When our volunteers reach home after their rich experience, they are changed persons. They see life with a fresh eye. A part of the process of volunteering is writing about it and sharing the stories with many others. For many volunteers the time that they spend here in India has been transforming, for some educational and for some inspirational.

What follow these lines are true stories from people who have been here and made that connection with life which will carry on for a long time to come.

Come on Click below to read stories from the volunteers/interns:

Catrina Sofo, F, 21, Australia

I arrived in Delhi at the beginning of May 2007. On first impression India is a shock to the senses. All the colours, smells, noise and heat hit you at once and you can't help but feel a little overwhelmed. But after a few days you get used to it, and it becomes the charm that makes you fall in love with the country.

I only spent one night in Delhi and I caught a bus to Jaipur the very next day. I was met by Vinod Meena at a hotel he organised for me, and we had a chat about the volunteer placement. Over the next few days I explored the beautiful pink city, escorted by my own personal rickshaw driver. I saw some amazing temples, forts and palaces as well as some live traditional music, a dramatic Bollywood film and hours and hours of shopping up and down the gorgeous bazaar!

On about my fifth day, two other volunteers met up with Vinod and I, and together we drove through the crazy traffic to a beautiful little village called Virat Nagar where I would be spending the next few weeks. We arrived at Bal Ashram and were greeted with big, welcoming smiles from all the boys staying there. Bal Ashram is a rehabilitation centre for young boys who have been rescued from child labour. They spend about 6 months living at the Ashram on an education program to prepare them either for work or for further studies. They are amazing kids! Although they've had such traumatising experiences, they have a great attitude to life. They're always smiling, keen to learn and have a real passion for fighting for the freedom and protection of other child labourers.

The boys are on a pretty organised daily routine. They rise early for morning prayers, a bit of exercise and yoga before breakfast. The volunteers are free to get up whenever we like, but I found myself joining the boys most mornings, even if I was hopeless at yoga. After brekkie I would usually head to the library to prepare some things for class, and at around 10am the boys would come for their daily English class. All of us would teach together, using games, songs, worksheets and whatever else we could think of to keep them entertained and teach them as much as we could. They have such great energy and even though it can be a little bit of a challenge to keep them interested for 3 hours, it's an amazing feeling when they repeat something that you taught them.

Even though there is a great library with many teaching utensils, I think it would be useful to prepare and print off a few worksheets or at least have some basic ideas before coming to India. The children's level of English is beginner level. Most know only the colours, animals, emotions and some basic conversation but not much more. So the worksheets don't need to be too difficult, just a fun way to teach some basic words.

After the lunch the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Most days I would join the boys in various activities, whether it was watching them jam in music class, joining in meditation or getting flour all over me rolling chapattis. There is always something going on, you just have to join in wherever you want and not be afraid to get your hands dirty.

Many afternoons we spent exploring the village. The locals were always excited to see us, especially the children. Many of them would follow us around, trying to speak to us in Hindi, laughing at our accents and marvelling at our clothes. We'd sit and drink freshly squeezed papaya juice, try out the local homemade sweets and shop around before returning to the Ashram. We were also lucky enough to see some local temples, one of which was thousands of years old atop a mountain with an amazing view of the village below.

After my first week there the other two volunteers and I decided to travel to Rishikesh for a week. We had a beautiful time chilling out by the Ganges. It was an amazing place, one that I definitely recommend going if you get the chance. It was great to be able to leave and explore whenever we wanted, but it was always so good returning to the boys' loud voices and big smiles.

I absolutely loved my time at Bal Ashram. It's a beautiful feeling to teach the kids whatever you can, and you find that when you leave, they've taught you many things as well. It's something you will never forget, seeing how people live in such a small, rural community. Making volunteering a part of my travels meant that I was fortunate enough to see such a big part of India that tourists rarely see. It makes you understand the country a bit more, to understand the people a bit better and to really appreciate the beautiful experience that India will give you!

Josefina Cruz, F, 26, Chile

I´m Josefina Cruz from Chile, South America and I want to tell you about my experience at Bal Ashram.

In 2006, I decided to travel by India because I like to know about their culture and found a way to help the poverty. In my country I'm a teacher of primary school, so I decided to work in a volunteer with education of little kids in India. By a travel agency I contacted with volunteering India, where I started to talk with Vinod Meena, a man that gave me all the details about this project and also offered to pick me up at Jaipur, and help me with all the things I need.

I arrived at Jaipur on February 10 and Vinod Meena picked me up. We went to a library where I bought all the materials that I need for my work before planned. In Jaipur you can buy papers, pencils, glue, sticks, etc. If you want to carry some things of your country, can be some games, drawings, movies, or CDs.

After Jaipur, we travel 90 km. We arrived to a beautiful and small village. In this place I was received by very nice people that explain me about this project and how they work everyday. Also they gave me a folder with information about the lab our child in India and in other parts of the world, to understand the meaning off all this interesting project. Then they show me all the place that has a library, beautiful bedrooms for volunteers, teacher and children, kitchen, and sawing room. Every place is very nice, clean and safety.

I stay in Bal Ashram only one week, and I was the only volunteer during this period of time. I really felt very comfortable, and I had and incredible experience with the people that works in this place. With the kids I taught Basic English, by working with art crafts, singing and playing. In this kind of work I taught the smaller kids, they like a lot to make different creative activities. Also is good to work in small groups so they learn to share the materials and divide the works to do. I worked with the little kids, but you also can stay with the other children, being with them in the yoga classes, at breakfast, playing in the evening, cooking chapatti, or having lunch or dinner together.

I also was very lucky because I knew grand father (Dada Ji in Hindi), a man of seventy five years that works in this place that taught me everyday two hours of Hindi, so I can communicate with the kids when I was teaching. We also drank some masala tea in a Jain temple and talked a lot of life, religion and culture. If you want you can visit a school that is very near, or at Sunday (the day to rest) you can see the village, climb some hills or visit temples.

If you visit Bal Ashram I know that you are going to have a great experience that makes you a better person and teaches you about the real meaning of life. It's really nice to participate in a volunteer program that helps to avoid the child labour, and I'm sure that when you have this kind of experience you never stop helping in different parts of the world.

Thanks for all this opportunities, and best regards,

Josefina.

Katrina Forfar, F, 27, UK

I arrived in sweltering Delhi in June of last year and was met after a few days of site-seeing by Vinod Meena. After several hours of driving from Delhi we arrived in the Pink City - Jaipur. I had met another volunteer from Mexico in Delhi and was soon chatting to 2 more volunteers, one of whom had already spent 1 month in Jaipur. I was lucky enough to have had contact, through Vinod, before I arrived in India with one of the volunteers from the UK so I had some idea of what to expect.

For the first 3-4days of my stay in Jaipur we went shopping in the local markets and Vinod arranged a site-seeing tour for us. We had time to rest as well and adjust to the pace of life and the heat! As the days went by more volunteers arrived and by the time we were ready to start volunteering there were 5 of us - from Mexico, UK, Canada and USA. One of the highlights of our time in Jaipur was going to see a Bollywood film in the nearest cinema, something worth making the effort to do! Great music and dancing, even if we struggled to follow the Hindi!

Virat Nagar, the location of our volunteer project, is about 2-3 hours by car from Jaipur. On arrival at the Bal Ashram, we met the project manager and were given time to settle in. The centre is for boys rescued from child labour who are given a 6 month education programme to re-introduce them to school work. There is a very strong community atmosphere in the Ashram, with the boys looking out for one another and keen to fight child labour.

The boys all rose early for morning exercise and activities, but the volunteers tended to rise for breakfast about 9am. We then joined in with the daily routine of the boys and taught them twice a day for approximately half an hour each time. We taught English and played games. It is good to prepare Basic English lessons if possible before you come to India, if you are working in the Ashram. We bought paper and colours for the boys, but apart from that they have pencils and notebooks and not much else. The level of English varies, and it is challenging to teach a group with a variety of levels of English and a variety of ages. Often it was difficult to maintain the attention of the younger boys during class. They all loved the board games that one volunteer brought and games that teach Basic English grammar and vocab would have been useful. After afternoon lessons and work the boys played sports and games and in the evening there was drama and dancing!

We were lucky to have the opportunity to see something of village life when at the Ashram. We visited local temples, schools and hospitals. The town of Virat Nagar was a 30 minute walk away, so we often walked into the market in the afternoon to buy fruit and have a Pepsi.

I enjoyed my time at the Ashram. The boys were very polite and helpful and well-behaved. I have volunteered before in Peru and Africa and Volunteering In India was much better organised than the other projects I have done abroad. After my time in Virat Nagar myself and some other volunteers went travelling in Rajasthan and to Himichal Pradesh. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world and the chance to give my time to the boys at the Ashram and also see some of India. I would definitely recommend India as a diverse and colourful country to explore, and I believe that if you have the time, volunteering is often the best way to see and experience parts of a country that other tourists don't see.

Matthew Dibben, M, 23 years, UK

In August I spent two weeks working for the Volunteering India program near Jaipur, and it was a truly great experience!

I had already traveled for some weeks in India and was already falling in love with the country; however, I was still struggling to understand the complexities of the nation and struggling with my lack of Hindi!

Living at Bal Ashram gave me both a great insight into Indian culture and the opportunity to get to grips with some basic Hindi. It also gave me a good opportunity to embrace one of India's biggest cultural components, cricket, which was played every day! Fantastic!

The location of the Ashram is superb! It's nestled alongside a small range of hills, next door to a historic palace and Jain temple, and down the road from a fairy tail hilltop Hindu Hanuman temple, where you can see and be blessed by the resident 99 years old monk.

Working at Bal Ashram was very challenging and rewarding. It was a challenge teaching children English while knowing little Hindi myself, however, myself and the other volunteers came to terms with these circumstances and I could see the children progressing.

The management was always helpful and kind, providing all that could be expected. My time in the Bal Ashram was not only fun and informative, it was also a calm and safe couple of weeks. I thoroughly recommend this program!

Matthew

Juliet Price, F, 19Y, UK

"I loved my trip to India and can't wait to go back. The Ashram where I stayed for a month is a really beautiful, relaxing place, the food is fantastic and best of all are the staff and children who live there. I've never met nicer, more welcoming and interesting people in my life. Anyone lucky enough to go to India would find themselves enriched by the experience.

There were so many experiences that compete for best moment. The kids living at the Ashram a really talented and I felt privileged to teach and play with them. The whole trip was so amazing I couldn't do justice to it in writing! Through Volunteering India I got the opportunity to become, for a short time, a part of a unique and beautiful culture in a unique and beautiful place, which I will always remember."

Thanks!
Juliet

 Eugene Hallock, M, 24, USA

Upon arriving in India, I was overwhelmed by this new land that I was about to be living in for the next six (6) weeks. Traveling with one of my closest friends made the trip a little easier however did not erase the shock value that would become India. Finding our way through Delhi among one of thousands of rickshaws gave me a first glimpse of this country. Although heat wasn't an issue at first, as it would become later, coming from New York to India would startle any foreign tourists. Quickly, however, I noticed how nice and helpful everyone was to us. The Guest house we stayed in during our first few nights in Jaipur was full of people willing to help. The transition was being made a lot easier by the help of everyone, especially Vinod. The other two volunteers from New Zealand and Australia also helped to calm my nerves about being in India so far away from my home. With the amount of questions I had when I finally got here, Vinod was able to answer and help out with whatever was needed. After the first few days I grew in anticipation to get to Bal Ashram.

Upon getting to Bal Ashram after being in India for about 3-4 days, I was able to settle in and get acquainted to my new residence for the next six (6) weeks. What was even more thrilling was finally being able to meet the boys with whom call Bal Ashram their home. The center itself helps to rescue boys from child labor in various areas of India and give them a jumpstart into education where they will then return to their families and villages and continue their education. They are taught that without education there can be no future. As in any county, education is a must to survive, not only in the world but with yourself. Through education, Bal Ashram also builds a sense of community which can be seen with everyone who works and is taught here. Teaching English here to the children gave me great pride in knowing that these children will grow and be helped within their own experiences here at Bal Ashram and their future lives. Each child was interested in learning as much as they could and were always willing to learn more.

Not only is education a priority here at Bal Ashram, but also trying to give each child proper social, moral and inner growth. They are always seen laughing and in good spirits. Afternoon sports and nightly social events, including dancing, were just one of the many highlights with myself and the children. Through interaction with them I was able to take away from the experience a lot that they have taught me.

Living in Bal Ashram also gave us the experience to get a first hand view of village life in India. Learning about the culture and religion that surrounds this country helps in the over-all experience. The many temples surrounding the area are beautiful and the markets full of locals running their daily businesses. Having a Pepsi in the market brought a little bit of home to India, not to mention a refreshing drink on a hot afternoon.

My time spent at Bal Ashram was one I will never forget. My experience here in India, my first and definitely not my last, helped to give me a new outlook on life. Through the simplicity and life of the people who live here and the children who are full of innocence and joy I have taken with me so much more then when I arrived.

Sarah Manning, F, 19 years, USA

When I first arrived in India, it felt like every little thing was so different from back home- the sights, the sounds, the smells, the people, the animals; every moment was a new adventure, and I was always excited to see what would happen next! I volunteered teaching English to rescued child laborers in a rural village near Jaipur. I received a warm welcome from the children and staff at the Bal Ashram, and they were very friendly and hospitable throughout my entire stay there. The children immediately called me "Didi" (sister), which made me feel like I was part of their family. Even though I was thousands of miles away from America, I felt right at home. I shared a dormitory with two other volunteers, and we taught the English classes together. We were responsible for making daily lesson plans and using creative approaches to teach the children. I got in the swing of teaching very quickly, and I found it easy to get to know each Childs personality, as well as their level of learning comprehension. The children were very eager to learn and even enjoyed practicing their English outside of class. They loved singing songs and playing games and they especially loved learning new ones.

The cultural immersion was an unforgettable part of my experience. I loved being able to see first hand how people work, eat, dance, speak, worship, and play in rural India. The food I ate was very basic, consisting mostly of rice, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, flat bread, lentils/ chic peas, cucumbers, etc., along with various oils and spices. I personally thought the food was great and I actually felt a lot healthier eating that stuff than the crap people eat in America. A small, delicious cup of hot chai was also a daily treat. Aside from helping prepare meals in the the kitchen, I liked doing manual work like hand-washing and hang-drying my laundry. This way of living made me realize just how lucky I am and I am now more satisfied with the simple things in life. I definitely plan on returning to India sometime in the near future and I know that there will always be plenty more insights, friends, and adventures to find there!

Bonnie Manning, Sarah Manning's Mother, USA

Hello,

 I am the mother of a 19 year old from the U.S. who decided to take a year off before starting college, to travel and volunteer. While searching online for interesting volunteer opportunities, my daughter, Sarah, came across an organization called "Volunteering India". The program appealed to her because it seemed flexible, affordable, and the goals of the program are very similar to the values that mean the most to her.

As the parent of a young female traveling so far away, my husband & I were very concerned about Sarah's safety. The project coordinator, Mr. Vinod Meena, was extremely helpful... before, during, and after Sarah's time in India. It was obvious that the volunteer's safety is a top priority, and Mr. Meena went over and above the call of duty to help Sarah during her stay. He kept us informed via email even when Sarah was traveling in places with no cell phone or email access.

Sarah volunteered with children in the village of Virat Nagar, near Jaipur. She loved the children and she was overwhelmed by the warmth of the people and beauty of India. Sarah was there for two months and when she wasn't volunteering, "Volunteering India" was very helpful in assisting the volunteers plan safe and fun excursions so that they could enjoy other parts of India and experience the vast diversity that the country has to offer.

My daughter came back with broader perspectives, greater appreciation, and a whole new sense of purpose in life. I highly recommend this program.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERING INDIA!!
Sincerely,
Bonnie Manning,
OHIO, U.S.A.

Kris Alavattam, M, 24Y, USA

There are many things that come to mind when I reflect on my short time with Volunteering India, but I think I can express these thoughts by simply writing that I loved it. I primarily served as an English teacher at an ashram for former child laborers, but my experiences with the organization stretch far beyond teaching.

Some examples: I got to meet and befriend some interesting volunteers from other parts of the world; I had the chance to begin learning one of India's official languages, Hindi; I got to experience some of the sights and tastes of Jaipur; I was able to make wonderful friends i.e. Vinod Meena, Shiv Sharma, Dadaji et al.; I got to explore the beautiful countryside that envelops the ashram; and I was able to interact with a great group of kids on a near-daily basis.

I'll cut this list short and write that, judging from the experience I had and the experiences of other volunteers with whom I've communicated, I can't imagine any voluntourist being disappointed by the opportunities that Volunteering India provides.

Thanks,
Kris

Neal Patel,M,19Y, USA

In the winter of 2007, my family and I decided to travel to India to visit relatives. Instead of spending the entire five weeks in the city of Ahmedabad, I decided to join this volunteer program in order to experience India in new way. The Ashram which I was stationed at was aesthetically pleasing and also very relaxing. Not only was the ashram located in a beautiful place but everything about it was perfect. Although I was only able to spend two weeks volunteering, I feel that I gained great insight about both the Indian lifestyles and culture.

The children were the most enriching aspect of the program. The kids are well disciplined and eager to learn, which made teaching them very easy. Before arriving to the ashram, I spent a week traveling around India on my own. I found it very difficult to communicate with the citizens and was frustrated at times. During my stay at the Ashram, however, I began to pick up some of the basics of the language. I feel that the children taught me more about their language and culture then I was able to teach them.

Volunteering at Bal Ashram was the best part of my trip and if I am presented with the opportunity to visit again, I will most definitely take advantage of it.

Neal Patel

Ardeshir Pezeshk, M, 22 Years, Iranian American


When Vinod first asked me to write about my time at Bal Ashram I thought it would be quite easy, but it's not. It's just not. I wish I could paint the picture of the rock/tree lined walkways, honeycomb dorm rooms and the ever smiling faces that will be permanently implanted in my memory for you, but words simply cannot do it justice. Despite the impossible challenge, I'll do my best in hopes that my words might instill in you the desire to partake in one of the most fulfilling experiences of your lives (well, at least it has been that way for me).

To start, these children are amazing. They have hearts of gold and smiles to go along with it. I cannot recall a time when I have laughed as much and as consistently as I have here. Even the most mundane of tasks is turned into an exotic adventure or a chaotic battle between warring factions ... it is truly amazing to watch it all unfold in front of your eyes. The times that I will remember most were those hours in the library with my students (or simply "my boys" as I like to call them). Not only was I continuously shocked by the speed in which they picked up English despite their minute base, but I was taken back by their desire to learn. You could just feel it when they would come to class, and the looks on their faces when a new concept 'just clicked' in their heads is priceless. I will miss my boys along with all the others who came to class with the desire to learn and the sense of humor to make it fun.

The pleasure that I took in teaching was only matched by the pleasure I took in watching and participating in the daily activities. Whether it be making chapatti in the kitchen, watching an intense game of cricket or dancing in the meeting hall (you should come just to see these boys dance), all are equally rewarding and add to an overall unforgettable experience.

To make this short, you come as a volunteer and leave as family. There is no other way to look at it and my experience here serves as the basis to that statement, and I'll tell you, it feels like you're leaving family when it's time to go. They are my brothers and will be remembered accordingly.

Vinod has been of the greatest help. Soft-spoken and orderly, he will ensure that your arrival time at Bal Ashram will be anything but a problem.

And lastly, if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would have allotted more time for my stay at Bal Ashram. I hope, at the very least, that this place, this haven, will touch you the same way that it has touched me.