Experiences: Trivandrum

Jess and Zoe are young volunteers from Canada who helped at our two Trivandrum schools for three weeks in August of 2007. Jess writes of his time below:

I remember when Zoe, my friend whom I met at York University in International Development Studies first invited me on this trip. It was somewhat spontaneous; she was already going anyway and figured she would probably have to drag one of her less enthusiastic girlfriends with her. I was already looking to volunteer overseas for the summer, maybe in Latin America or Africa. So, I took the invitation and even though few people believed I was going to go through with it I did and I am 100% glad I did.

Now, I did have some reservations about it. About a year and a half before I did Katimavik, a Canadian government funded volunteer program where the participants live in a house with about ten other Canadian youths for nine months, visiting three different communities. Unfortunately I never completed the program and only did a four month venture out in British Columbia. It was just so hard at the time. This experience, though a nightmare at times, did grow me in ways I never anticipated. So, in India, I knew I faced quite possibly another nightmare, but I knew it would grow me no matter what and that is the greatest goal in life for me. So, I just took and deep breath and took a leap.

The trip, though hard at times, was all worth it, the good times and the bad. Zoe and I were in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala - the province located on the southernmost tip of India. It was an enormous culture shock; people living in tiny shacks, people greeting strangers on the street, cows wandering the streets, etc. etc.

We stayed with a family who in turn treated us like members of their own. At times the whole neighbourhood was fighting to host us, something I was so unused to. People were friendly for the most part and there was a deep sense of community like nothing I’ve ever felt back home, even in small towns. Zoe and I had to tell some of the people we were married as it was more culturally acceptable that way…we fought like a married couple at times, but overall we got along well and I think we will always be good friends because we shared this experience together.

The school we taught in was small and the dire poverty was apparent. We donated a large amount of money and had the school painted before we left. Progress was definitely being made and I plan to donate my money to the school in the future. It is nice to know where one’s donations are going directly and seeing the improvements for one self. The kids were so polite, so well-behaved compared to most Western kids. I brought a whole bunch of little Canadian flags to give them; they loved it and were always happy to see me. I miss all of them now that I am back at home, especially the two orphan girls who stayed at the school we taught in.

Let’s see, the bad? I’ll never complain about the buses back in Toronto ever again having ridden a cramped, sweaty bus in India. I saw some heartbreaking things, the poverty was depressing. The situation with the orphans who stayed at the school was sad, too. The heat just killed some days. I had prepared myself for all the discomforts in advance though and know it will grow my character in the long run.

I did some amazing things I never thought I’d do, like teach kids and be respected in such a manner, see such beautiful countryside and experience times with such wonderful people and ride an elephant (!)…ah, yes, the best part. That’s something I will never forget.

The West may be rich in wealth and material, but India is rich in its people, its spirit and its culture. That is one thing I didn’t intend…I never thought I’d come back to the developed world envious of a developing country. I truly am envious in some ways. Here in the West we have lost sight of the importance of community and family, I feel. We lock ourselves in our homes and fear our neighbours. This is truly regrettable. India will always have a place in my heart.

Zoe who helped out with Jess in August of 2007. She taught English to the children and helped paint one of the schools. Zoe lent an artistic hand when we livened up a very drab partition wall by painting it with cartoons. Zoe is back in Canada with some creative fundraising plans.

A Letter from Zoe: Hi Malati! How are u? WE MISS YOU! I miss Didi, Vinita, Navanita, Beena and Kushi (the kids) SOOO MUCH! I can't wait to see them again very soon one day. I want to thank you for everything you have done, there are no words for my experience, I had the time of my life. I really wish I had done so much more, and I'm really sorry we couldn't give more. I will be starting school in a few days, so as soon as I settle down and start work again, I'm going to organize a group on Facebook and provide information for sponsors. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU a million times thank you!

Love Zoe (volunteered in Trivandrum, South India)