Category Archives: Raphael Volunteers

Disablity Programs, Projects, Raphael, Raphael Volunteers, Volunteering

John Hunt Outreach Program

 

Beautiful Himalyas in the background on the way to the district of Uttarkashi from Dehradun.

On Thursday 15 and Friday 16 March 2018, I was incredibly fortunate to travel with two of the Special Educators from Raphael out into the remote Himalayan mountains as part of the John Hunt Outreach Program. A nearly 8 hour drive along very narrow & incredibly winding roads and we reached the district of Uttarkashi, to the north of DehraDun. Uttarkashi is divided into six smaller ‘blocks’. This was the final block in this district to be visited by the team. I couldn’t believe the distances covered to provide training, advice and support around disability.

Disability Presentation to the Anganwadi women.

On arrival, Mini, Ganga and I presented to 215 Anganwadi – woman who look after children aged 0-6 in the villages, about disability and how to identify disability in children. Some had walked up to 30kms to be there and were incredibly appreciative of the information and training they received. I spoke about how to identify learning disabilities in children with the assistance of an interpreter. Our training session was cut a little short as a thunderstorm threatened and many of the woman had a long walk in the rain to return to their villages. Continue reading John Hunt Outreach Program →

Disablity Programs, Raphael, Raphael Volunteers, Volunteering

Helping children at Raphael

By Ben,  Physiotherapist

Going to Raphael was an easy decision due to the endless praise it receives from anyone who is lucky enough to visit.

As a physiotherapist I had been working in a hospital setting for two years and Raphael was the perfect opportunity to help grow my skills,  as well to use what I had learned to help out those who do not have such an abundant supply of health resources.

I arrived in Raphael late at night after a long journey from Delhi. Expecting to just pick up some keys and fall into bed.  Instead found the cook had been waiting up for me, going from his house to check when I arrived, so he could make sure I got dinner. This was the first example of a selfless desire to help which became a common trait in everyone I met working at Raphael. This gives reason to why I believe Raphael is so successful in making such positive progress in each one of its kids. Continue reading Helping children at Raphael →

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Raphael—what an Inspirational Place

Joanne

Raphael, our own little mecca in this vast country of India.   On arrival, we settled into our accommodation, had a tour of the grounds, meeting a few of the carers, teachers and residents. We then ventured out to the local shop for supplies, afterwards enjoying a vegetarian tea back at Raphael. Power went out, apparently that happens a lot. It’s India.

You wouldn’t be in India if you weren’t having trouble with the internet, but also having a wonderful time  …  riding in crazy Tuk Tuks, being stared at by the locals…  (of course we say hello), eating dahl and vegetarian food, monkeys dancing on our roof, we hope our drying washing doesn’t go missing. Spending time with wonderful people in an amazing different country … everyone in Australia should experience this. Continue reading Raphael—what an Inspirational Place →

News, Raphael, Raphael Volunteers, Volunteering

Julia

 

CaptureI discovered Raphael searching the web. I was looking for a special education school in India were I could do an internship for my university in Germany (I want to become a teacher for children with special needs).

I am really happy that I got in touch with Raphael because I really enjoyed my visit here. The longer I stayed the more I felt at home. I can’t believe the 2 1/2 month are already over. You really feel at home very quickly because the teachers were always so friendly.

Julia DELLMAN (3)In the afternoon I liked visiting the Little White House children. We had a really good time together, they tried to teach me some Hindi and for Founder’s Day we practiced an Indian dance which we performed together. Continue reading Julia →

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Derek

I left Australia from Melbourne travelling with a short stopover in Singapore – a 13 hour flight. Arriving in New Delhi at 6am I was picked up by the hotel in the southern suburbs (pre-arranged in Australia).

My first impressions were that the airport was modern, clean and the surrounds the same. However, as I travelled further through the city it became busy, chaotic, dirty and crowded. The hotel was clean and orderly and a relief!!! That day I arranged a taxi with the hotel (Rs 300) and did a city tour.

Next day I left on my pre-arranged tour (4 days) to the Taj Mahal in Agra and onto Jaipur. The tour consisted of a private driver, all entries, tour guides and hotels. The Taj Mahal was magnificent and as stunning as I expected it to be. The remainder of the tour was also excellent, but also a bit of information over load!!!

That evening I caught a short flight to Dehra Dun. I was collected by a taxi arranged by Raphael. It was a nightmare journey as traffic in India is nothing short of chaotic and finally reaching Raphael was a relief. I was greeted there by the other volunteers, who had saved food for me. They settled me into my room. One of volunteers showed me around early the next morning. I was concerned that if no volunteers had been there, no one would have helped me. At the same time I did expect to be a bit independent. On the tour I met some residents, but it was still too early for school and the offices. Raphael seemed like an oasis. (Note from RCA – arrangements are made for Volunteers to be welcomed who arrive out of work hours.) Continue reading Derek →