra-curricular.
B) Global Perspectives. Understanding the wider challenges of development is an integral part of the Programme. Global Perspectives gives an opportunity to learn about development issues, and includes a week long workshop (GP Week) midway through the placement.
3. Return and Closeout (August – October)
Return and Closeout: A debriefing weekend allows Volunteers to reflect upon their experiences and what they have learnt. It is a chance to thank everyone involved with the programme and ask - what's next?
