Bodhgaya, the most fascinating and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the world is the site where Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One in approx 525 BC. Bodhgaya, is famous for Mahabodhi temple which stands above the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is mesmerizing.Inside the temple, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his righthand. Within the temple grounds you will be witness to thousands of devout Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world in colourful burgundy and saffron robes, congregated to worship at the feet of Buddha.
Outside the temple, you will see a crazy, buzzing mish mash of diversity, colours, culture, food stalls, rick-shaws, wild dogs and of course, severe poverty. Venture further out from the city centre, into the local villages, and this is where you will experience the true heart of India. This is where the IVI placement operates.
OverviewThis placement is centered around a rural school just outside of Bodghaya. The school is an educational institution that truly caters to the most vulnerable communities.
The students come from the surrounding villages (approx 600 population) which lack basic infrastructure and without this school, would have virtually no access to education. For these agricultural driven communities, the reality of unjust social hierarchy simply does not allow children of poor families to receive an education.
The school is the first of it’s kind in this area as such it has faced incredible resistance from the village elites with a lack of understanding of the community benefits associated with ‘new’ knowledge systems and formal education opportunities.
Slowly but surely, the pupil base has grown exponentially over the years harnessing a powerful spirit of pride, acceptance and opportunity.
As a volunteer guest you will receive truly incredible Indian hospitality, as you are welcomed by hundreds of intrigued and appreciative smiling faces. There are a myriad of inspiring activities you can get involved with that will make a lasting difference to the school and community.
Anyone seeking to experience first hand the richness of Indian community spirit while offering services to those in need. Knowledge of the Hindi language is a major advantage. Many do speak some English, however it is very scarce in the rural areas.
Yoga
We immensely appreciate yoga as one of our intrinsic approaches to inculcate internal faculties of volunteers. Yoga is provided for volunteers by a trained yoga instructors where possible.
What you will experience is the most incredible welcome, warmth, friendliness, acceptance, and Indian hospitality. Be prepared for a celebration where children shower you with flower petals and then performed a series of native hindu and Indian songs and greetings.
Day to day experience
You will travel to the rural school by bicycle daily from the volunteer center which is approx 10-15 min bike. Depending on the project chosen you may be transferred by car to relevant project site. You will be given an orientation during the first few days which you can use to help tailor your desired involvement in the various projects available. This is a varied placement in which volunteers will have alot of options and opportunity to be creative and truly help make a difference in the lives of children and families living in poverty. This area is very poor and so any assistance from volunteers is met with incredible gratitude from the local people.
Mahabodhi temple is the location where the Budha attained enlightenment. This is the cultural backbone of this area and the main attraction for hundreds of thousands of monks and pilgrims from all over India, Bhutan and neighboring countries. There are many cultural sites located within the area of Bodhgaya, so this is a mecca for Buddhists and those seeking to learn about Buddhist beliefs and cultures.
Pickup from Gaya included
The volunteer center is safe, clean and comfortable. We have eight rooms with living hall and separate kitchen. Each room has double beds and attached western toilets. It is very close to world heritage Mahabodhi Temple.
Volunteers can choose from basic single, double or dorm style rooms depending on availability. All standard amenities are included such as beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, towels, water purifier, fans & coolers, mosquito netting, western toilet, cleaning supplies, chairs and tables.
The project is available year round and is flexible for arrival times. Preferably volunteers will arrive on either Saturday or Sunday, but we can accommodate other times within the same volunteers fees.
Rural School Teaching and Development
Bodhgaya radiates the culture and spirit of compassion and enlightenment. Volunteers seeking a truly unique and real Indian experience are encouraged to apply.
$180/week
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.