I recently returned to Raphael to volunteer and was so warmly welcomed by the students and staff.

I have volunteered at Raphael a number of times and found the atmosphere to be relaxed and the interaction of staff was caring and kind to the residents and students.
The facilities are well kept and the Vocational Workshop where I spent a lot of time is bright and airy.

A number of older students have been given responsibilities. Sonal is a helper in the Pre-school, two students are responsible to make and take chai to all the teachers (and one volunteer) at 11 am each morning and Mukel and others accompany the teachers to the fetes where they assist with the selling of diyas (small traditional clay lamps) and other items. The dance class regularly attends and competes in community performances.

The students were nicely attired in colour coded tee shirts: red and blue for school hours and green and pink for after school.

I attended the Community Based Program with Ganga who oversees and assists the teachers in local Primary Schools. The class set up for children with disabilities has five to six students.

It was lovely to see other students from local schools, universities and church groups come to Raphael to interact with the children making cards for Diwali and other activities.

The Tuberculosis (TB) hospital is now closed. In its place is a busy and well-run Outpatient Department treating TB and Multi Resistant TB.

Volunteering at Raphael is always a privilege. Anyone with the opportunity to volunteer there would always be made very welcome and you will come away with much more than you gave.

Trish