Griffith University’s Community Internship group experienced all that India had to offer…from visiting the iconic Taj Mahal to completing some amazing work for community organisations to attending an Indian wedding. They arrived as strangers and departed as family!
Community Internship
Griffith University
India
November 2019
Favourite part: Making amazing friends and successfully completing their internship projects
Author: Maddy Mengel
Where we went
Trip Itinerary
New Delhi
Agra, Northern India
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
Travel Log
Week 1
While a polluted blanket covered the city of Delhi and drivers honked and swerved between people, tuk tuks, taxis and cows, yes cows, it was our first chance to take in the sights of the culture and community. From people casually walking along the highway, (some even pushing a lawn mower like it's a car), cows roaming streets to boys playing cricket, there was always something new to see. Along the roads stood market stalls, street food, entrances to built-up communities and endless rubbish piles. While our adventure may be short, one can’t help but feel excited and curious for what’s to come off incredible India.
Our 1st day as a group, we visited the India's Gate, National War Memorial and Government House, all in which included an information history overload. Our next sight to experience was one of great beauty and prayer in the heart of Delhi, the Sikh Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib & the kitchen. A remarkable place that feeds over 10,000 free meals a day to any individual of India. Before entering, we were taken to a room where we took our shoes off and had to cover our heads and shoulders. We then entered the Gold Lined Temple and saw its grandeur. With many on the knees, it surely was a place for prayer and chanting to God. The side exit of the temple then opened into the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a large outdoor space that was filled with a large pool of water and people praying, bathing and relaxing. We took a quiet stroll around the perimeter and made our way to the kitchen. This area was remarkable. There was a sea of people seated inside eating and outside waiting. The inside space where nearly 1,000 would eat at a time was rotated out every 15 to 20 minutes. We toured and saw behind the scenes of the kitchen. From Naan machines and giant curry pots being stirred by a man with a giant ladle to the women rolling naan and the organised line to clean the dishes. The entire process was one that must be witnessed in person. We were able to take part in rolling the naan with the women, a great lesson and experience. After the tour, we ate lunch in the back kitchen. Seated on the floor with our silver plates, we ate an amazing curry, naan, rice and coconut rice. A mix of flavours that tasted amazing in the mouth. Our day ended with a visit to The Martyrdom Site of Mahatma Gandhi. This site would take us on the journey of Gandhi’s final days and his life’s journey from Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to Mahatma Gandhi.
Our 2nd day and one of the best days yet.
We finally experienced much of what we expected Delhi to be like from the start. Asif from Salaam Baalak Trust began the day with a walking tour on the streets of Delhi. We saw tiny alleyways, rubbish filled walkways, exposed and dangling electrical cords, beggars and locals who never took our eyes off us. Again, we dodged cars, rickshaws and tuk tuks and saw the homes in which people lived. It was a raw sight but one that makes you stop and think about your life and how much you should be grateful. Like the young boy we met whom didn’t know his birth date. We ventured to the headquarters of Salaam Baalak Trust where we met a small group of children and taught, observed and danced with. The children here were learning basic Hindu and English as well as learning how to read and write. Asif then introduced us to fellow founders and spoke more of the organisation.
The second part of the day was experiencing Kinari Baazar Markets by rickshaw. One by one we pushed through crowds and wheeled down potholed alleyways barely wide enough for 2 rickshaws. On arriving at our destination, the spice market, we were greeted with the smells of spices and sea of colour, as well as sniffling noses and coughing attacks. We then made our way up a steep staircase to a view of Delhi. Sitting above the spice market, we overlooked the market streets, homes, city, Fatehpuri Mosque and saw as far as the polluted haze would let us. While it was a magnificent view, one can’t help but notice the tarps over a cardboard bed that constitutes a home, the cracked buildings that seem like they could fall at any moment and the built-up neighbour hoods littered with rubbish.
One more rickshaw ride took us to Parathewali Gali for lunch, a mix of curry, rice and several filled naan options accompanied lasso, a yoghurt drink. The potato naan was the best. Following lunch, we made our way back through the market to find Jalebi, a sweet dessert covered in syrup. We ended the day at 5:00 PM at the hotel where we rested before some of us headed to dinner at Sabar in the Defence Colony Market.
If there was any day that we took something away, it would be this one.
Our 3rd day was a trip to a magnificent architectural achievement, the Taj Mahal. On arrival, we were welcomed by a high, red boundary wall that teased us of what lied behind. Nothing could prepare us for the beauty that we were about to witness walking through the archway. The Taj Mahal, a remarkable and immense mausoleum of white marble stands to the right of the Yamuna River in Agra. Very much a universal masterpiece, the Taj Mahal stands at 73 metres and was ordered to be built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, from 1931 and completed in 1953. This jewel of Muslin art has since captured the eyes of many and is a sight to be seen in person. While we only had a short while to explore, time spent was not wasted. Hundreds of photos were taken, lush gardens walked through, detail admired in the lattice, archways and domes and the tomb was explored. If there's anything one can take away from their visit, it's that the Taj Mahals’ grandeur and perfect octagonal symmetry and balance of composition does not given justice in any photo.
Day 4 began our 6-hour train ride to Northern India to the town of Dehradun. In arriving to Dehradun where our 2-week placement would begin, we were greeted with marigold necklaces and the warm hospitality of locals. By mid-afternoon we arrived at the Krishna Guesthouse which would be home for the next few weeks.
Our first days in Dehradun had us visiting a Buddha Temple, the Forest Research Institute, the mall, markets for Saree shopping (we are going to a wedding!) and organisations’ Purkal Youth Development Society and Stree Shakti. Walking down the hill into the school entrance was incredibly heart-warming as we were welcomed with hugs and greetings from all the children. It was a first impression that we knew would be hard to say goodbye to at the end of our 2-week placement. I won’t say much more about the organisations as that's a blog for next week, but for those who are following our journey the excitement is real.
However, before placement, the celebration of Dans’ 21st was essential! And what a better way to celebrate the grand birthday then an adventure to Rishikesh, ‘the yoga capital’ for some white-water rafting and cliff jumping in the Mother Ganga (all with a safety officer). Chocolate cake was delivered from the amazing Sanjeev and bunches of flowers were blooming from every direction. The weekend was one to remember with surprise after surprise until the very end. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN!
Commencing community internship projects
Week 2
After a busy week in Delhi and a celebratory weekend, everyone was keen to begin their projects within their organisations. For a recap of what's happened in week 2, each organisation has provided a brief summary of their expectations, project outline and their daily tasks.
Purkal Youth Development Society
Week One at Purkal can be described as organised chaos. Although we were pre-warned that the school lacked structure, I don’t think any of us knew what was in store for us. Zak is enjoying teaching the children Christmas carols, Serena is working with class 1 & 2, Dan is working with the Vocational class and classes 1-3 and Kelsea is working on grants/funding for the school. Finally, Chisato, London and Peta are working all over in admin, classes and mentoring. I think we all had anticipated that our roles were clearly defined however, our first day here it became very clear that it was not the case. Being both a blessing and a curse, we have the freedom to explore different departments and fully immerse ourselves in the school culture. We have all faced a challenge of adapting to the Indian school structure. However, we have learnt to involve ourselves in every aspect that we can. Whether it means editing and reviewing students case notes, taking the young classes and teaching them dance, sitting with the students and helping them with their work. We are finding our groove and enjoying every minute of it. This whole week has tested us and shown us that we are capable of persevering and accomplishing success with little guidance.
- Chisato, Danielle, Serena, Kelsea, London, Peta & Zak
My first week with Stree Shakti has been a whirlwind. I was placed with the design team where I would be working to roll out designs for their products. My first day was very much full of nerves and the uncertainty of expectations of what was required. Having to jump straight into the work, I started sketching Christmas designs that would be made into templates for a notebook cover. I was then guided through the design process which included choosing fabric and working with the artisan for any changes to be made. Throughout the week, I continued to create more designs influenced by Pop Art and Disney, of course! The entire experience has definitely challenged me, but has been an incredible learning experience that has strengthened my ability to break communication barriers, self-learn and problem solve.
- Maddy
Neither of us came with expectations as this is the first time Nineteen Degrees has partnered with Waste Warriors and we didn’t have any previous student experiences to go off. We were surprised by the scope of the education department, a few dedicated staff work with over 30 schools in Dehradun! Our first days were interesting to say the least, we visited multiple schools to watch amazing student performances and gather information through student and teacher interviews on what the Green Gurukul education program has achieved within their schools and how they feel it could be improved. Our biggest challenge so far has been the lack of structure to our internship and being thrown in the deep end with a broad project outside of our field of study. We’ll see what this week brings!
- Laura & Natalie (Education Team)
Waste Warriors is a modern, forward thinking and professional workplace that are ambitious to create change. Their positive energy creates an inspiring and welcoming atmosphere that allows it to be a great organisation. While the organisation may be chaotic in practice, it certainly takes on a number of cool and interesting projects. Our project is to build a trolley for waste pickers. This will enable them to collect more waste efficiently to prevent injuries and earn an income (hopefully more). Having to collect materials from the market and not from one convenient one-stop shop has made sourcing slightly harder, particularly in the area of negotiations with the communication barrier. Yet, despite a few hiccups along the way and the worry of not being able to give the best prototype, it has been a great learning experience that we have taken on at full force and can't wait to start the build of the trolley next week.
- Jeff & Connor (Industrial Design Team)
My first week at Latika Roy was lovely, we visited all five centres and learnt what they do at each centre. The first centre is the Gubbara Centre where they assess the child’s disability. The second centre is the Early Intervention Centre where kids are 0-6 years old. The Child Development Centre is the third centre which accommodates for children who are 6-14 years old and the Vocational Training Centre is for kids who are 14-21. They also have a centre called Karuna Vihar Special School. The teachers at the organisation are fantastic and love these kids as if they were their own. I helped out creating homework for the children’s holidays and also helped out in the classrooms in the Early Development Centre. I have also started to find information to one of Jo’s tube feeding blogs.
Latika Roy Foundation is an NGO organisation for kids with disabilities. They intend to educate children and give young adults the skills they need for employment. The organisation aims to get children into mainstream schooling and even have education sessions with teachers from schools to help develop their skills with children with disabilities.
- Tayla
I was unsure of what to expect for my internship. Though, I was expecting minimal to no structure for my internship, I was hoping for some direction on my project. My project is to work with the Director of Education and Development on coaching staff to keep certain elements in mind while trying to communicate with parents and advocate for their children. Though, my allocated project provided more direction than most there still remained questions about Latika Roy's expectations of me during my internship. I was pleasantly surprised when I was warmly greeted on my first day with a manual and background information on the project I would be assisting with. To my liking and at the convenience of Latika Roy I worked autonomously on gathering resources and more information for my project with support and guidance when needed. I also like to take a break from the office to go and see the children during their lunch time. My highlight of my first week of my internship would be meeting everyone on my first day and visiting all of Latika Roy's sites and programs which really instilled in me that I had chosen the correct placement.
- Nikita
Our week ended early with a weekend trip to the ‘Happier Himalayan Village’. We began with a 2km hike up to 7500ft where we settled into The Goat Village, our home for 2 nights. By the time we reached the Village we were surrounded by mountains and unimaginable views of the Himalayas. We spent the afternoon at the playing cricket, drinking chai, meeting Jemaine and watching the sunset, which soon turned into a very cold night. With no hot water, electricity or heating we rugged up, kept warm by the fire and counted the stars shoot over our heads.
As morning came, the sun rose over the mountains and highlighted a gorgeous snow-capped view of the Himalayas. While the morning got warmer, our group split into two, those who would hike to Nagtibba (10,000ft) and those who would battle it out to card games. While the hike was more popular in numbers, those who stayed enjoyed a much-needed day of rest and soaking up the sun. The evening welcomed us all with the chance to dress in traditional Village clothing which made us look very much part of the Himalayan Village. Not long after, we strolled to a much bigger and brighter campfire where we danced, sang, shared stories and laughed with natives from around the area. Dinner tonight was amazing and one of the best meals thus far (that some may say we've had since arriving), we even ate with our hands. A rather different, but, somewhat more enjoyable way to eat. Stuffed to the brim we all rolled down the hill and into our beds before another long day back to Dehradun tomorrow.
An Indian wedding was upon us!
Who thought putting a Saree on could be made to look so simple.. we can't thank Randeep enough for helping us choose, barter, shop, tailor and dress us. You have made this experience so much more amazing! Our night left a little later than planned but you know.. India. We drove past multiple extravagant weddings that showcased bands, parades, horse carriages, fireworks and the array of gorgeous sarees. It was an experience that simply cannot be told through words, you must live it. For which all I can say is that it was an incredibly amazing night full of colour, culture and glamour that one could only hope to relive again.
The bond we formed
Week 3
Over the 3 weeks, we have become a family. UNO formed alliances, tested and broke friendships. Cambio became THE game where everyone tried to beat Jeff and become the new master. Music battles erupted on road trips. Late night chats by the fire became the time to reflect. It was clear by the end that we not only gained a rewarding internship, but a family that despite card game defeats we would be there for one another.
Time has gone way too quickly for it to be our last week here in Dehradun. Yet, our last has been eventful and insightful within each of our individual organisations. The internship has impacted how we look at the world, reshaped our values and goals and provided us with a great deal of knowledge in which we can contribute, development and implement into our future studies and workplace.
Latika Roy Foundation
My time at Latika Roy Foundation has been wonderful. Learning about the different centres here has been a pleasure and seeing the work Latika Roy does has been amazing. I have sat in the Early Developmental Centre and helped the teachers with homework for the children’s holidays. The teachers at Latika Roy are some of the most beautiful and kind-hearted people I have ever met. They are very caring and make sure each individual child’s needs are met. They will go above and beyond for these kids and they treat them like they are their own children. The kids are so beautiful here and have taught me so much, they have taught me patience, happiness and to always be questioning everything - there’s always room to learn. I went to the Vocational Training Centre’s club a couple times over the two weeks where the kids learn skills they can use in the future. Cooking with them and ordering at the café with them was a highlight of my internship as well as learning how to dance from them. They are such creative kids. A few afternoons over the two weeks I spent at the after school care where all kids join and play games or do creative activities. I loved watching the kids bond during this time and they will always have a special place in my heart. The project I have worked on over the 2 weeks has given me an insight into my future studies and will help me when I will learn about tube feeding – especially with children and I hope it has benefited Latika Roy Foundation and given the organisation some beneficial knowledge. Working with Jo has been one of the highlights of my internship, she is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met with how much she cares about this organisation and especially her staff. I will never forget how she has always treated me with respect and never thought a question was too silly to ask. The staff at the resource centre are fantastic and I have learnt a lot from them also. While interning here I have not only worked with an age group I am not used to but I was also getting used to the different culture and the way things are done and this has given me new knowledge that I can use. I am very grateful to have had this experience and I am so proud to have completed my internship here. The way Latika Roy cares for each individual, not only the child with a disability, but the family and staff too, is something I will take home to Australia and use in my future career everyday. The community Latika Roy has built is so special and I am very thankful to be a part of it for these short 2 weeks and will remember it forever.
- Tayla & Nikita
Purkal Youth Development Society
Week 2 went way too quickly. By the end of the 1st week we learnt to take a slow and take it as it comes approach at PYDS. Zak and Peta continued to teach the students Christmas carols and performed Hallelujah at assembly on the last day. Dan read through student case studies which opened your eyes into the students’ lives in Dehradun. Chisato and London (Happy Birthday London!) continued to work all over in admin, classes and mentoring. Kelsea collaborated with members of staff on grants and funding for the school. Lastly, but not least, Serena (literally) danced her way around classes 1 & 2. To say the whole experience wasn’t a highlight would be an understatement. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to share with the school, the staff and the students and we will all miss the joy and happiness that the childrens’ smiling faces brought to each and every one of us.
- Serena, Danielle, Chisato, Kelsea, Peta, Zak & London
Purkal Stree Shakti Samiti
In my element and loving every moment of Stree Shakti – the women, the team, the project and of course, the tea! My project continued with developing designs and drawing templates for Stree Shakti. Then whilst the artisans began the creation of sewing the pattern to life, I started a new range of “scrap stories” notebooks. My days were filled with cutting up scraps, playing with colour combinations and laying out the fabric in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and beautiful. If there’s one thing I’ll miss, it’s being able to develop my passion for textiles alongside these women and learn how they create the magic. The work these women complete is incredible and learning their back stories changes you in a way you must witness yourself.
- Maddy
Waste Warriors “The Girls”
Laura and I had the opportunity this week to participate in litter clean-ups of the Sahastradhara area for Waste Warriors. The waterfalls are popular with locals and tourists for picnics and swimming in the warmer summer months. In partnership with the MakeMyTrip Foundation, Waste Warriors has implemented full time waste workers, dustbins and a small segregation centre. The clean-up gave us the opportunity to see first hand the work the organisation does on ground collecting waste, as well as community art murals that restore pride and beauty to the area. Later in the week, we visited the city segregation and recovery facilities for waste recycling. It was overwhelming to see the mountains of plastic and witness the efficiency of the ‘Green Workers’ who hand sort over two tonnes of waste per day! Our internship was different each and every day and we gained valuable insight into the operations of a NGO abroad.
- Natalie & Laura
Waste Warriors “The Boys”
The boys, Connor and Jeff absolutely smashed their project in the final week. From nothing but blocks of timber and nails to a moving, physical trolley - the boys presented a well-polished prototype that could well be a life-changer for the organisation. Their ambition in creating change and positive energy is reflected in the end-product for their project. The organisation is incredibly ecstatic and grateful for receiving a great trolley that will enable ‘waste pickers’ to collect more waste efficiently.
- Jeff & Connor
“Over the short few weeks here in India, we’ve all had the chance to reflect as one big, crazy family… This has been an experience of a lifetime that can’t be talked about, it’s one that you must witness and experience for yourself. The smell, the touch, the people, the sight, the sounds, the taste - India is incredible and should not be overlooked by any means.”
- Maddy Mengel, Bachelor of Graphic Design and Marketing,
Griffith University
Final thoughts
Nearing the end of our placement, there were things we wish we could have changed, made happen and quite possibly achieved. However, we all gained an incredible amount from this experience that anything different, may have dictated a different outcome and who’s to say it would have been as beneficial?
Over the short few weeks here in India, we’ve all had the chance to reflect as one big, crazy family… This has been an experience of a lifetime that can’t be talked about, it’s one that you must witness and experience for yourself. The smell, the touch, the people, the sight, the sounds, the taste - India is incredible and should not be overlooked by any means. We won’t lie, it is a very different culture but with a minefield of surprises and wonders. Its beauty and ties to history lie deep within its roots and the people want to share it all with you.