The Project:
Valleys of the Himalayas - This small paradise on earth is home to the His Holiness Dalai Lama and to a significant Tibetan settlement in India. Dharamshala is set in the backdrop of the snow-clad peaks of Dhaulathar Mountains. It is the capital of the Tibetan Government in exile and the residence of the Dalai Lama.
FSL-India has been conducting regular workcamps in McLeodganj, Dharamshala for almost 8 years now and has formed a good network of local partners in the region. In the first two weeks of this workcamp, the volunteers will support the activities of our local partner in this region, on a “Watershed and Sustainable Mountain Livelihood” program. The volunteers will assist in construction of community ponds, cleaning tanks and check-dams, construction of community toilets, maintenance of pathways, plantation to avoid landslides, maintenance of Kitchen Gardens and Poultry sheds for community livelihood. Through interactions with local families and Women’s Self Help Groups, the volunteers will gain a better understanding of various livelihood generation activities based on Natural Resource Management, like Irrigation, Vegetation measures, Dairy Development, Fodder production etc.
The volunteers will also support a local school by conducting Education activities to teach children basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene awareness, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games.
During the Camp, volunteers will get the opportunity to learn about Tibetan culture and the different issues related to the exile of its people and the re-settlement in India. There will be cultural activities, daily visits to important cultural sites and exchange with the Tibetan Youth with the support of the Tibetan Welfare Office. On the third week of the camp volunteers will take part in a four-day trekking activity around the mountains of Dharamshala and Triund.
Location:
Kangra district in lower Dharamshala. Dharamshala is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, North India, 500 kilometers from Delhi. Dharamshala is accessible by bus on a daily basis from New Delhi and other smaller cities of North India. The nearest railway stations are Pathankot and Kangra Mandir. Delhi is the nearest international airport. The exact Meeting Point will be mentioned in the info sheets.
Accommodation: In a rented Guest house or Hostel, with shared rooms.
FSL-India Special Work Camps (SPL
Three Weeks: 18,000 Indian Rupees (approximately 225 Euros depending on the exchange rate)