Info

Provide much needed support and help at the YMCA deaf school with 170 needy children. Kids aged 5 - 18 many of whom have been abandoned. School based in cultural Madurai, accommodation with host family.

This extremely worthwhile project enables you to help a very much neglected section of society in the sub-continent. The children will absolutely love having you there almost as much as you will love helping them in their every day school lives.

Disability in India is often viewed as a punishment for a misdeed committed in a previous life and whole families can suffer as a result of the social stigma attached to hearing impairment. Many hearing impaired children and young people are abandoned by their families and face life being ostracised by communities and lacking access to education and training.

You don't need any qualifications to do this project, just lots of enthusiasm and ability to give disadvantaged children love, care and attention all year round - you choose your start and finish dates!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

You'll work with the YMCA Deaf School in Madurai. This school aims to provide opportunities for marginalised hearing impaired children and young people to receive a basic education and become integrated into their family and the rest of society.

Madurai YMCA runs a pre-school, primary school and a high school as well as a course for integrating 11-16 year olds with hearing difficulties into standard schools. A vocational training centre based at the high school provides young people who have finished their education (or who have dropped out) with skills training in embroidery and tailoring for the girls and bakery for the boys. The project supports and assists them to find work placements

Their achievements so far:
Every year more than 30 admissions are made .
8 to 10 students get integrated into regular schools each year.
More than 1000 hearing impaired children have undergone special education
Nearly 200 of them are pursuing higher education
Nearly 250 boys and girls are engaged in gainful employment
Integrated education facility has enabled a girl to secure high marks (80%) in a regular school and to pursue her higher studies.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into beautiful India and it's fascinating culture.
The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:

There are approximately 170 children in the school ranging from 5 to 18 years of age and the children are taught Indian sign language but are really interested in learning English sign language too and the principle encourages this. You will also be able to play games with them in the afternoons for an hour after school. They love volleyball and football! There is also a section for the older students to learn tailoring, embroidery and bakery skills.
You will normally be teaching between 9am to 4.25 pm.

ACCOMMODATION:

For a complete Indian experience we arrange for you to stay with one of wonderful host families. All of our hosts are very welcoming and you will be made to feel part of the family. You will also gain a great insight into Indian culture and customs.

You may share a room with one other volunteer and you will have an en-suite western style bathroom. All of our host family houses are close together and just a minute walk away from internet cafes, banks and snack shops and just a short auto ride into the centre of town.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It’s as easy as that.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

Add to your travel experience in India by doing some additional exciting optional extra activities.
• YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES: Learn or improve your Yoga skills. Kick-start your days with Yoga followed by Meditation, it’ll set you up for the day!
• 2-HOUR BASIC TAMIL LANGUAGE COURSE (only £7). You'll learn some basic phrases to kick-start your placement
• 4-WEEK TAMIL LANGUAGE COURSE: (£49) taken at the same time as doing your main project. Lessons are by a retired Professor of Tamil. You'll appreciate the benefits of having some Tamil during your placement ... and the locals will love you for trying to speak their language.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in India, such as Sports or Work Experience or Teaching, giving you a varied and broad experience of life in India.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £795 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.