OK, so I think it’s probably time to explain what I’m actually doing in India…
When I had planned this trip, I had wanted to spend time volunteering, and I knew India would offer plenty of opportunities for this. So, sometime during my first visit to Thailand, I spent a bit of time searching around on the ‘net and found two Indian NGOs that needed help with media projects and worked in fields that interested me/I really cared about (I mean although I believe improving the water supply for rural areas is important, I wouldn’t necessarily rank it as a “passion” of mine…). One based in Delhi got back right away and said they’d look to see if my dates/skills would match up with their projects. The other got back a few days later with an offer to come when I could and would provide housing and a living stipend. I quickly accepted…
So here I am in Shillong now, working with Impulse NGO Network (soon to become known simply as “Impulse”). They work in a variety of sectors, but the main ones are village livelihood (finding ways for the small villages near here to sustain themselves), adolescent health/education, and child trafficking. I’ve got 2.5 large projects I’m working on. It’s basically putting together two separate publications (and culling information from one, so the organization can build a website…that’s the “.5″).
My days/weeks here are pretty long…six days a week, about 70 hours total, and most of the time is spent in an office. But I really can’t complain. I’m enjoying working on the projects (and have been copyediting too, which I love, love, love), and if you knew me before the last six months, you’ll know that 70-hour weeks aren’t that uncommon for me.
As my months here continue, I’m sure I’ll be posting more about what the organization is doing…which actually is pretty related to the US. One of the major funders is the US Department of State, which through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, funds some of the work/studies on child trafficking. That way, you know, you Yanks can also see what your tax dollars (as well as me) are doing here in India.
Gah! I don’t read your blog for a week, and look where it gets me. Not knowing you’re spending 1/4 a year in India volunteering! You’re so great!
That sounds amazing! I’m glad you are doing something that you’re passionate about and it always feels good to know you’re making a difference.
hey that’s great about your new job! this sounds like it will be really fulfilling. have you met lots of nice people? i so want to visit india! have you drank chai out of clay cup yet and thrown it on the ground?
Well, I didn’t blog for about a whole week…so at least you didn’t miss anything else!
Passionate? Yes. Tired, too? Yes. Hehehe.
I have met lots of great people…I have to say, everyone has been SO friendly. No chai out of a clay cup yet…is this a tradition I should be looking out for???
That DOES sound amazing!
Really good and really interesting post. I expect (and other readers maybe
) new useful posts from you!
Good luck and successes in blogging!
Oh, wonderful!
We expect more and more interesting and helpfu posts as same from you!
My compliments!
Very interesting and helpful post.
I add your blog in my Google Reader!