Riding Rickshaws, Camels and Bicycles:
My Adventure Living and Volunteering at Sangam

Namaste from India!

My name is Chloe Faught and I am a leader and a Potluck Link member from SVI---currently living in and volunteering as a Programme Assistant for 6 months at Sangam World Centre! As I’ve been here several months I thought I would share with you some of my experiences.

I arrived in India at the very end of September, which is also the end of the monsoon season in western India. In the dead of the night amidst a huge rainstorm, I washed into a new and fascinating world. I had little idea of what of what was in store for me!

I’ve done many things in the last 4 months I had never even imagined that now seem quite normal. For instance, catching an auto-rickshaw—a 3-wheeled vehicle that fits 3 people and a driver--the main kind of taxi here in Pune! Or cycling the busy streets of Pune dodging motor bikes, potholes, cattle, goats and water buffalo! Or even learning how to build a children’s playground. And almost every day there is someone new to meet from around Pune or from many of the 144 WAGGGS countries!

Sangam itself is a beautiful and restful place---with 7 ¾ hectares of land that is comprised of a huge field for campfires or for the local guide and scouts to camp on, 5 dormitories, a lovely swimming pool and beautiful gardens kept nice by our gardener (who we call azoba which means ‘grandfather’ in Hindi). It really is a safe haven after a day spent in the traffic and hustle-bustle of Pune, a city of 3-4 million people.

My position here as one of 3 Programme Assistants involves planning, preparing and running the 7-10 day programs. These events occur approximately bimonthly and cover a range of topics; anything from healthcare, to children’s rights to the Bollywood film industry! I work directly with Alex Plumb from the UK, Yasumi Wakano from Japan, Sarah Munton from Prince George, BC, Katherine Puntenay from USA, Rachel Parker from Calgary, Alberta, Elizabeth Cooper from Winnipeg, Manitoba and Aruna and Minakshi from here in Pune. Yes, there are 4 Canadians working here at the moment! Actually, Sangam has a strong history of Canadian paid and volunteer staff. Maybe you will come one day and continue the legacy!

Learning how to live in a culture with different values, traditions, freedoms, and social issues challenges your perception of the world and your perception of yourself. But I am enjoying every minute of it and will continue to do so until my term ends at the end of March and as I travel afterwards.

I would encourage anyone looking for such a challenge and adventure to apply for a volunteer position (there are 8-9 per year), or a paid position. And if you have always been fascinated by India, or wish to learn more about World Guiding and want a safe and friendly environment, come to an event at Sangam!

My time at Sangam has been a worthwhile and amazing experience. I will be happy to give presentations or help plan activities about Sangam or India upon my return to Canada in mid-May.

For more information on positions or events at Sangam visit www.sangamwagggs.org.uk.

Or visit Chloe's website:
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/sangam-india,
email chloe_faught@yahoo.ca
or write to Sangam at:
Sangam World Centre
Alandi Rd, Yerawada
Pune 411 006
India

Phir milenge (see you soon),
Chloe Faught