INDIA 2009

I have set up another page to update on my time in India. I fly on 28 February 2009 and hope to volunteer for 3-4 months before looking for longer term projects.

Keep up to date here: www.pramalinindia.blogspot.com

Volunteering at Manav Sadhna, Ahmedabad

From 1 March 2009, I will be a volunteer at an NGO based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat (India). Called Manav Sadhna (meaning 'service to mankind'), it is located on the outskirts of the Ramapir no Tekra (one of Gujarat's largest slums).

As I'm sure by now, most of you will have seen or heard of Slumdog Millionaire, you will be able to conjucture up images of what this experience may be like. Although dramatised somewhat, it is still a city slum that I will be based at. The work / service required will vary from spending time supporting children's education programmes to developing sanitation facilities in difficult areas of the slum. As I'm quite new to this, I am still unsure exactly what I'll be doing - all I know is that my sleeves will be rolled up and ready to help out as much as possible where ever the need may be!

Ahmedabad is a very cosmopolitan city, once being the capital of the state of Gujarat. It has a bustling culture with vibrant shops and places to see/visit. I've been there twice as part of the Learning Journey (YouTube Promo), an 8-day social development trip I co-organised last year. This is one of the main reasons for my growing affection for this place!

(Photo: Running a discussion session in India with Learning Journey Group, Sept 08)

To read about more about Learning Journey visit my other blog.