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School for Mentally Challenged Children in Goa or Himachal

Each school, whether in the beach towns of Goa or the mountainous region of Himachal, is home to many unique children who are eager to share their special talents with the volunteers. The school in Goa just began accepting volunteer aid in 2006, and it has become a central focus of the school’s efforts to provide assistance to the children. Since the school in Himachal began accepting volunteer aid, the number of students enrolled and the regularity of Volunteer with Students their attendance has greatly increased. However, the school is still understaffed with only two teachers and around twenty students. Volunteer help is needed in both of these schools to maintain the everyday activities of tutoring, arts projects, and recreational activities while giving these children the special attention they deserve.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers will dedicate time to teaching the students as well as helping them finish their assignments. It is important for the volunteers to visit the homes of these children to spread understanding of how to care for their special needs. Time will also be spent brainstorming ideas for fun activities for the students and helping to implement these ideas.

Location

These schools are located in both Goa and Himachal. Goa, on the western coast of India, is the country’s most well-known beach destinations. Its unique music, food and climate distinguish this region from all of India. In Himachal, this project is located in the city of Palampur, which is known for its vast tea estates and intricate river system.

Orientation for Goa location

Volunteers will be picked up from the airport in Mumbai and stay the first night in a hotel arranged by CCI. Participants will then head to a smaller town nearby to participate in a two day adventure program that includes trekking and overnight in a local Indian village as well as a two day yoga course at a local Ashram. From there, volunteers will head by train to Goa and begin there four day orientation to learn about cultural differences, health and safety, local customs and language, as well as any additional information you will need to know for your project.

Orientation for Himachal location

Volunteers will arrive in Delhi and stay the first night in a hotel, which is included in the program. Participants will then be transported to Jaipur for the beginning of their orientation. During your four-day orientation you will dine one night with a local, English speaking family, learn about cultural differences, health and safety, local customs and language, as well as any additional information you will need to know for your project. You will also have a guided tour to the Amber Fort with an elephant ride.

Accommodations and Meals

In Goa volunteers will stay at a “base-camp” located on Colva beach. With fifteen miles of white sand, the beach will become a comfortable home for you during the program. In Himachal, accommodations are in the local volunteer house which is located 19 miles from Dharamsala, the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture. All meals are included at the “base-camps” and are prepared by project staff. There will be many vegetarian options available, and meat is generally prepared 2-3 times per week.

Additional Goa Activities*