When I arrived at Raphael at the beginning of July with my friend Kate, we had just spent 5 days in Delhi and were slowly getting used to the culture shock of India. Raphael was very peaceful and quiet when we arrived as there was still a week of school holidays left and the children […]
Anita
First impressions on arriving at Raphael after 4 months of being on the road (one of which was spent travelling through northern India) were a breath of fresh air. The grounds were quiet, kids adorable and company of fellow volunteers great. I had arrived after a very frustrating time attempting not only to find the […]
Linda and Terry
My husband, Terry, and I as older volunteers felt the trip and introduction to Raphael to be a challenge. In some ways it was, but, from our very first day settling into the Mess and enjoying Hari’s cooking we felt safe and looked after. This support and interest for our comfort and wellbeing continued with […]
Trish
In 2013 my application to Ryder-Cheshire Australia to participate as a Volunteer was accepted and I was offered a place at Raphael. Dehradun. India. Arriving at Dehradun airport and taking the hour trip to Raphael was colourful, busy and as I remembered from a previous visit to India a little hair-raising. Arriving at the Raphael gate […]
Tim
Motivation was not hard to find at Klibur Domin Ryder-Cheshire Australia values the work of our all overseas volunteers and we look forward to receiving their reports at the end of their assignments. With his permission, we would like to share some reflections from a recent report by Timothy Burns.
Container Gets a Facelift
When Klibur Domin was established in September 2000 a container, funded by a generous member of the Lions Club of Nunawading, was sent across full of building materials for a Rotary team to effect repairs to the buildings; and furniture and equipment for the first contingent of volunteers set up the new home.
The Joy of Giving – Bob
It was not until I retired 13 years ago that I came to know the joy of giving. Finding myself with more time on my hands I became a volunteer with The Smith Family, an Australian NGO involved in increasing the educational opportunities of disadvantaged children. It was a wonderful experience and I found there […]
DIANNE
Arriving at Dili Airport I was met by the Director, Sr Joaquim Freitas Soares and volunteer, Siobhan, whose brother, Liam happened to be on the same flight. We gathered ourselves and then headed to Tibar. The weather was hot and sunny and most welcome after the cold climate of Ballarat, Victoria.
Angela
My time at Raphael was an amazing and rewarding experience. From a professional, cultural and social aspect my time was more than I expected. I arrived in India not knowing anyone but left feeling that I had made many new friends. Raphael has a commitment and enthusiasm to improve the lives of many people. It […]
Georgia
Ever since I was 12 I’ve not only wanted to travel to India, but immerse myself in Indian Culture. After two years as an occupational therapist in the public service I knew it was my time to go. A colleague, Carmen, had been a volunteer at Raphael 15 years ago. She had compiled a beautiful […]