Little Lhasa in India – Dharamshala, WC 835

Little Lhasa in India – Dharamshala, WC 835

FSL-India regularly runs a 2-week work camp at Dharamshala throughout the year. From 1st-21st June 2019, 7 international volunteers from different nationalities, i.e. France, Czech Republic, US, Spain and Belgium, participated in this work camp.

Our volunteers actively took part in various activities at the Heeru Government Primary School.

They participated in a Yoga session every morning at the home base, renovated class rooms, had art and craft sessions with the schoolchildren, painted the school wall and also educational paintings, cleaned the school grounds and also went on a waterfall cleanup drive with a local NGO.

Our volunteers had intensive exposure to the culture of the place. During the 2-week camp, every afternoon they visited local places of cultural interest.

Our volunteers spread awareness to the public with a ‘Keep Your City Clean’ campaign by cleaning the Bhagsu waterfall with a local NGO called Waste Warriors.

Our volunteers were also involved in other activities like creating awareness about nature, and also gardening with the children at the school.

Our volunteers had the opportunity to interact with Tibetan monks. They also took part in a Tibetan cooking session.

Although our volunteers were busy doing all of these activities, FSL-India ensured that they had time at the end of their stay to take part in a sightseeing excursion to a Hindu temple, Bhagsu waterfalls, Dalai Lama temple, Tse Chok Ling monastery, Norbulingka Institute, Central Tibetan Library and Tibetan Parliament, the Tibet Museum, and the Tibetan Children’s Village Community. 

Overall, our volunteers had a very fulfilling stay in India.

Louise, Belgium: This experience was wonderful! I have learnt a lot about myself, the Tibetan culture but also the culture of Dharamshala. The activities were always interesting and the renovation work was fun to do. Moreover the views were breathtaking. Thank you for everything!

Leaaa, France: We really enjoyed the work camp! We just expected working more maybe, but it was fine because we had the opportunity to discover the Indian and Tibetan culture and to visit several amazing places. The place I preferred was the Norbulingka Institute, which was impressive! The thing that Thomas preferred was the team leader Kiran! Thanks to McLeod Ganj roads we are now ready for the trekking!

Alexitoo, Spain:I really experienced a lot of things in this work camp, I think it was so useful because we could help the school and in the afternoons, visiting so many things! The only thing that I miss is to get more involved with the Indian children of the school. However, I want to say thanks to our team leader, for the support and for being like a friend! 

Mabel, USA:I loved this volunteering experience! I am happy that I was able to contribute my efforts to renovating a school and that I learned so much about the different cultures here. Visiting the Tibetan Children’s Village and conversing with the people of the LHA center were some of the highlights for me. I also enjoyed exploring different temples, monasteries, and Kangra Fort. I really enjoyed my time with this group of volunteers and our leader, who made it so memorable! It has been both a volunteer and spiritual experience for me. 

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