Susan Felton, 52
India Himalaya Community Volunteers
I have been a nursery nurse for the last 18 years and I found myself at a crossroads in life when my husband of 31 years died. I was not ready to travel solo but felt a need to do something worthwhile during the summer holidays to keep busy.
I chose this project so that I could travel with like-minded people who were of a similar age to myself.
I have always had an empathy and passion for India. I love the food, clothes, music and the people and I had made up my mind to visit, I liked the idea of seeing a bit of the country before embarking on a volunteer project teaching English to children.
I felt brilliant on this trip and I learnt so much about myself. I loved meeting people from different cultures and countries.
Dedicate your skills and energy to villages with little money but lots of spirit. Help repair and decorate schools, day centres and homes, organise children to help clear up their village and teach them about hygiene.
Give an isolated community their dignity back. Get involved in teaching English, improving school facilities, setting up health camps, running teaching workshops, planting trees and forging links with local schools.
Put something back into a country that desperately needs volunteers. Whether you help out in an orphanage, a school or a centre for disabled children, your time will be gratefully received.
This India volunteer programme allows you to experience the essence of India. Our Goa volunteer project offers the opportunity to make a contribution to socially deprived areas whilst exploring the Indian mainland in a diverse range of activities.
Give some valuable assistance in a day care centre or school in Himachal Pradesh. Teach English or other subjects, lead creative activities or help decorate the buildings – whatever you do will be greatly appreciated.
