Welcome to EkNews - Ekno Experience’s Volunteer newsletter! We aim to keep you informed about what’s happening in India and Nepal.

Volunteering is a totally unique experience. You'll work side-by-side with local people, stay in locally owned accommodation and experience things that you've never dreamed of. Not only will you make friends for life, but you'll return with the knowledge that you've done something good to help the world as well.

By travelling with us you get to be involved with local projects and even if your individual contribution is as small as one week, together with other volunteers, the combined impact is huge!

This isn't your average holiday; it can be quite tough and challenging, but most people find that it's also incredibly rewarding. We've been doing this for over 6 years, so we'll prepare you well and no matter what challenges you run into we'll be there to help you out. Regardless of what area you choose, we can promise you one thing… It will change your life!

So why volunteer?

Does lying on a banana lounge being fed and watered like a zoo hippo on your holidays appeal to you?

Does helping children or monks learn English or lend your skills to help villagers with maintenance appeal to you?

Does the simple joy of contribution in such a meaningful way to the lives of those less fortunate also appeal to you?

Perhaps the first step to pursuing a volunteer opportunity in India or Nepal is to sit and ask yourself ‘why do you want to volunteer?’ There is no right or wrong answer, but your response can provide great insight into your expectations and intent.

Ask yourself, is your desire to volunteer related to a wish:

To help others who are less fortunate than yourself?

To develop a lifelong relationship with a country and population that has always intrigued or inspired you?

To explore another culture while having a minimal impact (benefitting local communities)

To further your career by gaining hands-on works experience?

To contribute to positive social change?

To choose either of these destinations is to choose a responsible destination to visit. The positive impact of your Volunteering and or Work Experience is an important one to offset the inevitable damage done by visiting in the first place.

Our placements range from 1 week to 5 months

14 day short programs for those who want to combine work with language lessons with travel in both India and Nepal.

More details on our website www.eknoexperience.com – Work

Child Care Worker – Required to teach and help with Nepali, Tibetan or Indian children from ages 2 to 5 in a Village School. Offered in India & Nepal.

Aged Care Worker - Required to attend to general housekeeping duties of aged care patients in a nursing home in Nepal and private homes for Tibetan Refugees in India. Offered in India & Nepal.

Special Needs Carer - Required to attend to general needs and help with Children of Special Needs at a Nepali or Tibetan School for the Disadvantaged. Offered in India & Nepal.

DHARAMSALA NEWS!

The Dalai Lama returned to McLeod Ganj this week and hundreds of Tibetans and well-wishers holding traditional ceremonial scarves and burning incense lined the streets as he returned to his exile hometown. He recently underwent a successful removal of gallstones in New Delhi. His recent poor health has been to a concern to the community in McLeod Ganj and theTibetan community at large.

Other News – The foothills above upper Dharamsala or McLeod Ganj have seen their first snow of winter. This was in wake of the longest and most intense monsoon for 30 years (or so reports say). For those of us who stuck around for it, it seemed to be a case of cabin fever being stuck inside while the rain tumbled down. As predicted when the local Mela (or festival, which marks the end of the monsoon) started, remarkedly the sun came out. This has been a tradition for the local Indian population. Now what about global warming!

On the weather note, as the winters are very cold in Dharamsala, we don’t encourage placements of volunteers between the months of January and February. As all the locals head south or east, we figure there must be some sense in that and after December there will be no placements until the middle of March 2009.

Other volunteering opportunities are also available around Dharamsala and Nepal. Full details next newsletter or meantime email Sharon at info@eknoexperience.com for further details.

NEPAL NEWS!

 

We are very pleased to announce that the Vinayak Shiska Niketan Senior Secondary School, Thimi Nepal has been award by the Ministry of Education as the top secondary school in Nepal this year. This is a very big achievement as Thimi is a smallish village on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The school produced the top student in Grade 10 in all of Nepal.

The Principal, Mr Surendra Prajapati has worked tirelessly for over 20 years on behalf of the school. Our volunteers are placed at the school and we are delighted to be associated with the school through our partner organization in Nepal, Experience Nepal. You can read about one of our volunteer’s experiences at the school earlier this year.

WHAT OUR PAST VOLUNTEERS HAVE SAID

What was an amazing experience, the last few days were emotional and bit stressful, we performed the drama shows even on the last day I was there, didn't plan that, but it was for the parents on the last day, and how could I refuse. So I did two shows with one school and two shows with another focusing on different issues; child rights etc.

I did find it difficult, but at the end of the day, I had the opportunity to absorb and learn so much, not only about Nepal but about values in life. So I was very fortunate. The farewells that they gave me really signified to me how much they appreciated my being there and my efforts. I am so glad that I went there, I feel so lucky. I really and truly though, did not think that I would make a strong relationship with the kids. One girl made me cry, from words that she said at farewell ceremony.

The kids really developed with their drama skills, and watching them from the side was very exciting and rewarding and a relief. Problems with the microphones unfortunately meant that a lot of the drama could not be heard. So I guess money is needed if they want to implement a stronger drama program. And what is really needed is a large contained space away from distractions during class and rehearsals etc. I think the interest in the drama would increase dramatically if everyone could hear the performances; nonetheless the teachers were very impressed.

Overall this volunteer experience has changed my life, and made me learn better patience, and gratitude, and a better perspective on everything I have. After Nepal and India, I guess I see things differently, and sometimes I think I don't know if I can go back to Australia. I know I will though, and I know that I'll find my place once again. But I have promised myself to always make volunteer work a part of my life now, so thank you so much. And one day when I have maybe a stable income, (as I'm an unemployed actor most of the time) I want to sponsor a child in Nepal, so PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH! Maybe next time I will volunteer in India.

Elizabeth McNeill,
Melbourne, Australia
lizocrackers@hotmail.com

WORKING HOLIDAYS

If you have a short holiday planned why not try one of our working holiday programs – Teach English to one of the Dalai Lama’s monks in India, teach English to Nepali school children while combining it with learning Tibetan or Hindi or combine it with a holistic course and a cooking class… the choices are endless.

Full details are on our website www.eknoexperience.com – Work - Holidays.

 

Other Travel News:

 

In light of our highly successful Ladakh 2008 pilgrimage, bookings are now open for the 2009 trip. The trips are for fundraising for Thosamling International Institute for Buddhist Women. Further details are on our website www.eknoexperience.com – Travel, Nirvana Tour.

If you are the independent type take advantage of our expert advice and experience to help you with your transportation and accommodation needs. If you want to learn a new skill combined with some travel to Dharamsala then one of our Mind, Body & Soul Packages will be ideal for you. Whether it’s a Meditation, Reiki, Yoga, Language Cooking or Jewellery making class, your journey won't be complete without one.

Other courses offered are: Reiki, Meditation, Yoga, Massage, Tarot Card Reading, Crystal Healing, Dance, Cooking, Language and more...

See our full range of courses and descriptions on our website.

We at Ekno Experience will do all organization, leaving you free to concentrate on getting the most out of your travels and your experiences in India. Be warned however, once she (India) is in your blood it could be there forever.

Email us your suggested itinerary and we will do the rest to arrange all the details.

Check out the list of destinations on our website.

Email us to discuss your travel plans at info@eknoexperience.com
or
call or SMS on 0437 967 819 in Australia.

Australia Ekno Experience Tours & Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 51 121 148 427) 68 Cradock Street Holland Park Q 4121 Australia Phone: +61 437 967 819

India Hunted Hill House PO Jogiwara Road McLeod Ganj, Upper Dharamsala, H.P. 176219 India Phone: +91 1892 220339 Mobile: +91 98166 85999