| 
It is possible to visit Dakshinayan's Cheo Project as a volunteer
by participating in the Development Education Programme. This
programme, conducted by Siddhart Sanyal, aims to promote better
understanding of development and inter-cultural issues.
By placing volunteers on rural development
projects, the Development Education Programme hopes to ensure
a deeper and more practical knowledge of development work and
it's effect on rural Indian communities.
Through a process of social and cultural
interactions between visitors and the communities where projects
are based, it is hoped that the participants will be sensitized
about global disparities and social injustices.
The objective is to provide people who are
concerned about development issues, an unique opportunity to observe
and experience the culture of rural India; study the problems
of communities and gain an in-depth perspective of the myth and
reality of 'third world poverty'.
The programme is not meant for 'helping the
poor, under-developed people of India'. The Development Education
Programme is also not a workcamp.
The emphasis of the programme is not work but rather participation
in ongoing project activities and community life. Work and activities
are not organized especially for the volunteers.
Volunteers are, however, expected to teach
at Dakshinayan's schools but no special skills are required for
this as they will be teaching small children basic English or
mathematics. Those who cannot teach either subject could teach
the children about their own culture. What is important is that
volunteers possess a great deal of cultural sensitivity as they
will be placed in rural communities that have very little exposure
to other cultures.
 Usually
not more than two or three volunteers are sent to a particular
project. A smaller number of volunteers enables better integration
and interaction with the community and the project. It also ensures
that the natural rhythm of the project is not disturbed.
The programme is open throughout the year.
Those who wish to volunteer must apply at least a month in advance
and arrive in New Delhi for placement before the 5th of the month
in which they join the programme. The minimum stay on a project
is one month. One could also stay for two, three, four months
or longer. Volunteers are sent to projects in the first week of
every month. The programme is open to all nationalities.
 The
participation fee is US$ 300 per month. It is a fee paid for the
opportunity of being able to see unknown parts of India and participating
in a programme that is a life-altering experience. This fee covers
board and lodging at the project. Volunteers are expected to cover
all expenses to and from the project — travel, food, accommodation
and other incidentals. The participation fee has to be paid in
advance in Indian Rupees. There will be no refunds under any circumstances.
Volunteers are usually placed on projects
that are remote and do not have electricity or tap water. Communication
facilities such as phones are also not available. Please note
that living conditions are basic and food is simple vegetarian
meals consisting of whatever vegetables are available locally.
Projects are not holiday resorts, so don't expect 'value' for
money — though reasonable care is taken to provide volunteers
with proper food and accommodation.
If you wish to participate in the Development
Education Programme, please email at info@dakshinayan.org.
|
