Boats, Elephants and Community Work with Children in Kerala, India

  India

Kerala

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: Can old elephants learn new tricks?

Find out when you visit a famous elephant camp and learn how these massive creatures are tamed and taught to play starring roles in religious ceremonies. Aside from befriending elephants you will also be making some new friends of the human variety when you work with children at a special needs school. Your weekends will be filled with stunning scenery as you float along Kerala's famous backwaters by houseboat, spend a day fishing with the locals and take a tour of historic Kochi.

*What the project does and why it needs you!
The nuns at Cottolengo Special School help educate over 70 mentally challenged children in the Kochi area. The aim of the school is to give these marginalized children a chance at independence by teaching them basic life skills. The nuns work tirelessly to give the children the best care possible, however the small staff is often overwhelmed by the high demands of the children. Volunteers are a huge help and play an active role in taking care of the children.

*Day 1: Kochi
Welcome to Kerala. You will be met at the airport and brought to your home stay in Kochi. Meet your new family and settle in. Dinner is included - spices guaranteed!

*Day 2: Kochi Tour
Explore Kerala's colonial heritage as you take a tour of historic Fort Kochi. Be amazed by the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the most impressive churches in all of Kerala. You will also take a walk back in time to visit the home of Vasca de Gama, a famous Portuguese explorer. Also make sure you don't miss the 'Chinese' fishing nets - one of the symbols of Kerala set alongside a peaceful park. There is also the opportunity for plenty of shopping for colonial artifacts and souvenirs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 3 to 6: Working with mentally challenged children
The next few days you will spend working with children in need. Activities may include singing songs, playing games, arts and crafts and music. Your main task will be to keep the children happy, healthy and learning. Your typical day will be working from 9.30am to3.30pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 7: Alleppey backwaters
Today you are off on your picturesque boat cruise. You will have a tasty lunch on the boat and then start exploring the scenic backwaters. You will pass quaint villages, fisherman hard at work and giggling children playing in the canals. You will spend the night drifting silently along the lush canals. This is one of the main attractions of Kerala and offers a great insight into a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 8: Kochi
After breakfast you will head back to your home stay in Kochi. Tonight you will be dazzled by traditional Kerala dancing and drama. Breakfast and dinner are included.

*Day 9 to 11: Work with children
You will spend this week engaging the children as much as your energy levels allow. There is no such thing as being too creative. Invent new games, teach new songs and have a ball playing with these very special children.

*Day 12 Visit to Guruvayoor / Kodanad (Elephant camp)
Learn how these majestic beasts are trained to perform in religious ceremonies. Get up close and personal with these surprisingly graceful long-nosed animals

*Day 13 Backwater tour and fishing village
Today you will have another chance to enjoy the gorgeous backwaters. Meet the locals and pick up a rod as you try your hand at catching your dinner.

*Day 14: Last chance to shop!
Buy all those last minute souvenirs. Bring a sari home to your friends and be sure to stock up on miniature Hindu gods and bangle bracelets when you travel to bustling Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala.

*Day 15: Transfer to Airport
Today you will be taken to the airport and head home or continue on to your next adventure.

Highlights:
* Cruising down Kerala's famous backwaters by house boat
* Making a child with special needs giggle with joy
* Visiting an elephant camp
* Braving the local cuisine infamous for its red hot spices

Qualifications: Who is it for?
This project is ideal for anyone interested in children and special education who wants to combine this with the opportunity to travel around one of India's most beautiful and relaxing states.

Cost in US$: USD 1295.00 for 2 weeks

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse, home stay and on a house boat.
* Food: All breakfast; lunch and dinner when stated on itinerary
* 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

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994