Awake & Shine Pre School

The mission of this school  is to make children proficient in spoken English. The school also aims to build self confidence, social awareness and to introduce children to vocational oriented hobbies, nature, song, dance, and other creative activities. For details click on Pre School.

We expect our volunteer to be a crusader - dedicated to the mission of teaching spoken English, and enthusiastic about participation in our aim plus activities.

A genuine affection for small children, patience, a sense of humour, good health and physical fitness are essential requirements. Volunteers are expected to relate to local conditions and gain the confidence and respect of the local community. Creative innovativeness and missionary zeal in execution are desirable requirements. Aspirants are advised to contact Henry Unwin, our pioneer volunteer, to obtain more ground information. Write to henryunwin@hotmail.com.

Tanure and Schedule

The School year from 2008 onwards will be divided into the following sessions:-

Session 1: 11 Feb to 04 Jul : 22 Weeks

Monsoon break: 05 Jul to 29 Jul: 02 weeks

Session 2: 21 Jul to 19 Dec: 22 Weeks with one week break for Puja holidays

Winter break: 20 Dec to 08 Feb:  08 weeks

Year 2009 session commences on 09 Feb 2009

Volunteer tenure should fit into Session 1 or 2 : 22 Weeks In exceptional circumstances tenures may be reduced to 12 weeks. Volunteers may also apply for the entire year, in accordance with the schedule given below :-

1) Teaching Spoken English Skills at Awake & Shine Pre School

• Volunteer A: For 22 Weeks from 29 July to 19 Dec 2007: female desirable
• Volunteer B: For 22 Weeks from 10 Feb to 11 July 2008: female desirable
• Volunteer C: For 22 Weeks from 29 Jul to 19 Dec 2008: female desirable

2) Teaching Spoken English skills for adults and school going children

• Volunteer D (or extended tenure for Volunteer A: 08 weeks from 18 Dec 2007 to 09 Feb 2008: proficient in TELF or similar

3) For Carpentry Module : Proficient in Carpentry Skills and use of Basic Machine Tools

• Volunteer E: For 04 - 06 weeks at time of choosing during Feb to Apr or Oct to Dec

Working conditions

The school is provided with good infrastructure; modern learning aids, multi media computer, monitors with DVD, adequate local staff, and is located in scenic clean and tidy environment. The local community of genial Nepali and Lepcha tribes is very supportive.

Logistics

The School is located at Samthar 80 Kms ( 3-4 hrs by jeep) from Kalimpong at an altitude of 1400m. It is 85 Kms from Siliguri.

Samthar  is a village with few shops selling staples and essentials. There is a weekly market on Wednesdays. News papers and books are not available. There is a post office. You will have to stock up with your needs and travel to Kalimpong for shopping.

First class boarding and lodging with western style toilets will be provided at the Samthar Farm House or at the School. Be prepared to enjoy Indian meals, based on rice and Chapatis ( Indian bread), lentils, vegetables, curds, noodles, and chicken / pork. The breakfast is usually western style, but there is always scope for experimentation with  Indian variations.

Electricity is available – but unreliable. There is no conventional piped water supply. Water comes from springs and is piped into the toilets and has to be conserved.

There is a Primary health Center with a resident doctor ( Not always). Ambulance is available, for evacuation to Kalimpong. Doctors, hospital and pharmacies are available at Kalimpong. Siliguri has specialized medical facilities.

The climate is congenial with a temperature range of 06-18 C

1. Nov to Feb is winter , with crisp atmosphere, usually blue skies with occasional rain. You will need whole range of woolens and winter wear.
2. March is spring time The weather is clear but a bit hazy. You will need light woolens in early mornings and evenings
3. Apr- May is summer. Pleasant weather with hot sun and pleasant breeze. Occasional thunder showers. You will need summer wear mostly cottons
4. Jun- Sept is Monsoons: Balmy weather, lots of rain, and a strong breeze. You will need cottons and rain wear
5. Oct is autumn: Lovely pleasant weather with occasional clouds and rain. You will need cottons with light woolens in the evenings. And rain wear.

Phones & Internet

No land line is available. Mobile phone services are available. Internet services are available through GPRS. You will need to bring a GPRS enabled laptop and mobile phone, to get to your e-mail or the internet.

Contributions

Volunteers will be expected to pay :-

1. For travel up to the nearest airport ( Bagdogra) or Rail station ( NJP)
2. For board and lodging @ INR 1500 per week.
3. Support to the school:  one time donation of INR 5000

Participation in Tour / Trek with Gurudongma Tours & Treks

Volunteers will get a chance to take a complimentary tour/trek, depending upon what is being operated by Gurudongma during their tenure.

Volunteering for projects

You may also volunteer to initiate and operate a sub project. For some ideas on projects click on Empowerment & develpment modules.

More information and application form

For more information and to get an application form contact us.