Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can participate?
Female members of WAGGGS – the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts – ages 18 and older, while keeping in mind WAGGGS’ mission: “to enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.”
A maximum of 6 participants will be accepted into the programme.
What are the dates of the programme?
The programme is approximately 3 months in duration: January – March & September – November
2009
Programme I
5 January – 27 March this includes ‘Special Mini event’ to start, plus optional ‘WAGGGS Advocacy Seminar’ to conclude.
Application Deadline 31 Aug 08
Programme II
20 August – 13 November this includes ‘Feast & festival’ to start, plus optional ‘WAGGGS Advocacy Seminar during the programme.
Application Deadline 1 March 09
2010
Programme I
2 January – 26 March this includes ‘Discover Your Potential’ to start, plus optional ‘WAGGGS Advocacy Seminar’ during the programme.
Application Deadline 1 March 09
Programme II
3 September – 26 November this includes ‘Feast & festival’ to start, plus optional event ‘WAGGGS Advocacy Seminar’ during the programme.
Application Deadline 1 March 09
When are my application and references due?
see above – Feel free to contact us directly with any questions or concerns.
What organizations might I volunteer with?
Door Step School serves children between 3 and 18 years of age, offering support systems such as study classes, literacy classes, community and reference libraries, and non-formal fun activities. DSS aims to support children so they stay in school, and to improve their level of achievement and participation. Programs also provide literacy classes for children living on the streets.
Mobile Crèches serves the children of migrant construction workers with education, health care, and nutrition by establishing crèches at construction sites. Without Mobile Crèches, the children would be left to run freely among dangerous building materials, and girls as young as 6 or 8 years old would be burdened with looking after their younger siblings.
Akanksha aims to provide these children access to a different learning experience from the formal education system with an emphasis on providing a strong education foundation, self-esteem and a good time, as well as preparing them to get a job. The Akanksha curriculum is a 10 level curriculum that uses innovative teaching methodology to teach English, math and values. The children range in age from 13 to 17 years.
*Community partners may change depending on many factors.
What will my schedule be?
You will start as a participant in a regularly scheduled Sangam programme. This may include our Welcome Ceremony, tours of the local area, lessons in Indian arts, an introduction to Indian social issues and community development projects.
You will then receive a one-week CVP-specific orientation, during which time you will learn more about Sangam’s community partner that you will volunteer with, as well as become more familiar with living and working at Sangam and in Pune.
You will volunteer with the organisation during their regular operating hours, generally 9am to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, you will receive lessons in Hindi (one of India’s two national languages; can you guess the other one?) from a professional language teacher. In addition, the programme coordinators run weekly debriefing sessions, as well as educational activities in cross-cultural awareness and Indian culture.
Evenings and weekends are free for exploring the city of Pune and surrounding areas.
Will language be a barrier?
Not necessarily. Although many of our partner organisations use Hindi and Marathi (local language of Maharashtra state) as their working languages, English is widely spoken. The international language of gestures and smiles also goes a long way, and your language lessons will be focussed on what is most useful at your site.
Who are the programme coordinators?
Minakshi Jadhav and the Programme Manager coordinate the programme. A local member of staff, Minakshi has been at Sangam since 1994. The Programme Manager is a member of our International career staff appointed by WAGGGS.
What are the programme fees?
The programme fees are per person
|
Year |
Double room ( Shared) |
Single room |
|
2009 |
£ 1950 |
£ 2150 |
|
2010 |
£ 2050 |
£ 2250 |
What does the programme fee include?
- Single or double room
- 3 meals daily if eaten at Sangam or if packed lunch is taken
- Safe drinking water
- Laundry facilities
- Communal kitchen facilities and lounge
- Phone and internet access
- Participation in two international programmes plus CVP orientation
- Transportation to and from placement site
- Weekly language lessons
- Cultural learning and debriefing
- Participation in other Sangam programme activities during non-work hours
- Mediation with organizations if needed
- Support of experienced staff at a well-established World Centre
- Re-entry orientation at the end of your stay.
What does the fee NOT include?
- Passport and visa fees
- Airfare
- Spending money
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance and treatment
- Immunizations
- Medicine (i.e. anti-malarials)
What is the payment schedule?
A deposit of 20% is required at the time of acceptance in order to reserve a place in the programme. The remainder is due upon arrival.
What is the refund policy?
The 20% deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferable to another year or a Sangam event at the discretion of the World Centre Manager. After the start of the programme, refunds will be given only for compassionate reasons. The World Centre Manager will determine the amount, if any, that is to be refunded.
What is the admission procedure?
Complete the application and send via email or post.
Reference Forms from three people. At least one of these should be a person within Scouting/Guiding. The others may be people within Scouting/Guiding, teachers, supervisors, friends, or other people who are able to comment on the applicant’s skills and attitude. References from family members will not be accepted
Is there financial assistance available?
Yes. Sangam is able to provide a limited amount of financial assistance to help a well-qualified candidate take advantage of this opportunity. To apply for assistance, submit a letter with your application explaining how much you are able to contribute towards the cost of the programme, your plans for fundraising, and how much assistance you need to be able to participate.
How can I fundraise for this programme?
So many ways… Advice from past participants:
- Sponsorship from district, division, county, region, etc. “People are generally very pleased to help in some way, as volunteering at a world centre is a huge privilege.” In return, “offer to go to units and do talks after you get back … one year later and I’m still travelling my county doing presentations and activity sessions for everyone from Rainbows (5 years old) to Trefoil Guild!”
- Profile-raising activities such as a well-publicized quiz, raffle, cake sale (Even small amounts easily make a difference!)
- Write articles in your local Girl Scout/Guide circular, local newspaper, religious magazine, etc
- “Think about why you are going, who will benefit what you can bring back, etc. so when you talk to people you can easily justify it and make sure that they understand it is not just a ‘holiday’!!”
- “I know it seems like a lot of money but it really can come together very easily.”
What makes this programme special?
There are many programmes through which you can volunteer in India. Sangam’s Community Volunteer Programme offers you added benefits:
- Participation in international events in which you can meet Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world. Share the friendship of campfires, swap badges, sit beside women from all five world Regions while you dangle your feet in the pool, and enjoy all the camaraderie of international Guiding and Scouting.
- Sangam staff will offer you the chance to learn about Indian culture through weekly excursions and activities. Visit a Sikh temple, drive a rickshaw, visit a school, learn to cook a chapatti, and much, much more…
- A long history of community connections means that Sangam can help you get involved in the community. Want to join a choir? Learn to play the tabla drums? Interested in Bollywood dancing? Sangam can introduce you to a wide range of contacts to help you meet local people and live an experience that goes way beyond tourism.
Throughout the programme, you will have a team of caring, dedicated professionals, living on-site, available for support and advice. They will be there if you feel ill, need someone to talk to, or want to hang out with a friend.
What if I have more questions?
Please direct your questions to the Programme Coordinators:
Minakshi Jadhav crm@sangamworldcentre.org
Programme Manager pm@sangamworldcentre.org
Phone: +91 (0)20 2669 3252 / 26694240
Post: Sangam World Centre
Alandi Road
Opposite Phulenagar
Yerawada, Pune 411 006
Opposite Phulenagar
Yerawada, Pune 411 006
INDIA