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"I really enjoyed myself! Was very nervous about what the programme would involve before starting but had very good induction from the coordinator which helped me and relax. The program seemed to be well run and really making a difference and the lives of the children- hopefully they will enjoy the first brush with education and want to take it further as they get older. It was a very rewarding experience for me. I learnt far more about India as a country and her culture than I would if I had just spend the time traveling from city to city and feel like I have been able to help the children I have taught in some way- even if it was just a to make them laugh harder and enjoy themselves more when playing on lunch break. My experience was very positive. I feel that I have gained a lot personally from the scheme. Obvious skills like patience, team work and problem solving were improved but also I learnt valuable skills like breaking down complex ideas into small chunks and that by smiling a lot can be achieved compared to when you do not. The children were all lovely and charming. They made this time for me in Jaipur so special, unique and unforgettable. Food an accommodation was brilliant. The food was amazing- one of the things I looked forward to my return from the weekend trips was the food cooked fresh by the cook. The accommodation for sleeping was ample and the beds were comfortable. The location was good for access and Jaipur but it was nice to live in a residential area with real Indians. All the Sankalp team was great. They were never unwilling to help and always asking how I was with a smile on their faces. They help and care and consideration they give me when I needed to visit the doctor was first class. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. Really feel like it is run for the right reasons and not just to make a profit. Would not hesitate to recommend it"
- Mark longworth, United Kingdom
Street Kids Education Project
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"Well organized, Friendly relaxed atmosphere. Clear rules and good support. I would recommend this program to my friends. My experience during this program was very rewarding. But when I came here I didn’t like teaching school, Indian food and I had no idea what kind of adventure I was about to embark on. Right now all that has changed and I look back at 6 weeks of life changing moments and experience overall totally worth it! The children were great, easy to work with and willing to learn. Food was great; I really think Purnima is a great cook. Accommodation is fine. The staff is always there for you when you need them so that’s great. Overall it was way more than I expected it to be. I’m very happy that I chose to spend some time volunteering and even happier that I found Sankalp. I really enjoyed teaching and I got what I came for. Motivated to do good in life, I will return to the Netherlands and make the best of it. May be one day I’ll come back, I feel that I will"
- Cees, Neatherland
English Teaching Program
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"Overall I found the street kids program to be really rewarding. Although the facilities and the school are basic. The staff and the children themselves are enthusiastic and eager. It’s well run and hopefully will continue to benefit the children and the wider community over time. My experience during the program was great. At the beginning I was very down about the lack of facilities provided for the children. However over time I realized that, although there may be few facilities, anything is better than nothing. The children are fantastic. They are bright, friendly and generally very eager to learn. The accommodation is fine, comfortable and clean. The food is delicious! All the Sankalp staff has been great. We have received the support and help we needed throughout the course. Overall, I have had a fantastic experience. The school work, accommodation and food have all been great. I would highly recommend Sankalp to anyone considering volunteering in India. Keep up the good work"
- Thomas Colligan, Australia
Street Kids Volunteer Project
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"I really enjoyed working in the orphanage, although I found it very emotionally difficult time at times. The children are fantastic and I feel that my presence there for the last month has been truly beneficial for them. The children are very far behind the usual milestones. They are not given enough attention or show how to do anything properly. But still, amazes me how they are so happy & positive. The food and the accommodation were fantastic. It was interesting living with all the other volunteers. The Sankalp staff has been fantastic and helpful all the time. Overall the programme was brilliant! Everyone at Sankalp has been great and really made me feel safe & at home. The bed were comfy and the food outstanding. Thank you so much this unforgettable experience. It was the first time I ever volunteered but definitely won’t be the last"
- Marie-Louise Mc Loughlin, Australia
OrphanageVolunteer Work
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"A terrific experience. Well organized and supportive program. Great to see students energized and motivated to learn in school. I had a very positive experience. I wish I could have spent some more time with the children. Was terrific to et to know them and watch them learn. The children were wonderful. I hope the best for them. Accommodation and the food were great. Team and the staff at the Sankalp were great. I would definitely recommend this program to everyone. Thank you for the experience"
- Abiskar Mitra, USA
Street Kids Project India
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"I participated in the teaching govt. School program and found it to be a very valuable experience. It was challenging with the language barrier between me and the children but it was not impossible. My overall experience has been great. I have made some good friends and seen some amazing places. I feel that I have gained a lot personally from this experience and hope that others have gained from having me here. I feel it is an experience I would like to repeat again soon!! I felt totally safe in the community and have really enjoyed getting to know the area. The children were especially important to me. Accommodation and food have been wonderful. The accommodation was pretty close to what I expected it to be like And I found it to be clean and comfortable and a relaxing environment. Needless to say the food was wonderful!! I loved every dish. I really enjoyed the interaction with the staff. I found all to be very helpful and friendly and not at all intrusive. I did feel like part of the family here with staff & volunteers. I would definitely like to recommend it"
- Nicola Snown, New Zealand
English Teaching Volutneer Program
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"It was great to have the feeling of actually helping Street Children to get an education. It was very rewarding to see how happy they were with the small things that I did, although it was sometimes very tiresome to try and keep them under control. My experience during the program was unforgettable. I had no idea what to expect, but I am very happy that I have worked here. Even though it was not easy. People at Sankalp were always ready to answer my endless questions. The children are adorable: they seem to be close knit group. They have hard time focusing. Accommodation and food is always nice. The house is clean and comfortable. The recreation room is very cozy. The food was very good and nutritious. The organizers are really sweet and generous. Nothing that we asked was too much for them and they had a lot of useful tips. Overall the programme is very important and it is obvious that the staff is working very hard. I am really impressed by the work you are doing and I hope that you can continue doing it for a long time to come"
- Ine De Baerdemaeker, Belgium
Street Children Project India
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This is a great program I would recommend it to anyone. There is a great balance of volunteering and tourism. It is a wonderful way to see India and give back to the community. The women empowerment program really helped me to see the real India and connect w/a village in personal way. It is going to be very hard to leave these girls. This experience has opened my eyes to the daily realities of the Indian people. The community and the children were welcoming. We often were stared at but once you get over that the Indian people are helpful and curious about you and what you think about India. The accommodation was WONDERFUL. The food was EXCELLENT! Everything was well kept. The team was very helpful. This was a great program. I would consider coming back if finances allow! I had a wonderful time and I felt that I had a real Indian experience.
- Heather Leisher, USA
Women empowerment volunteer project
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I have really enjoyed the women empowerment program. The ability to plan the classes has provided me with significant learning. The girls have been absolutely wonderful and they are all very smart. Experiences have included teaching English, song and dance to the girls. Riding elephant and camels was fun and sight seeing was awesome. The kindness and happiness I have experienced is like no other. I love the community we were in. The girls and children were so much fun and the village was very welcoming. Accommodation was great! Food was perfect! All of the staff has been very helpful and extremely friendly. Wonderful program. The program really let me immerse myself in Indian culture. Thank you for a very wonderful experience.
- Nicole Cronin, USA
Women Empowerment volunteer project
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"I felt at street Kids program we were helping and want to do more. My experience during the program was unforgettable. Great Kids, It’s a privilege to be here even if only for one week. The children were great and always eager to learn new things. Accommodation and food is always great. The Sankalp team was always very helpful and ready to answer the queries. Overall the program was worthwhile"
- Niamh Gomm, Canada
Street Children Project India
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"It was saddening to see how the kids live. But felt like I was helping them in some way. I wish I could’ve stayed more and taught them more. I thought everybody was really nice and seemed like good people. Accommodation was clean and comfortable. The food was very good and healthy. It was great to have Wi Fi at the volunteer home. I always felt secure and safe. Sankalp Staff was friendly, helpful and seemed like good people. Overall it’s a good program and I would like to do it again. And most important it is a genuine program"
- Nigel Gomm, Canada
Street Kids Volunteer Project
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"Orphanage and Street Kids both very worthwhile, I learnt a lot and thinks the kids gained a lot too.
All the children are great fun and friendly. All the people were also nice at the work area. Accommodation was good. Food was excellent and the cook was caring. Internet is a good addition. Staff was good and helpful. Overall I have had a great time and you guys do a great job. Jaipur is a great city to explore, live in and travel. Thank you for having me"
- Rachel Livesey, UK
Orphanage Work and Street Kids Project
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"I really admire all of the programs that Sankalp offers because I feel that each program addresses important issues, such as literacy. I am also grateful that I got to experience 2 different programs during my time. I had a lot of fun with the other volunteers exploring Jaipur and traveling around Rajasthan. I am so glad that I volunteered with other volunteers (rather than be myself on the program) b/c this helped us form a strong bond and it made volunteering more fun and rewarding. My favorite part was spending time with the young women in the women empowerment program and the children in the orphanage- they mean so much to me and I will never forget them. The food was amazing! Cook did a great jab and he was so fun to have around the volunteer house. The accommodation was different than what I expected but still very good. I was very comfortable in the volunteer home. The Sankalp Team was very pleasant. Overall I am very happy that I participated in this program because it was a great way to experience India"
- Lillie Carroll, USA
Orphanage Work and Women Empowerment Project
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"I found the program to be very enjoyable and well organized. The street kids programme was most enjoyable- both kids and teacher made it a fantastic experience. The kids were always friendly and enthusiastic. Any trip during the weekends that needed to be organized- were very much helped by the staff. It was all very much new experiences and a whole new culture that at first was very daunting but at the end found it to be really rewarding and made me more open-minded to other cultures and the way of living. Children and the community all of them are very welcoming and friendly. Accommodation was clean and very comfortable. All that was needed that was in the house. The food was fantastic- really enjoyed tasting the Indian food. All the staff was very helpful and willing to help when necessary. Thank You. Overall a fantastic program- a real eye opener and a truly cultural experience to a part of India"
- Laura Reilly, Ireland
Summer Volunteer Program 2010
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"I am appreciative of the fact that kids are being given an opportunity to an education. It is a bit difficult to communicate to them when you are speaking a different language from their own. There are some that are eager to learn & others who after days of trying still can’t get it. Seeing their homes & then watching their eagerness to be at school is encouragement to them. I just wish that better opportunities lie ahead for them. Without any teaching experience before, I think this opportunity I’ve been given was fulfilling. It was so heartwarming when on my 1st day and everyday after these kids will run up to us saying “Good Morning Didi”. They have so much potential and I am glad that they have this opportunity. Accommodation was lovely and comfortable. It was good to be so far off from home but still feel I was at home. Cook was great to us with his food. Everyone at the staff has been very friendly & helpful & lovely. Overall I am grateful for this opportunity I was given & I hope that I have had some sort of positive impact on the children. Sankalp is doing a great job by having such a program that will give kids some education"
- Krishma Moolchlan, USA
Street Children Volunteer Project
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"I have enjoyed my experience a lot! The orientation was very useful. The kids were lots of fun and always eager to learn. This is a great program and I am very happy that I have joined this program. My whole experience during the entire program whether the kids at the school or my time at volunteer home. I have enjoyed each and every moment. The staff was very approachable and friendly. Always helpful when help required for making weekend plans. My overall experience was great. I will recommend this program to everyone who wants to do some volunteering work in India"
- Kelly O'Shea, Australia
Street Children Volunteer Program
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"I think this programme is very well set up. I have really enjoyed my time here, both meeting the local people and the other volunteers. The programme provided a safe and welcoming environment which made my experience of India really positive. I really encouraged experiencing the different aspect of India’s culture and getting to work with the street children was a very rewarding experience. The people in the community and the children were all very friendly and welcoming. The accommodation is excellent- it is very well kept and has great facilities- broadband, DVD player etc. The food was lovely and there was a good variety of food provided. The Sankalp team and staff in work area all brilliant. They are all friendly and helpful which helped me to settled into the different culture and enjoys the experience. The programme provides an excellent experience for people coming to India, it is well organized and it is run b a great staff. Thanks"
- Ciara Elliot, Ireland
Street Kids Project India
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"I joined the street children program which I enjoyed. I think it is good to give the children a chance to learn something and I hope it will help them for their future. For me it was a good experience to do this volunteering. The children seemed to like school and so for me as a teacher it made fun to teach. The children were nice. Sometimes they were very exited but they liked to learn and so I liked to come and teach them. The accommodation was good. It is a nice house in a quite area. It is good to have internet. The food was very good as well. The Sankalp team and the staff at the work area were very friendly and everything was very well organized. All in all I enjoyed the program. It was the first time that I did volunteering and it was like I expected it. Everyone was nice to me and this program gave me the chance to do something different than normally do. Also the organization was good"
- Miriam Kothe, Germany
Street Volunteer Program India
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"I am happy I participated in this program. I met wonderful people and will leave India having had an overall positive experience. However, in the end I wish I could have done more for the women in my program. The community was very friendly. I enjoyed my time with the girls and really wish them all the best. Overall I was quite happy with the accommodations and food. The house is comfortable and I always felt safe. Cool was fantastic and I always looked forward to meals. The staffs are very friendly. Staff was very helpful with the planning trips and answering questions about India. Overall the program has good intensions and I would like to recommend this program to my friends and anyone who like to volunteer"
- Jennifer Kujath, Canada
Women Empowerment Program India
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"The overall impression is quite good. My program with the “Street children” has been very interesting for me. my personal experience is definitely good. I received so much from the children, I feel enriched now and I and I do believe they did more in all for me than I could imagine. Moreover, they have been sweet and open to the new games. The kids were really clever and definitely fast learner. Accommodation and food were great. As for the team, they were very helpful for me. I felt protected and well driven in all my activities. The impression is good. The program is very interesting and with the right people, the right passion and support. I can recommend it to everyone who wants to do the volunteering work"
- Francesco Leto, Italy
Street kids volunteer work
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"I have had a wonderful experience here in India. The children were amazing and the other volunteers have become good friends. The work and travel programme was a great balance of volunteering whilst also being able to see some of the sights of Rajasthan. The Sankalp Staff were very helpful and I have felt very safe during my stay. The other volunteers were amazing. The children at the school were fantastic and I had a wonderful time volunteering. I loved the excursions, particularly the Jaisalmer trip. It was amazing see children with so little be so enthusiastic and happy. The accommodation was great. The area felt safe and comfortable and it was nice to have the DVD player. In these hot months it would be nice to have the AC on longer. The food was fantastic. The accommodation on the excursion was always great. The driver is fantastic, always friendly, and very helpful and I felt very safe with him. The chef was great, food was always awesome. Rest of the staff was also great when approached. The programme is very reasonably priced. Overall I’ve had a wonderful experience that I will never forget"
- Alexandra Davies, New Zealand
Street kids volunteer program
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"I found that on this program that it was very educational in that it opened my eyes to the realities of the world. I never imagined such tiny people could be such strong survivor. This program to me is very educational: I realized that I might go into teaching or care as a career from this experience. Emotional: when I left the orphanage I felt sad to leave the children, at least I could go home but that is their home 24/7. Parental: I’ve realized that at some stage of my life I would like to adopt an under-privileged child. The children are so sweet, not badly behaved or attention seeking, just seeking praise and admiration. House is in a safe area, I enjoyed on the roof in the sunshine. The facilities are good especially the wireless internet! The food is amazing! The cook is a genius! The staff was very helpful and I always feel safe when they are around. I loved the program. It made me look at life a bit different. The program is well run"
- Ashleen McCrea, UK
Orphanage Volunteer Project
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"I really found what I was looking for: working with the kids, help them, improve their days and spending a lot of affection to them. It was very good for me to work as I wanted to do. The best experience for me was to open my heart, give love and to see also, how much is coming back then. And also searching for challenges on my own, helping on boy with walking and caring more for the disabled children, was very good for me. I was very surprised, how happy they can be and they are still able to receive affection, we laughed a lot. The caring for the volunteers was very well. The accommodation and food was great. The staff was very helpful and nice. They always take care of you. I had a great time, it was a great experience for my life and I found good friends"
- Claudia Schwerdfeger, Germany
Orphanage Work Volunteer Project
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"I think this program is a perfect way of experiencing India and the Indian culture. At the same time you are able to add a very important factor to the lives of the children; love and that makes this experience so special! I am definitely going to miss the children! This volunteer experience also made me realize some qualities of mine which I didn’t knew I could like taking care of all those children own my own. I also like the fact that Puran Tours can help to book tours. That was a very easy way for me to see Rajasthan! In the beginning I found it quite overwhelming to be at the orphanage. Its nice that we are free in the afternoon and can go wherever we want. It made me really proud when I discovered that I was taking care of so many kids by myself, without speaking the language. The children are great. I love them! I think they do behave well and listen to me occasionally, which is better than I had expected! I am glad they have enough food. I have noticed that they are really desperate for love and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to give them some! The food is great! Everything is taken very good care of, which I think is really important. The accommodation is perfect, I felt really at home here. The Shake Hands team is wonderful; you have taken such good care of me! always around when I needed them. I’ve had a fantastic time here in Jaipur! I really felt at home. The accommodation is perfect, and people are really nice and hospitable. There is enough time to do the sightseeing and other personal stuff/relax. The work was wonderful. I love working with the kids. It feels so good to give them the love they lack. Thank you for giving me the experience and thank you for the hospitality"
- Nienke Andriessen, USA
Orphanage Volunteer Work Program
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"It has been a good experience. It was challenging and rewarding to work independently and teach the kids. To jump into a new culture and language and try to keep a float! I think Sankalp is doing a fine job of serving the community and I hope it keeps growing and succeeding. The community was very welcoming, friendly and supportive. The kids were very sweet. Food is delicious! Great variety and very yummy. My compliments to the chef. Accommodation is homey- has good communal areas. The staff was great. I would recommend the program to anyone looking for cultural immersion and an exciting challenge"
- Kristin Ettinger, USA
English Teaching Program
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"I work at the Day care center in Hathoj for 2 weeks. Volunteering in Hathoj was a great experience. The people there are extremely friendly. I met of women though the children, which was a great opportunity to learn about their life and culture. The children are really great and wonderful. They are very motivated the about to children came everyday. They are eager to learn and it was a great time. I stayed with the family and shared my room with another volunteer. The family is really nice and friendly. The food is great and very tasty. The staff is very helpful and tried to make my stay and work as compatible. The people there are very enthusiastic and it would have been better if I would have stayed longer to be able to establish a routine. The work in the day care is important and good and there is a lot of potential in it. I enjoyed it very much and hopefully I can come back and volunteer again at the day care centre"
- Hella, Germany
Child Care Volunteer Program
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The program and activities are well run and like that you are constantly looking for easy to improve things and set ambitious goals for what you are trying to achieve. The children were wonderful. Usually happy, smiling, keen to play and colour! But they also work hard. The volunteer house is well equipt and it’s good that it’s in type of area we would not otherwise to see. The food has been fantastic- really tasty. Purnima is a great cook and lovely to be around. I have found all the staff helpful, friendly and very welcoming. I have felt well looked after and cared for by all and you have all supported me in all I needed. Thank you I think the program is trying to do really good and important things in difficult circumstances. I wish I was staying longer! Thank you for the chance to be involved in your work here.
- Claire ward, UK
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Really great experience both here in Jaipur and in particular with the children. I would recommend this program to everyone who is interested in volunteering in India. I wish that I was able to stay longer and hope to contribute my time in future. The children were a joy to teach, living in so much poverty they are just normal children. The food was delicious and accommodation was as expected. Volunteer house was in a safe, convenient location- much appreciated. Staff was great to work with. They were attentive, helpful and very knowledgeable. They were supportive. I would certainly recommend this program to others. It was a truly life changing and profound experience. I wish that I could stayed longer and contribute to the program even more.
- Andrea Gerken, USA
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We really enjoyed the teaching program and I think we were able to improve the kid’s English skills a bit. However, it would have been more valuable if we had stayed longer then two weeks and may be learnt more phrases in Hindi. In general it was a nice experience especially for me as I do not have background in teaching. Accommodation and food was good. It was easy to go to the center of the city, super market was nearby. The volunteers’ house felt really like home. The staff was very helpful; we always got help and advice when needed. Thank! The overall impression of the program was very positive and I would recommend this program and organization for others. India in general was a great experience and I will definitely come back to India some day.
- Heini Jokinen, Finland
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It was an enjoyable experience that allowed me to mix with a local population, help them improving their English skills, and see the local area whilst living in comfortable, relaxed environment. It is great to see the kid’s enjoyment at your presence and efforts and too also see improvements in their English. I had an enjoyable and rewarding time during the volunteer teaching. In addition I made good friends with the fellow volunteers and went on few visits and trips with them which were great fun.
The accommodation is very comfortable and relaxing with all the facilities that you need. The volunteer home always provided a good place to relax and chill out as well. The food was to a high standard and was constantly varying which is great. The team was always available if needed and good supervision / help were provided to me at the school. The cook is very friendly as is the driver. It is a great program that provides both a cultural and teaching resource to the volunteers. I believe both the children and I will have benefited from, enjoyed this experience. The program is doing very good work .Good luck for the future
- Craig Finlay, UK
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The program was everything I expected and more. Organization does everything necessary to make you feel comfortable and safe. Staff truly cares about your comfort and safety as well as the cause of the program. I am so glad I choose to volunteer with them to get to know India. I am especially glad to chose that women empowerment program. It was such a wonderful, rare opportunity as I wouldn’t have had the chance to interact with and get to know the Indian women so close otherwise. This was one of the most valuable and memorable experience of my life! I enjoyed my time with them so much- I learned so much from them. I wish I could spend more time with them! Accommodation and food were great. The volunteer’s home was a wonderful place to stay. I felt very comfortable there. I think this is a very rewarding experience. The program is very well organized. I always felt safe and taken care of, and also that those in the program / organization have big hearts and truly care about the programs and the cause.
- Kaitlyn Flynn, USA
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It was a really good experience which will bring me further in my life. Working with the street children has opened my eyes. Now, I can see the value of education and school even more clearly. Especially for my work as a teacher in Switzerland its important to see other countries and their way of teaching and their attitude against it. I will learn a lot from these three weeks. I have learned a lot about the Indian culture as I said before I am aware of the value of education now. To see children who live on street, having nothing and being happy despite the bad circumstances let me think more critical about our life at home. The children are so open hearted and cute, even though we did not speak the same language there was a connection between us. I will miss them a lot. The area is calm, safe and beautiful. The house is clean and comfortable and the cook is great! The staff is very helpful. The driver was very friendly and always in a good mood. The overall impression of the program was excellent!!!
- Rahel Kistler, Switzerland
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Very relaxed well planned volunteering programme. Everything runs smoothly. Good options available for things to do in spare time (T.V, Books etc) managed to teach both classes. Found the older class a pleasure to teach + work with. They have the ability to be fluent in both writing speaking English by the time they are 14-15.The community in general is very friendly and the children’s positive attitudes make it a pleasure to teach them.
The accommodation and food were on highest standard. Was not expecting T.V. or internet both have been a great help in passing the time and planning my future travel. Air Conditioning is great. Staff has been excellent. Programme is excellently run and I can see in a few years it will expand as more volunteers will come. Highly recommend it.
- Joesph Clarke, UK
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I really enjoyed my time here. I was particularly impressed with the authenticity of the program, by this I mean that everyone and everything was a aimed towards helping the kid’s. It was refreshing to be a part of something genuine. Furthermore I really appreciated the personal touch of the team in making me feel welcome through a combination of providing homely comforts and including me in local customs and activities. In work area I was mainly with the younger class so I was teaching them basic letters and words as well as numbers. Due to their age a lot of the day was spent playing.I tried to integrate play and learning as best as I could. The children are great. They are very friendly and willing to learn which is something that has made the whole thing a lot easier. Both accommodation and food were fantastic. I enjoyed having such a comfortable living area and lounge. The neighborhood is very safe and clean which is a big attraction and something that could be advertised more. The whole team has been superb. All have been really helpful, both with the program related queries and general travelling/ indie issues. They have all conducted themselves in a professional yet friendly way. The overall impression of the program was very good. I am really glad I enrolled in the program and would thoroughly recommend it.
- Adam Ryzner, UK
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The program has, for the most part, been very enjoying and rewarding. My impression has been that the staff is well organized and proactively plans, prepares and asks for the feedback. Pre arrival information was accurate and on time. Teaching in the street kids program was highly enjoyable. It was a pleasure to engage with the students and contribute to their education. Wonderful! Volunteer house has felt like our home and cook has been an excellent & responsible house manager. The staff was very professional, Courteous, responsive. The overall impression was enjoyable and impressing. We would definitely recommend our family and friends to consider this program.
- Bernard Wang, USA
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I’ve joined teaching Street Kids for 3 weeks. Kids are quite well behaved. The level of kids among the same class is quite different and kids are easily got boarded, not easy to keep their attention. Kids are so cute and lovely. They are so energetic and easily get lost their attentions but crackers were helpful to motivate them.
Accommodation and food was great. I love food a lot. I’m sure that I’m goanna miss the food here. The best part was I could cook and get a chance to learn how to make it. The things were well organized and the staffs were kind and communicators. It was nice experience to join the volunteer work and travel at the same time.
-Sophie Wang, USA
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I joined the street children program and enjoyed he experience very much. I was impressed with children's abilities and his level of English / math’s for some of the older children. I developed English and math’s lessons. Learnt how to control the class and how to communicate with limited Hindi. I enjoyed the recess time playing cricket and games with the children. The volunteer house was great. Was impressed with the entertainment and computer. All the staff at the Shake Hands were exceptional. The staff was very helpful, polite and fun o be around. The overall impression of the program I am very impressed. i felt my efforts and fee were going to a good use and improving the lives of those children. I would highly recommend this o my family and friends.
- Gareth Coe, UK
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I have joined the "Teaching Program" and it has been a great experience. It was my first experience as a teacher, since working in the business field, and hope the children enjoyed th time we spent together. My program was about to teach English to the elementary school kids. Which was not easy but we managed it in somehow. The accommodation was perfect as well as he pickup service. The food was simply great. The team has supported me during the initial school days and they have been gentle and helpful all the time. I have joined the program only for 2 weeks, however I consider it a good and well organized opportunity for the school kids to be in touch with foreign people and a good chance for the volunteers to spend a great time discovering the Indian culture and habits.
- Luca Cuppini, Italy
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I was doubtful about the hours of the programme being too short, but 08:30- 12:30 is quite exhausting. I really enjoyed the orphanage work. I feel that I did make a small difference to children’s lives by giving them some love, and treating them like they are my own. I specially enjoyed the company of the little children and whilst I was there Akshay started calling me ‘didi” which was very sweet. Accommodation was very nice. All my questions were answered by the Shake Hands team. I really enjoyed the program. The children’s really need the volunteers. So It was very worthwhile volunteering!
- Sheena Patel, UK
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Working at the orphanage was very rewarding for me. I learned a lot about my self and the children. It was a challenge to accept the life style of the children and their treatment.With time I also saw the mutual love and respect between the children and the full time staff at the orphanage. This made it easier for me. My experience during the program was a lot about the progress I watched the children progress and I learned how to help them. I made progress in learning how to interact with children and help them grow. I love the children; I think each one of them is beautiful and special. The food was amazing and our home is very comfortable. The staff was nice and accommodating. This program was very good for me. I learned a lot and had a good experience. I think that it is wonderful that you have given us a chance to do this. I am very grateful and hope to do similar things in the future. I love the children and I will miss the Jaipur. I’ll miss the children. I hope this program will continue, to impact the children and all people involvement.
- Megan Kindfather, USA
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I quiete enjoy this volunteer program. It allowed you to work but also enough time to travel, relax and explore the city. The volunteering was great and the women at the project were fantastic. I had a great experience! I love the girls at the program very much. Volunteers Home is at a very beautiful and secure community. It’s great that is located close to the shopping mall, tailor and other facilities. I love our cook! I can’t complain about the food because it varied every night. The pasta and chips on Sunday is a great idea. The accommodation is comfortable. The A.C was great during the heat and the recreation hall was a great place to stretch out and relax. The staff was very welcoming and generous. Our privacy in our space was respected and the staff was more than happy to answer question and aid us during our stay.
- Shi Han Chan, Singapore
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I joined the “Street Children” program and it was a wonderful experience. I spent 2 weeks going to the village to teach English and math to a group of students. Some of them are very motivated and eagerly look in everything I taught. They were all very sweet and appreciative. I will miss them and value this experience for long time. The Accommodation was fine and the food was great. The team support was very helpful. The overall impression was great. I think “Shake Hands” is providing these children with a good education, and highly rewarding experience. It provides caring people, school books, uniform and education to a lovely and needy group of children.
- Diana Caldwell, Germany
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I was a part of child care project and also helped with computer classes and gave a few art classes. It was a great experience and nice to become part of the culture and community be living in it. The surrounding area was really very beautiful and the local bazaar a lot of fun. In the beginning the small children at the first were a little shy towards me but after three weeks they have been so loving and always want to include me and play with me. The older boys and girls had a million questions and were welcoming from the moment I stepped through the door. I think I’ve learnt a lot here about Indian culture, children and about myself. I loved the family and place I stayed. They were very welcoming and it was nice to have my own space. The food was delicious, every meal of everyday. It was also fun making chapattis. The staff was really good and always.
- Danielle Curnow-Andreasen, Australia
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The program is great; the most reason is the joined time is flexible for me. Since I don’t have much time here. If the joined time is fixed, I definitely can’t join this great volunteer program. I really enjoyed it and happy to come here. This is a great experience. I haven’t have even I only have two week here. I am not only teaching computer. I also learn how to be a teacher and learned some Hindi from kids. Some Kids are working very hard and willing to learn. I’m so happy that I can teach them something, 2 weeks are not long enough but it’s a great experience. The accommodation is nice. I have great time with other volunteers. The food is awesome and I made chapattis own my own, even the chapatti is not the round shape, but I have a lot of fun for making chapatti. Mom is awesome cook. I enjoyed every meal and I love them. I wish I can learn some and make the Indian food when I go back to Taiwan. The overall impression of program is good. I have a great time here and get a very good experience of teaching.
- Jou Ching, Tiwan
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It has been very rewarding! I have so enjoyed the time with the children, getting to know them and sharing in their excitement of learning new things. I have had the most fortunate luck in meeting and spending time with the warmest family. It has been a great 2 weeks! I wish I would stay for longer and would definitely consider coming back again. I even got to go a wedding! What a great experience that was!!! The people around the area are so helpful and friendly. The children are so warm and loving. It is such a lovely feeling to be surrounded by such a genuine people. The accommodation is very comfortable. The food is out of this world “Mum” is a great cook and even “dad” cooked us “kithroo” and it was delicious!! There was ample food to eat at all three meal times. The whole family was helpful, caring and accommodating to our needs. I’m going to miss them very much. The staff was very helpful when we decided last minute that we were going to volunteer. They arranged everything very swiftly and made our lives very easy. The overall experience was excellent.
- Melissa Yeo, Australia
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I have had a great time volunteering in Palampur (Dharamshala). It has been a rewarding experience that is largely due to how nice the kids have been. Overall I think that the program is definitely beneficial to the development of the kids that attend. It was truly a lovely place to volunteer. The area in Palampur was very nice to live in for two weeks. Everyone was very friendly. As mentioned the kids were great I think I will miss them. For accommodation and food I will give 10/10!!! The staff was great. The program is definitely giving a small number of Palampur kids a head start in gaining some important skills that should help them in future.
- Chris Carson, Australia
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The orphanage was physically and emotionally hard work. The kids were loving and fun, and I built good relationships with them. There was definitely a lot of cultural shock coming here, so I appreciated the detailed orientation. Working at the orphanage has given me the taste of real India. It really made me appreciate my own parents and my privileged life. I wouldn’t change this experience for anything. The house was very comfortable and I appreciate the A.C.! The food was excellent. I was in Heaven! The accommodation and food was for better than I expected. The team was pretty good. Over all I’d say the program was nice.
- Claire Rosenfeld, USA
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In general my experience was great. Such a cultural shock and adjustment was made easy by the combination of great staff, accommodation, and food and of course the children. I had some free time which allowed me to read and reflect on India and the culture and people. I had so much fun with the kids considering the language barrier. I was able to communicate through activities and expression with them for better than I imagined. The accommodation was great and I’ve never eaten better food. The special food made by cook. The staff made me feels at home. The staff at the work area was understanding and helpful at the school. The staff realized I had trouble communicating with the kids and hoped me through it. They allowed me to try new things with the kids and kept me on the track. I was nervous about coming to India and trying to teach children but I felt like home and deal with everything very easily. The food, housing, children, city and everyone I met in jaipur are gracious and welcoming. I had no negative experience and will recommend the program to my friends. Thank you for a great once in a life time experience. I will remember forever. I learned so much and sad to leave it.
- Eric Steveson, Canada
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Sankalp has been a wonderful experience. I have spent one month here working with the street children program. It was amazing; all the kids were a delight to teach. The coolest part about it was watching the children interact with each other. The children were so helpful to one another it was priceless. Though you only teach for about 4 hours a day, it is very draining. Not being able to speak a word of Hindi was a bit of a challenge. I wish I could stay here longer, but I have to move on. I would love to come back in a few years to see how children are doing. The staff are also a delight. We had some really fun times just hangout out after dinner talking about nothing in particular. I would recommend this program to anyone who wanted to take apart in a volunteer program in India.
- Zoe Fallis, Canada
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I volunteered with Sankalp India through their Street Children program in Jaipur. When we arrived I didn't know what to expect and I have only been pleasantly surprised. The volunteer house is fantastic, it is not glamorous but it is cozy and welcoming and it really feels like home. Amita and Pranay are wonderful and a lot of fun, I feel like they have become our pseudo Indian parents. They are so helpful and really give you a sense of comfort and security while you are here. We took a few of their organized excursions during our volunteer time. It is very nice to have everything planned for you; we didn't have to worry about a thing. We saw some great things on our weekend trips but overall what I the most is just the relaxed day to day life here and the chance to really live in another city. Working with the street kids is something I will never forget. They are so eager and bright they are a blast to teach. Also seeing the spirit and generosity they have towards one another is really something to be inspired by.
- Bryanne, Canada
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Even though I’ve stayed here only for 2 weeks. I got a lot of unforgettable memories and met friendly people. I think this volunteer program is well organized. It helped me to get along with children without any problem. I’ve learned lots of things from the program. It’s so rewarding to feel children are improving. The kids are positive, outgoing and enthusiastic. I am glad to teach them. The accommodation is satisfying. Everything is neat and clean. I’ve had many kinds of Indian food. Every meal is delicious. The staffs are hospitable and welcoming. We spend free time together with playing games, watching movies etc. They give me a lot of information on India and willingly help me.
- Myoung Park, Korea
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I enjoyed this program completely. The children are wonderful, motivated. The experience was very positive- teaching students, creating teaching materials, experiencing Indian culture. The accommodation was safe, clean and comfortable. Food was also excellent. The staff was excellent. They responded to question and helped to solve problems. They were warm and hospitable, appreciative.
- Millard, USA
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Overall was impressed. I felt welcomed, appreciated and that I had a contribution that was valued. The program was well organized; yet I felt I could do what t thought was necessary. The children are very bright and responsive. They made my time go very quickly and happily. Program was very good for me…I enjoyed being part of a family life here in Jaipur and being able to participate in some festivals. Accommodation and food was good. The staff was “always there” for me ….friendly, helpful, cordial and made the experience very easy. And at the end I would like to say thanks for a great 2 weeks!
- Bonnie, USA
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It was a life changing experience. I have gone through emotional highs and lows during this experience as I have dealt with my emotions working with children without parents. Accommodation was great- very safe and clean. The food was delicious. The team are warm hearted with the volunteers but also very professional. I will highly recommend this volunteer organization to friends and family and to those who are interested in volunteering.
- Amelia, USA
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It is a good program. Liked the concept and approach as well as. The children have shown interest all through the program with time and teaching, I am sure they will fully utilize the facilities they have. The accommodation and food was very good. There was no discomfort of any sort, and Mr. and Mrs. Thakurji have made sure that everything was in place “always”. The food was delicious and I totally loved the “pranthas” and the “saag”. The staff was very helpful. I am very happy with the work done here during my stay at Dharamshala. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.
- Shwetha, India
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It is a good program that helps the kids that need it. This is an excellent program and really enjoyed it. Our only problem is our stay is bit short but we will come back. People and children are very nice. Good place to work and stay. We enjoyed the food and accommodation was very nice. The staff was very nice and welcoming. We will definitely come back to visit.
- Shaun and Shernat, South Africa
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The program has been amazing. This program has made my time in India fun, exciting interesting and truly memorable. Looking back over the past nine week so much has happened, so many memories to recall. The children at the orphanage are absolutely wonderful. I love the volunteer’s home. It really becomes my home for the past months. It is comfortable and homely and I feel very safe here. The living room is great and comfortable. I love Indian food and Baiji’s cooking was wonderful. The Shake Hands staff was welcoming and helpful, assisting me in anything I needed and answering all my questions concerning the program, India or anything. Organization become my family during my stay.
- Elena, USA
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I felt overall that Sankalp were very well organized and welcoming. My Experience during the program was very emotional. The children at the orphanage are absolutely beautiful. Accommodation was very comfortable and homely. The food was excellent. Shake Hands- extremely welcoming, helpful, and friendly I felt right at home with them. I found this program very rewarding. Whilst it was challenging at times I thoroughly enjoyed working with the orphans and hopefully able to bring some joy to their lives. I would definitely recommend other people to volunteer in such like program.
- Neha, Australia
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I thought this program was wonderful, it was well run, organized and enjoyed myself very much. Working with the children was very rewarding although definitely tiring. I had a great experience with Sankalp India volunteer program. Accommodation and food was wonderful. The food was delicious and there was always enough. I liked having a conman room where we could relax and watch Bollywood movies! The staff was great. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. I had a great time, a perfect combination of work and unwinding time. I would highly recommend this program to friends. I hope I can come back soon and stay for much longer! Thank you so much. I really enjoyed my time in Jaipur.
- Rachel, UK
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I think this program was fantastic and will encourage people back home to participate if they get a chance to come home to India. It’s a great way to see the country, and feel useful to the people as opposed to just being a tourist. I really enjoyed the program from the very beginning- attending an authentic Indian wedding, to working with the children and getting to know other volunteers to exploring Jaipur and other parts of India. I was surprised at how enthusiastic the children and community were in welcoming us and not treating as outsiders. The children really seem motivated to learn. The accommodation was very nice. I found the accommodation and food even better than I’d hoped. The staff was really wonderful. This program was even better than I’d hoped. I really want to do what I can to continue supporting Sankalp. Thanks for everything.
- Karen, USA
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I have a lot of admiration for both intend and reality of this program. It is very admirable and clever to try to help and expose disadvantaged kids to other language and culture while simultaneously giving foreigners a different, detailed view of India instead of typical tourism. I feel grateful to have had the chance to see a part of India very close up to have learned a lot I wouldn’t have otherwise. The children are very friendly, much friendlier than I expected. Accommodation was wonderful. It was very comfortable place to relax. Food was all Indian of course but all very delicious and I kept increasing my portion over our time here. Everyone was great and very helpful, especially with getting the kids to behave or translating so that they would understand.
- Michael, USA
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Good program. I really enjoyed working with kids. Kids are really sweet and it is so easy to make than smile. “The world’s happiness is in a children smile”. Ambabari is a very beautiful place to stay. Cook is very good. Everything is good. Staff was also nice. The team is taking good care of volunteers. The overall impression of the program was great.
- Kerin, Germany
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I come to Shake Hands to open my heart and develop more compassion. I found that and more. The staff was very caring and compassionate and made sure my experience was comfortable and taken care of. The children were so sweet and eager to learn and the other volunteers are exceptional people and it was fun to hang out with them. I volunteered with the street kids for two weeks. I taught ABC’s, 123’s in English, shapes and colors. They were a joy to work with eager to learn and have fun. Accommodation and food was wonderful. Baiji is fantastic and the food delicious. House is nice and I love the social space. The team makes a great experience for everyone. I had wonderful time – thank you.
- Kristin, USA
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My overall impression of the program is that it is very well organized by Sankalp team. They clearly put lot of work and efforts into ensuring the programs run smoothly and that the volunteers have a good, worthwhile experience. The volunteer’s home was very comfortable and homely. I liked the fact that we had a nice big recreation area where we could relax and hang out with other volunteers. The food was excellent and varied. The Shake Hands were very welcoming and hospitable and seemed very committed to their work and also to making the volunteer stay comfortable and enjoyable. They were very supportive. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the orphanage and would definitely recommend Shake Hands to my friend.
- Corina, UK
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The project is inspiring. It is so good to be able to have the chance to work with street children doing something worth while. The balance of support and responsibility giving from the team worked well as I felt I had a challenging and rewarding experience. The volunteer’s home was well set up. It has a big recreation area, great for relaxing and promoting social activities. The food was also very good, always freshly cooked and tasty. The Sankalp team was commendable, very helpful, approachable and thoughtful. They worked hard to make sure the volunteers were having a good experience. Overall the program has given me a very positive experience. I have felt safe and comfortable and my contribution valued. I am thankful to have discovered the program and have been a part of it. The program offers an individual opportunity for volunteers and I would highly recommend it.
- Alison, UK
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I enjoyed the computer/ English class once I figured out the situation and how to work with in limited resources. I had an overall good experience. It was at time every frustrating which is to be in a different culture and when you don’t speak the local language. I grew to love Hatoj and will miss it. This has been a very challenging experience, but very rewarding. The community was welcoming. I think it is a good site to work at. I can see the progress that has been made there. The food was wonderful and the accommodation was fine. The area felt very safe. The staff was very helpful. I appreciated the low cost of the program and felt that I got a lot for the price.
- Stephanie, USA |
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It was a well organized program with very nice and helpful staff. There was always lots of time for relaxing and recreation. The work with the street children was always interesting. I have seen how hard it is sometimes to convince children and their family that school and education is a good thing. The children were nice and friendly. The work with them was good. Accommodation and food have been great. The accommodation is situated in very nice and peaceful area. The staff was very helpful: giving tips and stepping in when the kids were too loud and translating question and instructions. It was all organized very well. The transportation was good. Staff and host family helped so much with everything!
- Linda, Germany
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This volunteer program makes the volunteer participants feel very safe in terms of travel and stay. After the work, we had enough time to participate in the cultural activities and for travel. At first, the experience was very difficult: travel time, interacting with students and language barrier, but in the end the experience was very profound and humbling. I would like to do this again. The students were very welcoming. They were great. Great accommodation and food was delicious. Overall staff was great. I really liked the project a lot.
- Cindy, USA
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I taught class 9th and 10th girls how to use the computer and visited homes of a wide variety of women. The community in/ near palampur has been very welcoming to me! During the home visit the women seemed to enjoy our company and wanted to share their stories with us. The accommodation was a nice, clean home where I had plenty of space and good facilities. My home family was welcoming and accommodating. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to do Yoga with my host family in the morning. The food was delicious and filling and not to spicy. The Shake Hands team was friendly and helpful. I felt like I could ask them any questions and I would always taken care of. Even before coming they were very responsive and helpful. The Shake Hands program is run well by a group of young, enthusiastic men and women who truly want all of the volunteers to succeed and to have a good time during their stay in India. Though the program is small, it is very well run and I think the size of it help to make it more authentic experience in India.
- Barbara, USA
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During this program has been very rewarding for me. Having to teach with minimum of material has challenged me as a teacher and working with street children has really touched me in many ways. I will never forget. I found the kids to be very open, happy and willing to learn. Accommodation has been good I think safe, quite area and very nice food. Staff was extremely helpful, friendly and informative. I admire the work they do both the amount/ hours put into it and how thorough they are. I have really enjoyed the whole experience of it. Living in a local community, the teaching and taking the kids to the school. Being a part of such a mile stone in a child life is very rewarding. I found the program well organized.
- Marit, Norway
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I have very much enjoyed the street children education programme and have found it extremely rewarding. Teaching the children and seem make progress was very rewarding. I enjoy the life style, food, culture, walking every day and living more simply then I assumed to I enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers and working with them and spending my free time with them. The children were fantastic, very well mannered, polite, enthusiastic, cut and friendly. The accommodation was very decent with everything that I required. The food was always delicious. The shake Hands team were fantastic. Very friendly, welcoming and helpful and always willing to do their best to help the volunteers in any way they could which I very much appreciated. I would recommend this programme to anyone.
- Sanjay, UK
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Great program and great people. I felt I was doing something good for an important goal. I am convinced that in the long run the program will have beneficial results. It was an important experience for me. The children and the program helped me a lot. Street kids are very hard to teach. But they are trying and everyday they seem happy for me this is important. Food was great as well as the accommodation simple but amazing. Staff helped us with everything what ever query we had. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to volunteer. I am very pleased about what the goals of the program and the people that I’ve met. My impression is nothing less than perfect.
- Marios, Cyprus
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The organization have provided me with an excellent, enjoyable highly rewarding and memorable experience. The program was very well organized and structured. The volunteering experience, besides being rewarding by itself was also culturally rewarding. The community was welcoming. Most of the children were enthuastic and very pleasant to teach, always smiling. Accommodation is basic and simple. Comfortable and it felt safe. The area is nice and quiet. The food was excellent, very tasty. I looked forward to it each time. The team was very supportive and helpful, a pleasure to work with. They would help us with everything we required, even for organizing our trips after we would finish volunteering. It is important for them that we were happy and satisfied with the program. I would recommend it to any one interested in doing something that is fun, that is educational and that aspires to help the less fortunate. An experience that is truly substantial to the heart.
- Peter, Cyprus
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I thoroughly enjoyed the activities. I was involved with being the Pre School and the football. The kids were fun to work with and all on all, it was a pleasant experience. The children were full of energy and sometime they were bit naughty. The accommodation and food was fine. I had no problem with either. The staff was nice and it made experience nice and helped me in everything.
- David, USA
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I joined the women empowerment program. I think this will truly be an unforgettable experience of my life. The community especially the girls turned out to be the most loving and caring people. I have ever met in my entire life. The accommodation was absolutely amazing. Organization and the staff were generally very nice. Overall I would say that I was satisfied with the program.
- Rekha, USA
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It is a good program. I really enjoyed working with the children at the orphanage. Accommodation was fine and the food was also good. Staff was very friendly and helpful. They were very nice. The cook was very good in making Indian food. Overall impression is that the program is making a good effort in helping the volunteers achieve their goal and interests with the orphanage.
- Shabina, USA
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I wish I could stay longer as 4 weeks doesn’t seem enough! I have had an incredible experience and this is primarily due to the help and generosity of the staff. Working at the orphanage was something I looked forward to everyday; the children were always enthusiastic, smiling and keen to learn. I wish them and Sankalp every success and hank them for my unforgettable stay.
- Emma, UK
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Sankalp has been the perfect introduction to India thanks to the amazing hospitality and the friendly staff. Working with the children put a smile to my face and I was amazed by the speed in which they warmed tours and how eager they were to learn. It is going to be a hard place to say goodbye to! Shake Hands is dang a fantastic job and I would undoubtedly recommended this experience to anyone of any age.
- Milly, UK
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