‘We make a living by what we do, but make a life by what we give.’ Winston Churchill.

Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits and know one had a hand in them. The moral test of a society is how that society treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children, the elderly,  and those who are in the shadow of life, the sick, needy and handicapped.

The Ryder Cheshire International Centre, Raphael volunteer program opened my eyes by meeting enthusiastic people from many countries. I love the energy I have gained. This program triggered me to view my life in a different perspective and definitely in a positive way. It provided a culturally immersive experience while allowing me to make a meaningful contribution to Raphael. Those with a disability do not want to be treated as passive with no choices, but want to become part of community.

Raphael management is so helpful and really gives you a sense of comfort and security while you are there. My experience was very profound and humbling. Volunteer activities helped with my interpersonal skills, such as understanding people better, motivating others and dealing with challenging situations.

I feel privileged to have spent time at Raphael.

Perhaps the most important group to begin working towards a brighter future for India is with the children.

The Ryder Cheshire history has been a positive affiliation for me as my late father, Eugeniusz Dowgalski, also flew with the RAF and was part of the fearless Polish Dam Busters 607 Squadron. He flew continuously on fighter missions throughout WW11, as Cheshire did in 617 Squadron. Dad had family in the same situation that Sue Ryder was advocating post war in Poland, homeless and destitute. As a child I recall Dad spending endless time and effort trying to relocate his younger brother George who, at 12, was lost to the war.

Northern India

To find Raphael one must leave the city of Dehra Dun and on its outskirts, cross the dry river bed of the Rispana River. Just beyond the river, one can see through the tall sal trees a group of buildings. This is Raphael. These buildings provide administration, a school, a vocational training centre, a hospital, an early intervention centre, physiotherapy, a diploma course in special education  recreational facilities, a meditation centre, staff quarters and community residential homes. The Guest House was to be my home. Raphael is about people. All facilities offer safe, secure, clean, open access and is home to many.

Today Raphael stands as a testimony to the visionary goal of two the two founders, Sue Ryder and Leonard Cheshire. It is a sprawling complex that cares for over two hundred adults and children in residence, needing relief and rehabilitation as well as  providing schooling and therapy for local day pupils and a support program which travels further afield into the mountainous areas of the state. To be at Raphael is to share in the fullest sense in the lives of the individuals living there and those who come daily for school, and to have the opportunity of listening to them and exchanging ideas and thoughts. The children respond to the opportunity of being educated, and it is delightful to hear what each of them plans to do in the future about learning a trade or profession. Their wishes, like those of all children, are diverse. It is wonderful to see them have the opportunity to grow and become useful members of society. The poverty from which some of these children emerged can be so shocking that it is all the more amazing to watch each child develop and adapt in his or her individual way. Spending time with these children has given me some of the happiest moments as they are affectionate and loving. DNA is shared generously!  The children’s disabilities and backgrounds vary considerably.

In the past Raphael was also home to children of leprosy parentage who have now been trained for jobs of their choice. The village of Shiv Sadan, now houses around 25 non-infectious leprosy adults all aged over 70. It is a complex by itself with individual housing units. Residents are provided with basic necessities of life. In the past they assisted in Raphael’s day to day activities like weaving, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing and gardening, leading a life of dignity and contributing to the wellbeing of the Raphael community.

After many years the Tuberculosis Hospital has closed and in its place there is an Outpatients Department which looks after residents and locals at a very low cost. Raphael still provides treatment for TB patients from that Department.

Thank God for Raphael.

My experience of India.

I recall streaming monsoonal rain, steaming heat rising from the ground, sticky nights, scraggy pi dogs scourging for scrapes amongst the garbage, people sleeping on pavements, graceful woman carrying water or bricks on their heads with beautiful saris wound around their bodies, men in turban’s with wide girths, long white beards, tunics and baggy britches. The stale smell of sandalwood, the namaste greeting with folded hands, over crowded buses, the jingling and jangling of horse drawn tongas, the constant tooting, Tuk tuks, motorbikes, cars, buses, (many now electric), pedestrians, raucous and thronged bazaars, rupees that buy much compared to the Aussie dollar, beautiful quality cotton, the smell of chapatti’s over a simple fire, the aroma of chai, the strong and prevailing smell of curry and spices, maize, rice, mangoes, few flies, staggering loads pulled or carried by men, emaciated buffalo, holy men in silent meditation, spontaneous salaams from all and sundry, bright marigold garlands, the disciplined bearing of the men and women of the Indian services, the stark contrast between the human ant hills of bustling cities and fatalistic calm which broods over hard working villages, motley camels plodding on the roadside, scurrying monkeys, the beauty of the Himalaya mountains, lonely, majestic in contrast to the littleness and transience of men, the caste of hereditary rank, the choices of religious belief, there are many Gods to worship, grand homes with high fences to keep out cows and commoners, shanty towns, polythene cities, beggars, garbage, cows, people, and more people!

The average visitor or tourist understandably can be appalled and confused by the experience and shocked by the sights of India. This, above is my experience, which must in turn be related and harnessed to the good will and determination not only of all Indians, but of humanity elsewhere. If we all despair, then nothing can be done.

‘I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.’ Mahatma Gandhi.

Joanne Sunnex many times Raphael volunteer