Having arrived in Manali, we have spent the first week or so visiting the local schools and orphanages that we are going to be working with, and compiling profiles of them all to see what they need and how we might be able to help them. We have also spent a lot of time around the table discussing our aims and vision for the project, which we have summarised below:
Our Vision
The Kullu Project was started with the intention of helping local schools and orphanages in the Kullu area. Over the years it has developed to include a number of initiatives which aim to generate new and exciting educational experiences for young people in the valley.
In 2008…
The Kullu Project is working hard to make lasting structural changes in order to become a more solid institution for its community and its volunteers. We will begin by focusing on a small number of schools and orphanages in Manali, where we will develop socially aware and educationally valuable sessions which deal specifically with the needs of each establishment. The format for the program will therefore vary, but the overall aim will be to develop ‘life skills’ for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Various subjects will be included under this theme, all of which will develop children’s basic social skills such as confidence, imagination, energy and the practical abilities needed to integrate into their community. A conjunctive aim will be to see progress in English language skills and international understanding.
Our Programmes
More specifically, the workshops will use some or all of the following areas of focus in order to impart life skills:
Performance/Drama
Creative (Art, writing, reading)
Sports/games
Discussion groups/ English workshops
First-aid and Team-building workshops
Parties and events
In addition to the focus on life skills, we will be encouraging an atmosphere of exchange during our work with the children. We recognise the importance of identifying a child’s skills and qualities as a method of building self-esteem and confidence. By encouraging children to share their skills, whether linguistic, practical or creative, we hope to inspire them to value themselves both at school and in their lives in general.
A Long Term Commitment
Once established, the structure of the programme will be in place to enable future volunteers to continue the work of the Project both in the current locations of focus and elsewhere in the local area. Part of our aim this year is to recruit both local and international volunteers to help achieve this, and concurrently we hope to establish roots in the local community that will enable the project to make a lasting impression.
Our Vision
The Kullu Project was started with the intention of helping local schools and orphanages in the Kullu area. Over the years it has developed to include a number of initiatives which aim to generate new and exciting educational experiences for young people in the valley.
In 2008…
The Kullu Project is working hard to make lasting structural changes in order to become a more solid institution for its community and its volunteers. We will begin by focusing on a small number of schools and orphanages in Manali, where we will develop socially aware and educationally valuable sessions which deal specifically with the needs of each establishment. The format for the program will therefore vary, but the overall aim will be to develop ‘life skills’ for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Various subjects will be included under this theme, all of which will develop children’s basic social skills such as confidence, imagination, energy and the practical abilities needed to integrate into their community. A conjunctive aim will be to see progress in English language skills and international understanding.
Our Programmes
More specifically, the workshops will use some or all of the following areas of focus in order to impart life skills:
Performance/Drama
Creative (Art, writing, reading)
Sports/games
Discussion groups/ English workshops
First-aid and Team-building workshops
Parties and events
In addition to the focus on life skills, we will be encouraging an atmosphere of exchange during our work with the children. We recognise the importance of identifying a child’s skills and qualities as a method of building self-esteem and confidence. By encouraging children to share their skills, whether linguistic, practical or creative, we hope to inspire them to value themselves both at school and in their lives in general.
A Long Term Commitment
Once established, the structure of the programme will be in place to enable future volunteers to continue the work of the Project both in the current locations of focus and elsewhere in the local area. Part of our aim this year is to recruit both local and international volunteers to help achieve this, and concurrently we hope to establish roots in the local community that will enable the project to make a lasting impression.
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