Work with a mobile school helping slum children in Goa, India

Location: India: Goa

Program Duration: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks

Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Dates: Multiple dates year round

i-to-i Volunteering

61-63 Chatham St. Fifth Floor Boston, MA 02109 United States

Description

Want to help teach some wonderful children who have been born into the slum areas of this stunning Indian state?

Goa is famous for it's stunning beaches and relaxed way of life. However, most visitors forget (or never come across) those living in the 'slum' areas of this wonderful state. By working on a mobile 'school' bus that travels to the poorest areas and helping the underprivileged children living there you'll be making a real difference to the lives of these disadvantaged kids. By helping to teach them English and maths, and also participating in a range of activities and games you'll not only be playing a part in their education but also helping brighten up their lives. This is a stunning local initiative and one that it is a privilege to be part of.

What does the project do?

The mobile school project is an initiative of the 'Salesians of Don Bosco' in collaboration with the government of Goa and takes education to the door steps of the poor children living in the slum areas of Goa, providing them with the education that they otherwise would mist out on.

The project started in 2006 and is aimed at children aged between 6 to 14 years and caters for around 170 children in North Goa. The mobile bus itself forms a classroom and moves from area to area picking up the children then stopping and giving a 3 and a half hour educational session. At the end of each school year the mobile school provides examinations which means that the children, with luck, are then able to enter regular schools in the local area, making a huge difference to their future potential.

Highlights

- Helping to educate some of the poorest children in the beautiful area of Goa
- Seeing the faces of the children light up when playing games
- Spending your spare time on the beautiful sands of Goa's coast
- Getting to know the 'real' Goa - and really getting under the skin on this fascinating part of India
- Sample some of the gorgeous food - watch out for the Vindaloo!

Qualifications

What's the project like?

This is a school unlike any you've experienced before! Without the project these slum children would receive no education so the opportunity it provides is priceless. This project is perfect for anyone who has a passion for working with children and a passion for teaching combined with a desire to really learn about life in India. Goa is a very friendly state and justifiably famous amongst culture vultures and beach lovers alike. However, by participating in this project you'll also get to learn about and make a difference to some of the most disadvantaged young people in the area. Whilst challenging, this project is immensely rewarding and - in our view - one of the best ways to really experience India and to make a difference.

Activities and schedule:

The main focus will be on teaching English and maths to the children on the mobile bus. You may also be able to assist the project in other activities such as basic hygiene tuition, communication skills, games, outdoor activities and food preparation. From time to time the mobile school also runs field trips and excursions that you may get involved in, and if you have computer skills you may be asked to share these with the older family members of the children who attend the school. The key with this project is to be flexible and pitch in with whatever is required by the project. You will be working from 8.30 am to 5pm Monday to Friday with the bus having two 'stops' (to hold classes) per day. If you would prefer to do the afternoon stop only then you will be able to help the youth of the slums with basic computers based in Panjim (the state capital) in the morning.

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,799.00 for 4 weeks, USD 230.00 for every week

Cost Include Description:

* Accommodation: Shared room in home stay
* Food: All meals - breakfast, lunch and evening meal. Vegetarians welcome
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • Childcare/children
  • Community Development
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Homelessness
  • Popular Education
  • Primary Education
  • Volunteering
Age Range
18-80
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Home-stays

Participants Travel to India

Independently

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994

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