In April 2012, FSL India received 6 new volunteers from 5 countries for long-term volunteering program. FSL India organised a week-long orientation for the new volunteers in Bangalore and Kundapur. While four volunteers underwent orientation in Bangalore two were given orientation at Kundapur between 2^nd and 6^th April 2012. Volunteers were welcomed by FSL India team with Garlands of Jasmine, Vermilion Tilak marks on the forehead and Aarathi.

 

Sessions were conducted by FSL India team to give input on various topics. Introduction about FSL India and its work, Indian life style, roles and responsibilities of the volunteers, expectations and fears among the volunteers, setting up aims and objectives and conflict management were the major topics dealt with. Volunteers had the opportunity to learn Kannada Language and during evening hour sessions were organised to introduce volunteers on Indian culture. Volunteers also interacted with the local community as part of inter-cultural learning and experience sharing.

 

Volunteers were asked to write a self-addressed letter so as to see at the end of their stay and make comparative analysis between how the situation was in the beginning and how it will be when they complete their assignment. Host Family Tea Party, Project introduction and project visit were organised during the orientation. Final Talk was also organised to share their thoughts with the staff. All the volunteers actively participated in the program. Following is the list of volunteers who participated in the orientation:

 

1. Laetitia Trebosc from France
2. Larisa Ramona Ciufu from Belgium
3. Itsumi Murata from Japan
4. Caro van Grunsven from The Netherlands
5. Antoine De sere from France
6. Sophie Mulac from Germany