In the month of May 2019, FSL-India, Kundapur hosted 1 Long Term Volunteer from Germany at our CEL (Centre for Experiential Living), Kundapur. Our volunteer underwent different practical, theoretical and outdoor sessions for his successful journey in India and actively took part in each session. The FSL-India facilitators have taken extra care in organising this Orientation, in which some sessions included conflict management, roles and responsibilities, Culture and Indian life style, Safety Guidelines information, project introduction and preparation with the coordinator.

The roles and responsibilities session started with asking questions on the definition of volunteerism and the required qualities for a volunteer. Our volunteer really enjoyed this session which was a group activity. He also enjoyed the energisers and group bonding games during the Orientation period, which he found a lot of fun. Every evening, we organised different events for the exchange of ICL (Intercultural Learning) like Henna application and watching a Bollywood movie. FSL-India also organised some cultural activities in the free time like a tour to Kundapur.

In the second part of the session, our volunteer was asked to discuss his role and responsibilities towards the different stake holders, i.e. FSL-India, his project and Host Family. After the volunteer’s presentation, the FSL-India facilitator spoke on the guidance that FSL-India gives to each volunteer, feedback, enough work, support, food, safety, etc.

For the Kundapura visit, our coordinator helped the volunteer to shop for an Indian outfit  to attend an Indian-style local marriage the next day. So, he bought a white kurta and a lungi. On the last day of the Orientation, he attended the Indian marriage and got an opportunity to see the customs of an Indian marriage. He enjoyed a banana leaf lunch with many varieties of Indian food. After lunch, he went onto the stage to wish the couple, as is the Indian custom.

We, at FSL-India consider this orientation to be a success because we received positive feedback from the volunteer.

Alexander says: We had a lot of sessions in 3 days. On the 2nd day, we went to Kundapura to buy a Dhoti for the Indian marriage the next day. The staff is very open-minded and I could ask them many questions. I also tasted a lot of different foods.