VOLUNTEERS AT ASHRAYA

Published in March 2005


Everyone at Ashraya has always made us feel very welcome and we are thoroughly enjoying out placement here.

The children are aged from a few days old to about 12 years. The staff at Ashraya work extremely hard, along with Indian and International adoption agencies to find these children homes.

All the children seem really happy here and that's due to the love, care and attention that they receive from their aunties. Although it is still obvious that all they want and need is a loving family of their own.

In terms of equipment, we actually found ourselves quite surprised at how well resourced the orphanage is. There are volunteers helping out everyday and it's obvious that a lot of successful fund raising is taking place, however donations are always welcome. The children love doing craft, and new ideas such as finger painting always goes down well !

We spend the majority of our time with either the toddlers, either just generally playing or helping them to walk and stimulating them. But you must be aware that these children will take time to recognize and warm to new faces, or the children aged 3 to 6 years, teaching them basic English, such as the ABC and 123 - the children are at very different levels so some need much more help that others. It is extremely rewarding to see how they progress over time and you are able to see that you can make a difference. The older children, around 8 - 12 years, have a high standard of English, and so can understand much more such as rules of games, and can also read aloud. However some have quite a short attention span so need to be kept busy - they love singing and dancing and new craft ideas are always appreciated.

There are also a few children with special needs and it is possible to spend some one on one time with them, giving them the support they need, for example stimulating their muscles or just helping them to stand up.

Since we have been here we have already seen adoptions take place, along with children being told that they have been found families and previously adopted children returning to visit with their new families. It is absolutely amazing and very heart warming to see their faces light up with joy and it makes you realize how places like Ashraya can make such a difference to these children and their families.

Ruth + Katie,
January - March 2005