Bronze

As a volunteer my favourite moment was always walking into the classroom and have all the students instantly recognise me and rush to spend time with me!

18

India

Even after starting university I knew education is a cause I wanted to continue working on which is why I joined the Primary School Project (PSP) in my college. PSP was an extremely enriching and rewarding experience. As a volunteer I had the chance to form close relationships with the year 1 students I was teaching and also with the very supportive and welcoming staff and teachers at the school. The weeks spent volunteering were jam-packed with unforgettable moments much like they were when I was volunteering for IAYP.

Having organised and regularly maintained attendance in the underprivileged students education programme I spearheaded in collaboration with my peers, my group decided to give the students a small Christmas treat. We organised a bake sale at school to raise money for basic stationary and sanitation supplies to make over 35 goodie bags for the students we taught. At the school, we surprised the pupils and staff with a Christmas tree and decorations that everybody put up together and a friend of mine dressed up as Santa to pass out the gifts. The experience was mutually educational as we taught the students about why Christmas is celebrated while they told us about the special festive traditions that their families practiced. The whole experience was extremely fulfilling and day ended with a grand party where everyone danced, sang, and ate until we couldn’t stand anymore!

Participant