In early May 2012, four new volunteers from three countries arrived for long-term voluntary service. As inter-cultural learning is the important aspect LTV program, FSL India organised a week-long orientation for the new volunteers in Kundapur and Bangalore from 7^nd to 12^th May 2012. The orientation program was facilitated by the LTV program team of FSL India. Volunteers were picked-up from the meeting point and taken to the venue. As the orientation program started, volunteers were welcomed by FSL India team with garlands of rose, and vermilion tilak marks on the forehead and Aarathi.

 

Sessions conducted during the orientation are – Kannada language, introduction about FSL India, project introduction and reporting, Indian life style, environmental talk, project introduction, concept of volunteerism, roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders of LTV program, setting up aims and objectives  conflict management and Hindu philosophy of Life. In the evening, volunteers had session on henna. Volunteers also visited Temples, and spent time in shopping in the local market. In Kundapur during the orientation volunteers visited FSL India’s Home based tent school project at Maravanthe. Volunteers also interacted with the host families. One of the volunteers already placed in a project shared his experience in India and his work in the project. Volunteers watched Bollywood movie as part of inter-cultural learning. Following are the details of new arrivals:

 

• Benedetta Cappellini from Italy
• Reetta Laakso from Finland
• Brice Cariou from France
• Marie Lesage from France