Volunteer: Irene Silas
Programme: Rajasthan Volunteer Project, India
 Rajasthan Volunteer Project, India
In total, how long were you away from home?
30 days
What was your motivation to take a gap break?
I visited India in January and was fascinated by the vibrancy of the culture. I knew that I wanted to experience Indian life outside tourism. I love the children so a gap break seemed to be the obvious way to have contact.
How did you feel before you joined the programme?
I felt very apprehensive about what was to be expected of me and at the prospect of living closely with strangers. I worried also that I was probably older than most of the other volunteers. This was a fact but with a positive outcome as I was often seen as a maternal figure.
How did Gap Year For Grown Ups compare with your expectations?
I had expected to be excited at being involved with rural communities. I also expected to be treated with warmth, respect and sensitivity. These expectations were completely fulfilled. |
 |
What was the accommodation like?
It was basic, in keeping with the locality. We were exposed to nature so had various forms of wildlife as companions! We were frequently without power and water. There was a regular supply of hot water and we became adept at washing out of a bucket. I once helped to cook and saw first hand how hard it was to provide good food, which the cook managed to do.
 |
What did you think of the programme / did your project and destination meet your expectations?
I have lived in the third world previously so had a concept of the destination but it was more isolated than I had expected. I had expected to care for pre-school children but instead taught the first grade. This was a challenge, as I had never taught before. My chief disappointment was that we were there during Dewali and the school was officially closed. We did not have the support of the school structure and the children came as and when they wished. It was often chaotic and I would of wished to of known this at the start. |
NB: All volunteers are now provided with a full list of school holidays and festivals. All volunteer projects require a degree of flexibility, but there is always comprehensive on-site support from coordinators for the duration of all programmes. Gap Year For Grown Ups.
What was the most memorable moment of your trip? Any anecdotes?
The camel safari was an amazing experience it lasted for three hours and the gear was primitive. I rode the fastest camel, which was adorned with bells! The boy who rode with me fondly called me Mama. He would say ' are you alright Mama' and then proceed to race the camel to lead the safari, everyone heard us coming, as we were the only camel with bells. I reached the campsite devoid of all dignity but would not have missed the experience for the world. |
 |
What do you feel you accomplished during your programme?
I feel that we gave the local community a unique experience in having close contact with Europeans. We tried to model a gentle, loving approach, as the Indian way in schools can be quite harsh. We had fun with the children and played games at the end of each lesson. They learned a good deal of basic English with enthusiasm. I hope that we modelled a good impression of European women in both our attitudes and our manners. I also hope that we touched many lives and left fond memories.
How have you benefited from your experience? How have you changed?
The benefits are enormous and I feel privileged to have had these experiences. I encountered a warmth, sensitivity and simplicity, which has humbled me. I felt appreciated and cherished in many ways in which I will never forget. For me, India is spiritually magical, giving me a deeper insight into living.
 |
What advice could you offer to someone considering this programme?
Accept that the culture is hugely different. People will try hard to please you and make you happy. In the smaller communities people are very curious and want to make contact. There is sensitivity to others, which is not part of our first world culture. The teaching supplies are sparse and of poor quality and I wish I had taken supplies with me. A good first aid kit is essential. Some of us were bitten by insects and needed medical treatment. Expect to be changed in some way, as the experience is too intense and rich too remain the same. |
Rajasthan Volunteer Project, India
Return to travel stories
|
