Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Rough Out Lay For The Introduction Kit For The NGO
Rough Out Lay For The Introduction Kit For The NGO
Table of contents
Table of content 1
Welcome letter 2
Programs 6
Volunteer Programs
A. Internships
B. Service learning
Site team
Recommendations
Contact Details
Welcome letter
Heartiest greetings to all of you people who have taken the time out form your daily life
and have a look at the Introduction kit of Development Action Awareness.
I wish to start this Introduction kit with one simple sentence from the Upanishad (Old
Indian Text) "Tat Tvam Asi" meaning "That Thou art". There is no other, we all are
simply human being and all of us deserve to be treated in the same way, no religion, cast,
culture. Gender, age should make any difference to it.
The best way to start any thing is when we are also aware of the end and also endless,
which in the language of development is also called sustainability. Keeping the same in
mind Development Action Awareness welcomes you all in its journey which is endless
and still not tiring, not tiring as it is rewarding.
For those who decide to loose themselves in the service of others, India is the most
appropriate destination. The number of voluntary organizations in India has grown
substantially and India is welcoming to international volunteers. One remarkable aspect
of a volunteer program is that the positive relationship between a volunteer and his/her
host organization can catalyze tremendous positive change, in both the organization and
the volunteer. However, India can be a place where international volunteers and host
organizations can find it quite difficult to relate to one another, for reasons other than
language.
If you are amongst few who wish to see India from different eyes, feel delighted,
experience the break down and finally reconstruct yourself stronger and wiser, you will
find Development Action Awareness there to assist you in creating sustainable
partnerships for a better tomorrow.
Wishing to be connected and work with some of those who have the capacity to realize
that it’s in giving that you really get.
Sincerely
Background
In the last few years while working for some of the most efficient NGO’s of Udaipur
district I came to know about the poor standard of education in the city, the youth of the
city were naïve about the importance of the education. The situation was the same with
the people of the villages.
It was interesting enough to notice the fact that this attitude of ignorance about education
was not just in the rural area but also the urban area’s, specially those area’s where there
low income group people are living, the slams of Udaipur and the near by villages are full
of these kind of population.
Looking at the life style and the pain which these people have to live with I decided to
make a team of people from different backgrounds, diversified thinking and infinite idea
so we can with stand this evil of unawareness and illiteracy.
In Development Action Awareness there are people from the corporate background and
also those who have been working in the development sector for more then 22 yrs, people
who are involved with the media and also the people who are related with defense. When
the diversities in life come close it is called development, when there is an association of
several, certain is the Action and the achievement. Societies is complex and so are the
evils in it and when we can discuses these variations, where we can visualize these
different compounds such place is the Lab of invention of sustainability.
Here at the Development Action Awareness we work for one of the basic things which
makes us human; here we work on the issues related with awareness and education, with
the focus on the age group 15 to 25 on the issues related to gender, sexual reproductive
health, differences in the body which come with the age and other social issues like cast,
religion and sex.
Vision
DAA reflects and shares a vision of “an equal and just society, no boundaries just
balance, where the vulnerable and marginalized sections of the society effectively
participate in the development process leading to control over their resources”.
Mission
Our Aim
1. Positive Ambition
2. Positive Assertion
3. Positive Alteration.
Our Actions
1. Compassionate
2. Cooperative
3. Communal.
Focus Areas
In Hindu Philosophy there are two energies behind everything. Behind this life and
creation, behind development which is complete and balanced in the true sense there are
always two energies working together. One which is called the Shiva, the male parts of
the energy and the Shakti the inseparable other part which makes things more in the right
direction.
Shakti means the power to create and in this program we are aiming at making the
wonderful women of rural India powerful and capable to be on there own, making them
self sufficient and self dependent through training them in various handicrafts.
DAAwill 1st identify some women from a similar back ground who has already got
training to make handicrafts products and then she will start training the women of the
target area. Some one who has emerged from the same background knows how difficult it
is to learn some thing new with the existing set of responsibilities and pressure from the
family and so she will be able to motivate them in a better way and also she will be a
good example to tell the rest of them, if she can do it then why can’t they?
Every household, irrespective of its rural/urban status or its economic status has a set of
consumption and investment needs which call for access to funds, which are substantial,
unlike what we may expect. It is rare that the poor family has enough funds available to it
when many of these occasions arise. There are a variety of ways through which the poor
try to meet these needs: They save; they borrow; they sell/mortgage assets like land,
livestock, valuables, etc. The first two mechanisms represent the two major financial
services that are required by the poor – that of saving and credit. Recognizing the
significance of varied needs, Development Action Awareness envisaged Self Help
Livelihood Group (SHLG) based financial services program focusing on rendering
saving, credit and insurance services to women.
Project Area: The envisioned livelihood development program will be in the three
villages of Havala, Badgoun and Bedla. The program will start with the village of
Badgoun and then with the development of resources it will spread to these other 2
villages.
Target Groups: The project focuses on the women of these villages of the age group
between 25 to 45 , this age group is selected as these are the women who are already
beyond there adolescence and married and for them to start looking ay afresh options
which they can get through education is not so easy.
The major target beneficiaries are women belonging to the marginalized sections of the
villages.
Activities:
Stage 4: Formulating rules & regulations for effective functioning of the SHLG
The word Sanskar have originated from the Sanskrit word Samskaram which means
accomplishment. In this program we will make the youth of the nation complete in there
understanding, so that they can reach the stars. We will give them the light of education,
the eyes of awareness so that they can look at there well trained hands and discover
what they are capable of creating.
If we look at the facts about the literacy ration of the nation then these numbers are
nothing less then depressing. India in general and Rajasthan in particular is suffering and
the number of educated masses is very less. In the year 1981 the percentage of educated
population in the country was just over 40% and in 2001 still it was at a very
disappointing 65% mark. The case with our state of Rajasthan is worse here in the yr
1981 the percentage educated people was 30% and in 2001 it came up to 60% which still
is far from being satisfactory.
Just like any thing else this issues of less percentage of literacy we have to focus on the
youth. We all have to be responsible and as educated citizens we should understand this
grave grievance. This issue of illiteracy can be solved when we will start looking at the
youth and make them capable with our compassion to look unto us for there day today
issues. We strongly believe to make some one understand any thing we have to 1st related
with them. 1st comes the connection and then communication which eventually leads the
youth towards being the true leaders of the nation.
Stage 1- The 1st stage of the program will be about rediscovering our self, we at Develop
Action Lab will go to the identified area and talk and spend time with the people and try
to life in there own structure to know why still there is no craving for education and why
still the social evils exists there. In the 1st stage there will be no effort to tell them about
what we have for them or what we wish to share with them, here all we will do is to
understand there life style by living it and experiencing it.
Stage 2- In the second stage of the program we will start talking about the social evils,
issues like cast, evils which comes out of the dead and rotten culture, gender and greed of
men in the society. Even in the second stage we will not try to tell them what we think
but will start to talk more and more about these things and make them realize how unjust
they are. There will be talks and discussions on all these issues but the focus will be still
on listening.
Stage 3- Now that the whole area is familiar with the team of Development Action
Awareness and we will be in a situation to have a free conversation with the youth who
have been in contact with us all this time. Now we will be able to really relate with the
youth. In this stage we will introduce some games and activities which will tell them
about the social evil in detail, which they are already aware of and after these games/
activities there will be talks and discussions and debates about what one should do in
certain situations. There will be games where they will have to make there own chooses
as aware is some things with which we make right choices. More things and props will be
introduced to the youth so there mind will be triggered more and more and they will start
seeing there on there own with out any help and suggestion.
Stage 4- During this stage we will establish one formal center within the area. This will
be preferably the house of participant who is willing to be the area representative.
Stage 5- Now we will be working with a group of youth which is aware and responsible.
And also ready to take the responsibility to make a progressive society. We will be
working with a group of fine young girls and guys who are ready for formal education.
During this stage we will have a formal education facility for as many youngsters as we
can. We will encourage the youth to go to the school in the area and try to enforces the
schools and try to provided them with some facilities from our side. We will also try to
create a small library and a silent and peaceful place where those who are interested can
come and study. Renowned people from the field of education will also come there to
make the youth aware of all the available options which they have in front of them, for
there bright future, to tell them about various schemes of the government about
education.
Stage 6- Vocational training will be conducted; these training will be on the basis of the
preference of the youth of the area and also the job opportunities available for these
training in that area.
Stage 7- A placement cell will be made. A regular member/youth that is interested and
capable would be elected to organize and look for the job opportunities for all the
educated and trained youth of the area. The placement cell would also keep in touch with
the livelihood sector/ department of various leading NGO which are working in the area.
Project area – it would be the village of Badgoun to start with and then the same
program would be taken to the villages of Bedla and Havala.
Target group – this program focuses on the under privileged youth of the village area
between the age group 15 to 25 yrs.
Outcome-
1. Youth will be able to see there society as it is with the good and bad sides and so
will also be able to make positive changes in it.
2. Youth will be educated and so will be able to take better care of themselves and
there families.
3. With the additional vocational training they will have better chances of getting
jobs and living happily.
4. These youngsters when will be educated then they will spread the light of
awareness and education to all they will come in touch with and it will be a chain
reaction, we will make sure to tell the people coming into the center to spread the
word about the center and the importance of education.
5. Educated and aware youth when will become parents they will take care of there
kids in the same way and thus the whole population will become more and more
educated and aware.
Our rural tourism program showcases the rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural
locations, thereby benefiting the local community economically and socially as well as
enabling interaction between the tourists and the locals for a more enriching tourism
experience. It is essentially an activity which takes place in the countryside and is multi-
faceted entailing farm/agricultural tourism, cultural tourism, nature tourism, adventure
tourism and eco-tourism in its gamut.
• Travel to India;
• Visa cost ;
• Insurance costs;
• In-country transport other then the program (except airport pick up and program
related travel)
• Expenditure towards shopping or buying extra meals which are not a part of the
program
Our program offers wide variety of lodging and boarding options for the participants.
These include options to stay in comfortable and hygienic hotels/guest houses in the rural
areas or tents/houses of rural host family.
Program Fees
Our rural tourism program is unique and responsible towards the local community. A
large portion of revenue generated through the program is invested in.
Rural tourism program would be an exciting but learning experience for the participants.
This would be a life time opportunity to witness rural life, art, culture and heritage, work
with local community members like farmers and women and contribute towards the
development of a rural community economically, socially and culturally.
Volunteer Programs
With DAA the students/volunteers from abroad can work on more then a few programs,
in some cases it can be a project with and in some other cases the it can be projects with
the partner organizations.
About Internship Program
The Placements are specially developed according to the volunteer's abilities and interests
and organization’s requirements. They are ideal for those who are keen to become a
partner of a development project. Our internship program takes place in the city of
Udaipur in Rajasthan where we have developed partnerships with non governmental
organizations.
Mission
• Travel to India;
• Visa costs;
• Insurance (Volunteers should buy their own health and travel insurance);
• In-country transport other than program (except airport pickup and rural tourism visit);
Participants are lodged with wonderful host families which have been identified and
selected through a tough screening process. All our families are located in pleasant
colonies of the town and are in close proximity to the supermarket, drugstore, bakery,
health clinic, and easy public transportation. Participants also have a choice to stay in a
guest house managed by our organization. With home stay, both the participants and the
hosts make a commitment to try to create a lasting relationship. Home stays are designed
to allow our participants and family to learn and share their language and culture with
each other. Home stay is intended to totally immerse the participants in a culture and
language different from his/her own.
While staying with the host family/guest house a participant would be provided with:
Fees start at $1700 for first four weeks or shorter periods with additional $400 for every
month. It is not necessary to send any payment in advance. The volunteers may begin
their placement only once they have paid the program fee in full/part and in cash upon
arrival.
The programs take place all year round, but arrival days are set to help us organize airport
pick- ups, accommodations and placements. Volunteers should arrive on any Saturday.
Program Structure
Orientation: Our internship program begins with a week long orientation which serves
as an introductory guide to the internship experience. Through a series of workshops,
language lessons, field/NGO visits, interactive presentations and cultural practices an
intern:
• Gain a general understanding regarding concepts and best practices in the field of
sustainable development;
• Learn the fundamentals of cultural immersion, safety and security, transportation,
logistics and program itinerary which will facilitate integration into everyday life;
• Explore the relationship between NGO’s and the community and intern’s role
within this framework;
• Introduce skills which will be employed during the internship to analyze and
evaluate the needs of the host organizations and how to incorporate theories of
sustainable development within this structure; and
• Understand responsibility towards host family, organization and DAA.
Weekly Language Sessions: Interns have an opportunity to attend weekly Hindi lessons
during the internships. The idea is to equip them with basic skills for an effective
immersion in the program.
Weekly Cultural Events: One of the highlights is the inclusion in weekly cultural saga
of the land. Interns will have an opportunity to part take in folk dances, puppet shows,
Bollywood movies night, marriages, traditional and Indian food cooking classes and
more throughout the program for a complete cultural immersion.
Weekly Meetings: Weekly meetings are staged to have a close interaction about work
and family issues and arrive at solutions in case of any problem.
Field Visits: Field visits are integral part of the program. While working with the host
organization frequent field visits would be undertaken with a possibility of over nights to
develop a realistic insight into the development work NGOs are doing.
Responsible Rural Tourism Visit: Responsible Rural Tourism visit is staged as a mid
term opportunity to move out of work situation, have fun, reflect on work done so far and
suggestions to further improve upon. Retreat would take place in rural tourism sites at
different locations in Rajasthan.
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation session would take place at the end of internship.
Exit interviews, internship reports and dinner would be the key features of the event.
Application Process
Step 2: Site team reviews the application form and sends a Tentative Offer to the
applicant within three days .Tentative offers are a result of our regular meetings and
discussion with the partner organizations on potential internship projects and contains all
the necessary information about the organization, projects and its clients.
Step 3: Applicant approves the Tentative Offer and inform us within a week.
Step 4: Site team discuss the applicant’s profile with the host organization and
brainstorm possibilities of development projects for the intern. This is done within three
working days after the consent is received.
Step 5: Site team interviews the applicant and discuss projects and other important
issues.
Step 6: Site team prepares a Final Offer, Participant Contract, and Professional Standards
of Commitment, Host Family Information and Pre Departure Kit, and sends it to the
applicant within a week after the interview.
Step 7: Participant arrives on a fixed date and start the program after fulfilling important
formalities.
Our Service Learning Program in India offers a wonderful opportunity to teachers and
students to be key actors in fulfilling development aspirations of the local communities.
Unlike our internship program which is linked with number of non governmental
organizations, the service learning program is linked directly with the community.
Students and teachers work directly with the community members to identify needs,
design projects to fulfill the identified needs, implement projects and create means for
monitoring and evaluation.
• Travel to India;
• Visa costs;
• Insurance (Volunteers should buy their own health and travel insurance);
• In-country transport other than program (except airport pickup)
Participants have an option to select service learning programs in urban and rural
locations. (According to availability)
Subsequently, participants chose lodging and boarding either at host families in urban
areas or in hotels/guest houses at rural locations. Lodging and boarding arrangements are
made after thorough screening process and fulfill health and hygiene standards for a
comfortable stay.
Program Fees
Program fee starts at USD 1700 per participant for a One month service learning trip.
What Will You Experience?
Technically, the service learning program would be an ideal hands-on experience and
would provide an opportunity to:
Samvit Audichya
A native of Rajasthan after doing his masters in economics from Pune University and
Ph.D. in HumanResource Management was working with corporate for 2yrs before he
finally decided to be in the development sector and so he reached where he belonged, in
one of the biggest and well known NGO’s in Rajasthan, Udaipur (Seva Mandir). There he
worked with the Youth Resource Centers and also made a module for gender and sexual
reproductive health awareness. Along with Seva Mandir he also started to work with a
travel company and help them making itineraries for there package tours. Other then Seva
Mandir he has also worked with a number of national and international social
organizations and helped them in there projects, this includes JJVS ( Jagaran Jan Vikas
Sameeti ) FSD ( foundation for sustainable Development) Pratham Seva Sansthan.