India
Kolkata
In West Bengal, the team works with the Institute for Indian Mother and Child (IIMC). This NGO is located 45 minutes south of the former capital city of Kolkata (Calcutta). In this rural area, volunteers are exposed to a variety of development projects that the IIMC has initiated over the last 15 years. In addition to medical facilities, the IIMC sponsors programs in micro-finance banking, agriculture, tailoring, cheese production, and education. This Indian-founded and run organization is an ideal location to learn about the positive benefits of women’s empowerment and local capacity-building. While in the busy city of Kolkata, teams also take the opportunity to explore the virtues of charity, as they volunteer at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute and Dying. At the Hope Home, team members play with and teach English to former Street Kids and orphans.
Team members are also able to explore the diverse culture in India, through visits to the famous Howrah Bridge flower market, the Hindu Kali Temple and Buddhist monasteries. While visiting the region of West Bengal – Darjeeling – volunteers were able to take a break for tea in the Himalayans, a sunset over Mount Everest, and a game of traditional Sho at the Tibetan Refugee Center. From the crisp mountains of the north, to the heat of the city, the West Bengal experience provides a taste of India’s city and rural life and first-hand exposure to the power of development and positive change.
Mizoram
Tucked into the very furthest eastern region of India, is the state of Mizoram. Amidst the entirely bamboo-covered foothills of the area, lie the windy roads connecting the capital – Aizawl to Lunglei. Volunteering with Relief and Development (R&D), team members are exposed to the hardships of life for rural farmers and the realities of malaria. Since 2006 teams have been able to bring a total of 25 microscopes and set up numerous malaria clinics during their stays. Local community members were trained in diagnosis and treatment procedures by the R&D. After learning about the benefits of alternative SALT farming – or sloping agricultural land technology – the team visited rural villages which have experiences the economic benefits of this farming education specific to their needs. Teams were greeted with traditional local foods, dance, and time for cultural exchange. In addition to a SALT farm tour, members traveled to the remote Chakma village near the Bangladesh boarder, and discussed with locals what their current needs and priorities were.
While in Mizoram, the team was also given the unique opportunity to stay with a local family. This experience enabled students the chance to integrate with the community and learn more about Mizo culture and lifestyle. Team members visited Lunglei’s elementary and high schools and delivered information sessions on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. Students also took the opportunity to practice their English with team members.
With the emergency famine situation brought on by a plague of rats, the 2008 team was able to assist Global Youth Network and our partners in bringing much needed food relief.
More information on the Northeast India trip and on these relief efforts can be found at the
Mizoram Project link.
