This multi faceted community organisation is based south of
Chennai and has a wonderful saying; 'small things done with great love'. It believes that all of us can make a difference. Women are often discriminated against once they become widows and living in these projects provide hope for them and their family.They are based 60km from
Chennai, close to the coast and surrounded by the lush tropical countryside.
Your Role: There are a variety of roles for volunteers here depending on your skills and interest. You can be involved with just one aspect, for example teaching, or develop a mix and match approach and be involved with all four if you have the stamina! You can help with teaching English in the school and help out in the computer lab. Using arts & crafts, dance, music and drama as teaching methods is encouraged and welcomed.
In the women's empowerment project, volunteers with knowledge of fashion design would be able to work closely with the women to help them adjust their designs for the tourist market thus increasing potential sales. Helping to develop a business plan for the group would also be helpful.Advisory as well as basic labouring help is required from volunteers at the model village to help in getting the site fit for habitation as soon as possible.
What you Gain: Developing English speaking skills in young people is always extremely rewarding with and this is a way of potentially influencing the future of the children you work with. Anyone looking to go into teaching or who has had a career in teaching would find this project fascinating and an addition to their career.
This is also a wonderful chance to share your skills to help these disadvantaged women and children in rural Tamil Nadu. You will be helping to give these women an income and shelter, the most basic necessity, so that they can start to grow food and look for work and start their life over again.
This is also an opportunity to learn about the challenges (like poverty, Lack of water) faced by disadvantaged societies in rural India; and an opportunity to, perhaps, become an advocate or supporter of local communities in the future. You could also gain a better understanding of the effect of the 2005 Tsunami and see for yourself how people are recovering.
You will have time to explore the wonderful temples and rock carvings of Mahabillapuram as well as travel a little further a field to the former French colony of Pondicherry. There are deserted beaches all along the coast and beautiful hill stations further inland - a great place to escape from the heat of summer.