First published in January 2017. Programs, prices and details may have changed since then. See our current programs.
Like many people who traveled to India in 2016 hoping to make a difference, Julia, an 18-year-old from Rotterdam, joined our teaching program in New Delhi. Her energy and warmth brightened the days of the children in her class at a school in a Delhi slum.
After she finished her project and went home, we asked Julia about her experience. Here’s what she told us.
Why did you choose to volunteer?
I always wanted to do volunteering work in slums so when I heard about this program, I knew I definitely wanted to go! I saved money for 2 years and it was really worth it.
When we arrived in Delhi, the staff was waiting for us and they took us to the house where we stayed. The staff was extremely nice and friendly. The food we got every day was very tasty.
What kind of work did you do?
We went to a school in a slum. We went there by metro and then walked a bit. Shankar used to walk with us and I really liked to talk with him about his life and family. In the school, we did some painting and we taught the children English and maths. Also, we played a lot with the children.
I loved it to be at the school and every day, when we had to leave, I felt really sad because I wanted to stay with the children. The children are so wonderful – they have nothing but are so happy with every little thing they’ve got. The energy I got from the children was really special. I miss the children now and I really want to go back to play and dance with them more!
Did you get to explore Delhi?
We went to visit the Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Qutub Minar and to the old part of Delhi, famously known as Chandni Chowk. It was really great exploring the city and getting to see so many different religions having their own institutions. We also got to explore few markets and could collect lots of souvenirs.
Did the trip teach you something new?
This trip was really impressive because everything in Delhi was so different and I never saw something like this before. I think this was a great opportunity to enlarge my view of the world and think about the big differences between my life and the life of the people who live in other places in the world. I really became aware of doing something I loved to do made so many people happy. I will never forget this.
Is there anything you would change about the program?
I can’t think of any! Everything was very well organized.
Today, volunteers do similar work with children in Delhi on our street children program.