The Project:
Pushkar is a city situated in the state of Rajasthan. It is famous for temples and attracts devotees from all over the world who come here to take a dip in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. But by far the greatest attraction of Pushkar is its annual Camel Fair, which is a spectacle to behold, and a large number of tourists visit Pushkar during the time of the fair. An astounding 50,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of Pushkar, for the annual Pushkar Fair, and it is a great opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival.
The workcamp involves teaching children from tribal and marginalized community in the non-formal schools about basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with local rural people as part of inter-cultural learning and to give awareness on health, education and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to places in the city like picnics, exposure visits and city walks. In addition, volunteers also will get a chance to take part in the renovation work at local schools/orphanages and engage in activities like painting, making Kitchen garden, tree plantation, promoting rainwater harvesting etc. As part of the cultural exchange, volunteers will witness and participate in the cultural programs with local community.
Volunteers will also facilitate environment awareness activities with the help of local NGOs. In the light of growing concern about environment and rising activism, questions are being raised about ecological degradation at Pushkar valley. With little or no interest and intervention from state, tourists often tend to mishandle resources. They consume resources at higher rate, leaving much more garbage behind.
Location:
Pushkar is just 14 kilometres northwest of Ajmer, at a height of 510 meters. Sanganer Airport, in Jaipur, is the nearest airport connecting Pushkar to the rest of India and abroad. The airport is well-connected to the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Ajmer is the closest railway station from Pushkar at a distance of just 11 kilometres. Ajmer is conveniently connected with the major cities of Rajasthan and India. Pushkar is easily connected to the major roadways and national highways of Rajasthan and India. The Marwar bus stand is situated in the north of Pushkar and is linked to long distance places, like Delhi, Jodhpur and Bikaner.
Accommodation: In a rented Guest house or Hostel, with shared rooms.