Participant Testimonials

From what I saw of it India is the most fantastic country with both beautiful physical features as well as wonderful architecture. The people that I met were so friendly, and went out of their way to make our stay as enjoyable as they could. It has been one of the most amazing things that I’ve ever done, filled with moments that I’ll never forget and that’s one of the things that made this trip so unique, the special moments that you can’t describe but will never be able to forget and sum up the true spirit of India.
Helen, United Kingdom

Sangam had proven that wherever you come from and whatever your traditions are, you are a GUIDE and this was the common thing between us.

Noha, Egypt

Tomorrow is our final day here at Sangam, and I know that I will leave with a lighter soul and a mind full of ideas. We have been working together to Build World Peace. This huge endeavour must begin small, and we have started with a group of 14.

Together, we have braved the bustling streets of India; seen the poverty and the hope in programs for the future; felt the uncertainty and frustration of being a refugee; explored a deeper meaning in Guiding and the initiatives of WAGGGS; shared a meeting with a local Guide group; examined human faults and strengths; and taken a closer look at ourselves and tried to find where we can fit in to better our world.
Susanne, Canada

My lasting memory of India is the smiling faces of the children of Anand Gram saying goodbye to us on the last day of project.
Katie, United Kingdom

At the end of our two weeks at Sangam we ran a children’s camp for 3 days. It was so rewarding, exhilarating and truly beautiful. All the children came from Mobile Crèche centres from around Pune. When they arrived they were all very inward and quiet but as the days went on they all came out of themselves so much it was very sad when they had to leave…On their last day we painted all their faces which was brilliant!...

Finally we had reached the end of our unforgettable stay in Sangam, having made beautiful friendships, learnt things that will change our lives and last but not least having one of the best times of our life. I think that everyone will agree that we have all changed as people and our eyes have been opened. Let us hope that the ‘Spirit of Sangam’ can stay in us forever.
Marie Claire, United Kingdom

I believe it is fair to say that we had seen more poverty than we had imagined – but perhaps less suffering. It is said that India changes people. Given the distance from home – both physically as well as socially and culturally, that seems like a reasonable assertion. But perhaps it is not so much that we are changed, but rather that we have gently pushed our personal limits and returned knowing more about ourselves and each other --- and feeling ready for our next adventure in Guiding!
Canadian Participant

Ce que je n’oublierai jamais de cette experience c’est le fait de dormir dans le meme dortoir avec une guide du canada, de Madagascar, de tunisie et du Togo, et faire un feu de camp avec des guides de 18 pays differents. Je remercie de tout mon Coeur Sangam et mon association parce que grace a eux maintenant j’ai des amies dans tous les continents du monde
Micheline, Lebanon (Lebanon)

J’ai passé une semaine très riche en rencontres et en formation humaine, c’est fou comme on peut grandir chez les Guides!
Anne, France

And the food is the some of the best that I have ever tried! Of course, you don’t go to India just to eat the food, you go to experience a new culture. You are not disappointed, at Sangam you are immersed in it. You do not learn it through lectures or boring talks but through fun, games and experience. I can honesty say I will never forget my trip. Memories are like diamonds, I will treasure these forever.
Laureana, British Guides In Foreign Countries - Spain

….There were a few tears shed at each of the projects the day we all left, but we left behind lots of happy children – as well as happy teachers and social workers who had translated lots of songs and crafts into their own language to use again and again. We had also left a lot of visual aid toys, parachutes and money to enable them to develop and buy equipment to extend the crafts, games and songs we had taught. As well as our service projects, Sangam gave us an insight into the cultures and lives of the people in Pune. In between working at the projects we had days shopping, experiencing different cultures and gaining an insight into WAGGGS and International Guiding. It was a successful visit, and we feel that we had made a positive contribution to the lives of the people we worked with. We intend to maintain our links with all of the projects and are already planning to return in August 2006.
Sangam 2004 Project Group – UK

It is amazing how people’s perspectives change under different circumstances; the girls started becoming very aware of what was most important to them
UK participant