Your Volunteer Placement- Heidi Minx


Organization Name -Sahyog
Organization for Women and Youth Empowerment


General Information
Sahyog India Trust is an organization dedicated in developing social consciousness and inspiring people to create the type of world that enables all to live with dignity. Their vision and efforts have translated into the development of a Computer Learning Centre/ PSB Youth group/ English coaching centre for Youth/ Women and Teenage Girls - Project Dharamsala summer of 2007.

Website: 

Details of the group you will be working with-
Age Group- 10yrs to 50 yrs
Gender- Male/ Female
Socio Economic Level- Middle- Lower Middle – Lower

Volunteer Activities / Duties
•    Support the community in their pursuit for  healthy
 and sustainable livelihoods.
•    Engage in discussion and exchange
 ideas on issues such as family health,
 women’s rights, access to resources, income generation, etc.
•    Collaborate and support the teen, youth and women on ongoing projects.
•    Teach Computer Basics and Advance Courses according to the needs of the students.
•    Be a positive role model.
                   

Goals of the Partner Program                       

Long-Term   
At an organizational level, they are committed to working in a close, cooperative relationship with their partners to achieve specific, time-bound, measurable goals that lead to an overall improvement in the quality of life for the members of their host community. It is their belief that the ultimate measure of their success is a host community that has acquired the confidence, the competence, and the capacity to provide a continuation of the services that Sahyog initiates—independent of their involvement

Short-Term
For your first few days you should spend time getting to know the students.  When you understand the needs of the placement and start to get comfortable with it you can suggest activities, lesson plans, etc.



       
   
Useful Supplies
•    CCS provides plenty of supplies for arts and crafts activities (i.e. - crayons, paints, paper, glue, etc.).
•    As people will be very interested in learning about you and your life, please bring “Show and Tell” items, including photos of your family and things representative of your daily life.
•    Please begin brainstorming ideas for recreational activities / games / lessons for the students and children.
•    Special materials* are welcome, but not required. In the past, volunteers have found the following materials useful at this placement:

* If you are not sure if some special materials or supplies are appropriate to bring with you in-country, please review CCS’ Donation Policy (located in your Participant Handbook) and address your questions directly to your Program Manager. 

Work Attire / Dress Code
•    Jeans or khakis (No shorts) for male volunteers.
•    For female volunteers- Salwar Kameez (Traditional Indian dress) if you feel comfortable
•    Otherwise, trousers or skirts that goes down to your ankles and loose tops which cover your arms. 
•    Sturdy shoes such as tivo sandals, sneakers or hiking shoes
•    Clean clothing without stains, tears or pants that drag on the ground.
•    Hair should be tied back and out of your face, jewelry should be left at home.
•    Please be sure that all tattoos are covered.
•    Please refrain from smoking while working at this placement or around its premise.

* Please keep in mind that the way you groom and dress represents and indicates to the local people how people from your country generally dress for work.

Other Notes
•    Please refrain from smoking while working at this placement or around its premise.
•    Additional volunteer hours are available at this placement during the afternoons.  Please speak with in-country staff if you are interested.

Partner Program Staff
Name    Position         
G.P.Saxena    Director         
Ms. Yamini    Centre in-charge           


CCS Alumni who have volunteered at this placement

You are the first volunteer at this placement



Things to Remember
•    Keep a positive, open-mind – the culture is very different in India and things that are obvious at home are often very different in India.  
•    Be flexible – know that things change on a daily basis, giving up your pre-conceptions and adapting to ‘Indian ways’ are part of the enjoyment of the program!
•    Interact with the children and staff.
•    Maintain a good sense of humor.
•    Give yourself some time to settle in and get to know the routine.
•    Take initiative – Plan activities in advance and ask how you can help.
•    Please be sure to read and review CCS’ Donation Policy (located in your Participant Handbook).