Fighting Poverty in India

  India

Jaipur

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Globe Aware's new (as of summer 2009) India program is based in Jaipur. Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744, founded Jaipur, "The Pink City". Built in 1727 Jaipur was the first planned city of India and the King took great interest in its design. The title of "The Pink City" is in reference to its distinctly colored buildings, which were originally painted that color to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. Jaipur has grown into the commercial centre for most of the rural regions of the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan and is that state's largest city. It is a place with a rich cultural history. During your strolls through the city you will come across typical Rajasthani men and women wearing turbans and colorful ghagra-choli. While much of the news of India is rightfully focused on the stunning growth rates of its tech sector and the miraculous transformations of many of the major cities, mass poverty is still very much in evidence in rural regions throughout the country.

Highlights: Work Project
Globe Aware has partnered with a local community in Jaipur to combat poverty which has identified several areas in which Globe Aware volunteers can assist their community. One priority is working with slum dwelling and other disadvantaged children (often referred to locals as "rag-picking children". This will be accomplished by providing support for teachers, working with rescued child laborers, and assisting at day care centers catering to children below the poverty line. The local community is also concerned with the conditions of local communal facilities. As a result volunteers will also participate in beautification activities at government schools, day care centers, & other public facilities. In all cases the projects that you, our volunteers, make possible will enhance the quality of life for these children and communities in ways that you can only begin to imagine.

Safety and Security
Jaipur is a safe city accustomed to visitors from around the world. You may encounter youths on motorbikes claiming that Westerners are unwilling to engage with the Indian people. They might say "Why don't tourists want to talk to me", or "I am a student, I want to learn about your culture". This is occasionally a segue into a common scam in this part of India, the "gem scam." It involves the purchase of fake stones for resale, a supposed scheme to bypass Indian tax laws, or a host of other machinations. As a general rule, do not accept tea from strangers, but in addition be wary of any who invite you to talk in secluded areas. For your own sake, you will want to stay out of the precious gem business in Jaipur. There have been reports of smugglers trying to entice travelers to assist in smuggling items. Under no circumstances accept - smuggling is a major criminal act. In all these cases, exercise general caution and never fear to ask your coordinator for assistance or clarification of a given situation.

Cost in US$: please vsit the Globe Aware website

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to European and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network

Globe Aware's Mission Statement: Globe Aware seeks to promote lifelong advocates for a better world and to sustain the world's cultural and natural resources. The organization, together with the local community hosts, develops effective local solutions to global problems in non-religious, non-political, multi-international environments. The aim is to expand and foster cross-cultural peace and understanding between Americans and the rest of the world, to preserve culture and promote sustainability. Globe Aware expeditions provide volunteers the opportunity to live and work side by side with a host community. The hosts provide a safe and interesting setting in which to learn, help, and have fun. The volunteers help to empower the host communities in creating renewable, self-sufficient programs. While Globe Aware's financial assistance benefits the community economically, it is actually the involvement and collaboration between the volunteers and community that is the greatest mutual benefit.

Year Founded: 2001