A Fishing Community on India’s Southeastern Coast
India is the world’s largest democracy (1.2 billion people), birthplace of four of the largest religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism) and home to 29 different languages, each spoken by over a million native speakers.
The state of Tamil Nadu is on the Southeastern coast of India and roughly the size of Greece. Tamil is the official language and the region contains eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the magnificent Shore Temple which was constructed out of granite in the eighth century AD.
Visitors can experience India’s incredibly diverse and magnificent culture in many ways. Hungry travelers will have the chance to sample the renowned South Indian cuisine, with rice serving as the base for a host of spicy and colorful curries. Adventurous travelers will have the opportunity to visit a crocodile farm as well as see the ancient stone carvings, caves and rock cut temples. Trip participants will also experience the harvest festival of Pongal, one of the most widely celebrated festivals throughout Tamil Nadu.
Women’s and Children’s Rights
GCN’s partner in Tamil Nadu is a non-profit organization called SEA (Society for Education and Action), whose mission is to promote the rights of women and children from the surrounding fishing villages. SEA works in 36 different communities through a range of grassroots projects including a recycled material women’s craft and economic empowerment group, the development of educational materials in Tamil for vulnerable youth, and the operation of after-school motivation centers to support students in developing talents related to their specific interests. SEA is based in the serene and peaceful fishing village of Mamallapuram.
Travel Itinerary
GCN trip participants will fly into Tamil Nadu’s capital city, Chennai and have one day to regroup and rest. The next day the team will travel by bus to Mamallapuram where they will meet our host partners at SEA. There will be time to take in the sites, walk the calm streets of the town and shop for handicrafts and colorful local clothing. The following day, team members will continue on to visit and become a part of one of the vibrant surrounding villages through the remainder of the GCN trip. At the end of the trip, the team will be transported by bus back to Chennai. Many GCN participants like to extend their stay before or after the GCN trip in order to leisurely explore some of India’s captivating areas.
Accommodation and Meals
For the single night stays in Chennai and Mamallapuram, team members will reside in modest hotels. While in the nearby village, team members will stay in the basic home of a community member. Most meals will be taken as a group, prepared by a local cook. Typical foods in this area are dosa (pictured right), basmati rice, aromatic curries (usually vegetable) and a variety of fresh fruit. Don’t miss the chance to eat in the traditional way, with your meal served on a large banana leaf!
Time to Explore
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. There is much to explore in and around Mamallapuram. In the immediate area are numerous beaches, ancient temples, cave dwellings carved out of rock, amazing natural stone formations and a crocodile farm that houses some of the largest and rarest crocs in India.
Health and Safety Issues
Participants are required to be in sound health. Potential participants with significant physical limitations are encouraged to check with their physician and discuss the situation with GCN staff beforehand. Some inoculations may be required. Check with your local travel clinic or the Center for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ for accurate information. GCN offers emergency medical/evacuation insurance to all participants of international trips. Should it be required, excellent medical care is available in Chennai. The United States State Department web site http://www.state.gov/travel/ is a resource for updates on travel advisories in India and other countries.
If you want to expose your children to other cultures in a way that is more real, in-depth, personable and memorable – by working in community with them rather than just traveling – this is the way to really learn about another culture.
We were exposed to something few of us get to experience. Most often we simply drive through communities. This time we got to meet and really get to know people, and they were so generous. We got far more out of the experience than we gave.
Kathy P., Rock Point, AZ (family of 4)
This was our best family vacation and a phenomenal experience. I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to do this with my children. My children realized that although the people in the community we visited didn't have a lot of material possessions, they had some things we didn't. The community members were funny, loving and generous.
The group experience was what made it so great. The team leaders were remarkable. They never passed judgment and treated my children like full members of the group, so they acted that way. The experience made them more confident and more excited about taking other travel adventures.
Marcy G., Xiloxochico, Mexico (family of 6)
Volunteering in Tanzania was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes not only to the needs of our fellow global citizens, but also to the lovable and exhilarating culture of Bukoba.
Megan age 19, Bukoba, Tanzania
GCN wasn't just a volunteer trip but instead a life altering two weeks that helped me discover myself.
Shannon age 15, Bukoba, Tanzania
Our GCN sponsored program in Tanzania wasn't a vacation but rather a deeply moving experience our family will cherish for a lifetime.
Sean, Dad, Bukoba, Tanzania
Working side by side with my husband and children, helping, reaching out, and learning from people in a culture vastly different from our own together as a family was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. We are already planning our next volunteer vacation.
Karen, Mom, Bukoba, Tanzania
This experience changed all of us. Nothing can compare with it. It's made my kids into global citizens. Before we left for Kenya, I was concerned that my kids were getting spoiled, but the trip showed them how happy people were, even though they had so little by comparison. They also discovered how much more important it is to have experiences instead of things.
My kids are so mature now as a result of the trip. They have a new and broader world view.
Nancy F., Maili Tatu, Africa (3 time repeat participant with 2 kids)
I took each of my two granddaughters on a trip when they turned 13, as a rite of passage. It was tremendously bonding for us. It deepened our love and our relationship, but it also sensitized the girls to different cultures and helped them gain an understanding and empathy for others.
One of my granddaughters was extremely wary. She said, "I don't know how to do this and I don't want to be there." But by the end, she was begging to stay. She had formed some amazing friendships. It was quite a transition.
My advice to families considering this kind of trip is this: Even if you have some hesitation, trust that the experience will be transforming for your child and for your relationship with your child. My two granddaughters are totally different personalities, but the same positive transformation happened for both.
We had so many one-on-one reflective conversations about what we were experiencing and learning. It's a different and more intimate way of being with children.
The team members were incredibly kind to my teenagers. The leaders were such good role models -- caring and inclusive.
Meg V., Rock Point, AZ 2003; La Push, WA 2007
The truly amazing thing about this community is the pride, character, and sense of respect you feel being with them. They carry themselves with esteem. Being with them, you know they will not only survive, they will succeed, collectively using the resources available to them for the good of the whole.
Joyce, Pennsylvania; Kenya Participant
With the beauty, the simplicity, the strength and comedy of this place, each day becomes an adventure to be anticipated.
Gladys, Ontario; Kenya Participants
I learned much more that GCN is about the process of building long term relationships with communities, not necessarily about the process of "building!" It was truly priceless to be allowed to be on the 'construction site' with a bunch of indigenous people in Mexico. Tourists DO NOT get that opportunity-nor should they. We all believed WE TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
Diana, Colorado; Two-time Mexico Participant
I have just this last hour arrived back home after what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the people at Jampaling were wonderful and I return with a feeling of accomplishment, and everlasting respect for a group of people who work so hard with such limited resources to achieve their goals.
David, Ontario; Nepal Participant
As a GCN volunteer you expect to fill the role of giver, giving of your time, efforts, money and heart. During a recent trip to Nepal, I felt more like a wide receiver for a pro football team, with countless blessings being passed my way! It started before I even left with support from a bunch of people, some of whom I don't even know, my sponsors through fundraising.
Cherril, New York; Nepal Participant
A positive growing experience that will unfold as time moves on. I do appreciate the warm hospitality of the local Navajo people and thank them for all they did to open our eyes and heart to their life, culture and values.
Jerry, Minnesota; New Mexico volunteer
It has become the most meaningful thing I've experienced in my life. It was more than a casual cultural exchange. I never felt like a tourist - I felt like I was coming home.
Ted, New York; New Mexico volunteer
The trip to Rock Point was a wonderful experience for me. Our team really "connected" and are talking among ourselves of doing other trips together! We all agreed we haven't laughed and sung songs like we did there for a long time. The Navajo people are wonderful, and we were able to share songs, dinner with them and they with us. We were able to complete the projects they had for us and still have lots of time for culture exchange.
Lynne, California; Arizona volunteer
My goal was to get lifted out of my personal and professional rut, to have my head and heart spun around and to land more solid and grounded. For the most part this happened.
Nancy, Vermont; Guatemala volunteer
Because of a scholarship provided by Global Citizens Network, I was able to spend two weeks volunteering in Guatemala, in a rural village called Llanos de Morales. This was my second trip volunteering in a developing nation (I went to Nicaragua two years ago), but my first time working with GCN. My experience was unforgettable and I would recommend it to anyone!
The best thing about the trip was getting really close-up pictures of horses. The hardest part of the trip was leaving Chirapa
Tana-Isabel, Washington; Peru youth volunteer
I wanted to be "in the middle of nowhere" and enjoy it as well as learn about the Quechua culture. My comfort zone has expanded and I enjoyed getting to know the people!
The most inspiring moment for me was receiving a genuine Quechuan percussion instrument as a gift from the community. It showed me that the community valued my presence and it is something that I will never forget.
David, University of Minnesota Participant; Peru volunteer
As I zipped into my sleeping bag, I reflected on this totally crazy, awesome experience, and in many ways wondered how (why) we are having so much fun. This is -- by far -- the best trip we have ever taken as a family and perhaps even my best trip ever. Everything is an adventure. We are living it rather than observing it. Amy S., Chicago, Guatemala volunteer
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