Il servizio di pick up all'arrivo è stato meraviglioso; uno dei coordinatori del programma ci aspettava proprio all'uscita dell'aeroporto di Jaipur con un enorme cartello "Volunteering With India" e un sorriso . La sistemazione è stata deliziosa. La famiglia ospitante è così dolce e accogliente. Ci siamo sentiti davvero parte della famiglia. Erano sempre pronti ad aiutare per qualsiasi cosa. Una famiglia molto gentile e calorosa. Il servizio di trasporto è stato molto affidabile e sempre puntuale. Shekhar e Totoram, i tassisti, hanno sempre un sorriso e sono così gentili. Adoro tutti i membri dello staff. Mi hanno fatto sentire subito a mio agio e sono andati oltre per aiutarmi. Ero un po' nervosa per insegnare, ma Rohit (coordinatore del programma) è stato bravissimo a tradurre l'inglese in hindi; Sukret era sempre a portata di messaggio se avevo qualche domanda! Ho deciso di fare volontariato con VWI perché ho trovato questo programma a prezzi, luoghi e valori buoni. Volevo anche scegliere un'organizzazione locale. Valuterei questo programma con un punteggio di 10 su 10. Non posso raccomandare questo programma abbastanza. Questa esperienza avrà un impatto sulla mia vita nel modo migliore per molti anni a venire. Volevo restituire alle donne e ai bambini, ma sento di aver ricevuto molto da questo programma. Ogni giorno sono stata trattata con rispetto, gentilezza, compassione e generosità. Tutte le persone con cui ho avuto il piacere di lavorare rimarranno per sempre nel mio cuore. Mi mancherà vedere i loro volti sorridenti ogni giorno, ma tornerò l'anno prossimo e ogni anno al 100%". Jaipur è stata la città migliore da esplorare, con tanta cultura e varie attività. È stata un'esperienza di vita. Grazie a VWI!

I have visited India a few times as a tourist but now I wanted to feel and learn more about India’s every day.life. That is why I decided to work as a volunteer with „Volunteering with India“

Sukret, the manager welcomed me although I am already 73 years old and so I stayed in Jaipur from altogether six weeks.

For the first 2 weeks I joined the Medical Program and then 4 weeks the Project „Women’s Empowerment. And this was the project in which I was in the right place. I taught English and the contact with the young girls and women showed me so much about life in India, especially the life of women.

I had booked my own accomodation in Jaipur where I was picked up for the project and dropped off at the hotel again. Sometimes it was by Tuk Tuk and sometimes by car with the most reliable drivers, Totaram and Shekar. They took me safely through this incredible Jaipur traffic.

Rohit the coordinator was caring for me and the other volunteers, for our safety, for our well-being in the projects and for the sightseeing weekends. He was always helpful when I needed something. This could be an information any time or just 50 samosas and 50 sweets for my farewell party. Thank you Rohit.

In my opinion „Volunteering with India“ is a reliable organisation which looks after their volunteers. This was not only important for me, but it is even more important for teenagers and young adults, especially when they are away from home for the first time in a completely different culture like India.

All in all I can say, due to the good and careful organisation these 6 weeks have been a really precious experience for me.

I had an amazing time with the association and the kids. The women were so happy about our presence and give us a really warm welcome. They were really happy to learn english and math but also to show us their beauty or stitching class. The city is beautiful and the culture is also very incredible. The hospitality of the people but also how nice they were with us was super nice. If you like to travel, discover a new culture and spend time with kids this program is perfect for you. You would not be disappointed.

My wife and I volunteered for 1 week for the women empowerment program. As most of the women were learning to become tailors and / or beauticians / hairdressers, we took the opportunity to share with them our experiences working for product companies in the hair & beauty industry. The overall experience was positive and we really got the chance to interact deeply with the locals. I think having more hands on skills (like sewing, or hairdressing or skin therapy, massage or any other practical training) would have supported the group of women more. English and maths were some of the other areas, were we tried to support. The program gives you a chance to bring your own skills and knowledge to the table, which is great. However, I would have also liked to receive more direction from the organisation on how we could deliver most impact. Something to keep in mind and to ask prior to starting the program. All the staff at the organisation were very welcoming and made are stay enjoyable. However, we would have liked to learn more about how we could truly support the locals to deliver more impact. Our host family was great and really made us feel at home.