And so it begins....

ak13 — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:28:00 GMT

I'm far from a writer, but here's my attempt at sharing what I'm setting out to do this year with those who'd like to read about it.

I was all packed, layers, winter gear, just enough technology to stay in touch with loved ones and not too much to catch the attented of the unwanted eye when on the constant move for the next 9/10 months. Plus- how much can you really take with you right?

So, off to Mumbai airport, terrible traffic (not to be surprised), smooth flight to Frankfurt am Main albeit delayed owing to a Lufthansa personnel strike just the day before. So the luck is already rubbing off, strike called off just the day I have to embark on this journey- Brilliant.

Given the delay from Mumbai, it was a short stopover in FRA which just allowed me enough time to pick up my favourite Schinken und kaese croissant and a Latte Machiatto. Onward to JFK!

After what seemed like an endless flight- not for lack of entertainment/food or comfortable seating, we land safely in NYC. Only 2 hours in immigration and 1 hour for a taxi and voila I'm in Chelsea.

My endeavour

ak13 — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:21:00 GMT

I will be volunteering in Central and South America in 2013.

BOLIVIA

What will I be doing in Cochabamba?

Helping in the day care
Helping in the English classes
Tutoring of all school levels (mainly English and mathematics)
Helping with expos, fairs and other community events
Giving workshops on SODIS (we train volunteers on this solar water disinfecting method)
Social networking
Doing light construction and clean-up
Supporting longer-term volunteers in their initiatives

For more information on the Cochabamba program:
http://www.facebook.com/ProyectoHorizonte
http://www.ushpa-ushpa.com
http://proyectohorizonte-volunteers.blogspot.in

PERU

What will I be doing in Lima & Cuzco?

TEACHING ENGLISH- work in local schools, community centers and shelters for street children. Work varies but generally consists of providing tutoring to local students, setting up small workshops, assisting local teachers and organizing educational games and activities.

CHILDCARE WORK- work in orphanages, community centers, daycare centers, schools and kindergartens. Work varies but generally consists of providing individual attention, playing with children, organizing games and activities, assisting with home work and educating children about hygiene.

For more information on the Cusco program (1-28 September)
http://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-in-peru-cusco.html
http://www.maximonivel.com/volunteers/volunteering-orphanages-childcare
http://www.maximonivel.com/volunteers/teaching-english

For more information on the Lima program (31 July- 28 August)
http://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-in-peru.html
http://tarpuysonqo.org/volunteer.html
http://tarpuysonqo.org/volunteer01.html
http://tarpuysonqo.org/volunteer02.html

GUATEMALA

What will I be doing in Guatemala?

ECO-AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION- The IVHQ Guatemala Eco-Agriculture Conservation project is based in a coffee farming community, located at the base of the Guatemalan highlands just outside of Antigua. The coffee co-operative that I will be volunteering with was set up with the help of a non-profit organization that focuses on economic development and sustainable agriculture in Guatemala.

For more information on the Guatemala program
http://www.asgreenasitgets.org/who-we-are
http://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-in-guatemala.html

Voluntourism

And so it begins....

My endeavour

PERU

GUATEMALA