I still vividly remember the day I came to India. Nine months ago, packed with mixed emotions, sadness to leave everything and everyone that felt like home behind, but also with a lot of excitement, curiosity, some fears, and some hopes about what was to come. The true challenge began when I arrived at my place of work which also was my home, an orphanage of around 100 children near Mangalore. I didn’t know what to expect since I hadn’t used the time at the camp to read through all the many pages of information I received about it.
Finding the initiative to do some cool things with the children, keeping the commitment up, and just the whole process of adapting and finding my place in this new environment was not always easy and fun. But I can say that it was always instructive. I could always learn something, either about the people around me, the country’s ways, or myself. Gaining their trust and seeing how freely they would behave around me and other volunteers were some of my biggest achievements and made me realize how far I have come.
If you ever think about volunteering, I can only say: Do it! It will be an experience of a lifetime and by stepping out of your comfort zone from time to time you will develop a more flexible mindset and improve the ability to confront changes. I learned about how you need to give yourself time, nothing will be perfect from the start. Developing a greater tolerance towards different cultural representations around the world comes along with living abroad as well, and even though life would feel like a rollercoaster ride of emotions in the beginning, eventually you will settle down into a comfortable rhythm and suddenly you realize that this new place does not feel so unknown anymore.
Greetings, Naima
Upcoming Workcamps
Dharamshala
Theme: Yoga / Tibetan Culture / Renovation
Camp Code: FSL-WC-232
Dharamshala holds a very significant position as the abode of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, and the capital of the Tibetan government-in-exile, with a considerable Tibetan settlement. It is one of the most beautiful, scenic places in the world, set in the backdrop of the snow-clad peaks of Dhauladhar Mountains, where heaven meets earth.
The camp will focus on the volunteers to understand the social and cultural aspects of the Tibetan and local community they work with. The volunteers will gain experience through interactions, workshops, exchange of ideas, need analysis with the support of the team leader, planning, and being a part of completing the scheduled work with the group of volunteers to benefit the community and provide a learning experience for the volunteer.
Jaipur
Theme: Education / Environment / Culture
Camp Code: FSL-WC-234
Jaipur, also known as the pink city, is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in India. It was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in November 1727 and also got its name from this brave Hindu ruler. Located in Northern India, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and also the largest city in this state. The main attraction of Jaipur is its archetypal architecture. The city was planned as per the Indian Vastu Shastra, a science that promotes well-being and prosperity.
The camp will focus on the volunteers to understand the social and cultural aspects of the community they work with. The volunteers will gain experience through interactions, workshops, exchange of ideas, need analysis with the support of the team leader, planning, and being a part of completing the scheduled work with the group of volunteers to benefit the community and provide a learning experience for the volunteers. The camp will consist of community service, learning, culture, and evaluation.
Mysore
Theme: Education / Festival Preparation / Culture
Camp Code: FSL-WC-242
Mysore, the city of the royal palace, is known for its age-old tradition of celebrating Dussehra or ‘Dasara’ lavishly and majestically. It is celebrated for 10 days and concludes with Vijayadashami. This is the major festival celebrated in Karnataka of the South India Region. The preparation for celebrations begins way before and the whole city is decorated beautifully for the entire period. There is music, dance, cultural activities, a delightful procession, and a torch-light parade. There is a special music concert performed by the Yuva or youth icons during Dasara.
The camp will focus on the volunteers to understand the social and cultural aspects of the community they work with. The volunteers will gain experience through interactions, workshops, exchange of ideas, need analysis with the support of the team leader, planning, and being a part of completing the scheduled work with the group of volunteers to benefit the community and provide a learning experience for the volunteers. The camp will consist of community service, learning, culture, and evaluation.
Join us and make a difference! Volunteering with FSL India offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, contribute to meaningful projects, and grow both personally and professionally.
FSL INDIA CONTACT: https://fsl-india.org/