« Volunteer Experiences 2006 »

Debra Ward Nov 2006

When I arrived at the Mango House Children Walking Tall was having a bit of a re-structure so everything was up the air. The welcoming of the new volunteers and goodbyes to old, suitcases of clothes to be sought through and a store room to be tidied. At first as there weren't any kids in the house I couldn't quite understand how it all worked. 10 minutes later I was passed a pair of rubber gloves, a plastic bowl and a bottle of water???

So eyes down and cement at the ready we worked away at the mosaic in the wash area outside. I have to say I have never been so proud of a pair of Y - fronts. (I made the blue ones with the white Y right next to the door out of the shower area ;-) and have now decided to enter them on to my CV under achievements)

My fist visit to the slums was quite daunting... all the faces seemed to merge in to one and I couldn't tell the difference between the child jumping on my back to the one swinging round my neck - I was doing a great impression of a climbing frame - rusty brown in colour. Hello how are you? What is you name? Came from every direction, each child wanting to shake your hand with great enthusiasm and excitement at a new face. The mix of ages and the language barriers where pushed aside as we ventured in to the craft session -paper hats, all different colours, shapes, sizes and creations appeared. Fantastic!!!

The Beach trip was one experience I won't forget in a hurry. Fun, games and a splash in the sea followed by a short nap on the way home. What an adventure as much for me as it was for them. Its great to see some of the older kids have a day for themselves where the worries of everyday life and the caring for others can be put to the back of their minds and they can just be kids.

My only regret is that my stay was way too short but from it I would like to Thank everyone at CWT for the fantastic experience (even if Rob cant remember my name at least he has narrowed it down to two) Everyone was so welcoming and are all doing such a great job especially Rob and Shermina and the long standing volunteers dedicated to giving the kids at the slums "a childhood worth remembering" . Hope to see you all again in the not so distant future :-) (will bring my own name badge)

Harsha Nov 2006

Working with Children Walking Tall was an amazing experience, one which I will never forget. It allowed me to gain an insight into a world so very different to my own. It was a bitter sweet realisation, to see these children with absolutely nothing, fighting to survive and yet walking around with enormous smiles on their faces. And it makes you put your own life into perspective.

Going into the slums you see the children running out to greet you, ready to shake your hand and ask your name. They are filled with so much energy, excitement and enthusiasm, and all you can do is smile and within half an hour they will be hanging off you and jumping all over you!

Some of these young children are responsible for looking after their siblings and taking care of young babies, and it was so nice to be able to see them have a break and play and be children!

Every evening I'd go home on the bus (which was an experience in it's self!) and be smiling to myself at the fantastic day I'd had! I wanted to do this to be able to give something back, however I believe I probably gained more from it then I ever expected. The highlight of my trip to Goa was taking the children to the beach! I don't know who was more excited, the children or me! The journey to the beach was filled with singing and laughter, and when we got there, the children were splashing around in the sea and playing games on the sand. It was wonderful to see the children out of the slums and after the day of adventure everyone was fast asleep on the bus home.

So I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Rob and Shamina for this incredible experience. You are both doing such an extraordinary job, looking after the children, the volunteers and the Mango House. So keep up the great work and keep smiling because you are bringing s much happiness to the lives of so many.

Becky Nov 2006

In November i visitied CWT for 3 weeks. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I cannot wait to come back to Goa and see everyone again. The team at CWT are all so friendly and make you feel at home. The kids are amazing, they are always really happy and love having fun, playing games and singing ( i still cant get the watermelon song out of my head).

The highlight of my trip was when we took all the kids to the beach. The fun started on the bus, all the kids & volunteers were singing away and were really excited about going to the beach. When we got to the beach the kids were so well behaved, they got changed and then headed straight for the water to splash about. Afterwards we all played games and the kids had some snacks. Its was a long day, so much so that some of the kids fell asleep on the bus on the way back home but we all had a great time. I really enjoyed helping out around the Mango House, cleaning the store room and helping to do the mosaic for the wash area. In the afternoons we would go to the slums and see the children. When you turn up they all come running over to the van to greet you, they are so cute. The volunteers play games with the kids and also teach aswell. Considering the kids in India dont have much compared to the kids in the UK, they are a lot better behaved, more polite and more happy. It just goes to show that all the material things just dont matter. As long as you have people around you that love and look after you - you will be just fine.

I would recommend being a volunteer with CWT to anyone, I just wish I could have stayed for longer to get to know everyone better. Last of all I would like to say that Rob and Shermina do a fantastic job out in Goa and are such lovely people, keep up the great work you and all the volunteers have changed the lives of so many kids in India.

Olivia Sept 2006

I worked for C.W.T for six weeks and I can honestly say it was the best experience of my life. As a rather naive and somewhat 'dizzy' 18 year old girl i learnt what life was like outside partys, makeup, mates and getting drunk.

The childrens lives are so very different to my own and at times i found this heartbreaking, i get stressed and upset over the slightest things but these kids truely have nothing and experience so much yet seem so happy and full of life. I think this is part of the reason why everyone gets so attached to them, As a result this experience taught me so much about myself and the world and i thank C.W.T for allowing me this experience. This charity really does help bring a bit of happiness into the childrens lives so keep up the amazing work!

I cant wait to come back and see everyone in feb!!!

Nathan Sept 2006

My upmost respect and a thank you to Children Walking Tall for first of all giving the children in the slums they work in a life and the care they thouroughly deserve, secondly for giving me the best experience of my life. my only regrets was that i was not in goa long enough to get to know the children better, just under two weeks was much shorter than i would have liked.

Goa was brilliant but the children and this charity turned my stay into an experience.

I'd recommend this to anyone and I will be extremely disappointed if I do not return and help out again in the future.

Jon 'Rocky' Sept 2006

My name is Jonny and I worked for C.W.T for about a month. It was a hugly rewarding experence and I would recommend it to anyone. I incorperated it into my gap year/round the world shinanagins and it was well worth doing. You really feel that you are making a differnce to the children and it gave a very good reason to stick around in Goa and have some fun!

The team there are great and very welcoming. It was my first attempt at volenteering and because of it i will cirtainly do more. I wish the best of luck to Rob and the rest of the crew at C.W.T and thank them for a fantastic, unforgettable experence.

Cheers guys Jonny (A.K.A Rocky)

Mike Sept 2006

My name is Mike Ford, I'm 52 years young and have never been to India or done volunteer work before.

Over the last four weeks I have built a chicken coup, compost heaps and taught children of various ages, reading and maths. I've never believed I was able to do these things, but with the help of C.W.T. and more so the children wose responce to even my limited abilities helped both me and them to learn from each other.

The children are fantastic and just want to learn everything they can, and when you hopefully meet them, you will I am sure fall in love with each and every one of them. This has been an experience I will always remember and will continue to do as often as possible

"I will be Back"

Mike Ford

Marleen July 2006

Thank you for the great time! I really enjoyed it to work with the kids. I played with them a lot of funny games. We sang songs together and did sport games. Unfortunately the Mango House had to close during my time here. It was really sad to be in a house without our kids. After the first shock we decided to visit them in the slum, bring them fruits and played with them there.

One highlight for me was the day, when we build a new hut for a familiy. All the kids around us helped to carry the sand and they danced in the hut. It is so nice to be together with these amazing kids, to see them smilling and hear them laughing. But its so much better to have them in the Mango House, there everything is clean and nice. I wish, that you are allowed to open the Mango House again very soon!!!

And I really hope that I come back one day.

Good luck and success for your important work!

Becky July 2006

Becky joined us at the house for two weeks. Unfortunately after two days the house had to close for problems with our licence. However she has spent lots of time in the slum getting to know the children and was a great help giving out clothes to different slums around Goa.

When I decided to spend a month in India after finishing my A-Levels I really wanted to do something a bit extra than just travelling. After spending about two weeks here in Goa I'll be leaving with many happy memories of the time spent helping at the Mango House and visiting the local slums on outreach events. Unfortunately we didn't get to spend as much time with the children as first anticipated due to the licence situation, but it was still a pleasure to help out with sorting the many suitcases full of clothes and toys and arranging them ready for presents next Christmas.

It was a real eye opener going to visit the children where they live, and the small things people like us can do to help them go a long way. Fingers crossed that the charity will overcome the current problems with the licence because Shermina and the other vollunteers really do enhance the lives of these children and do such fantastic things for them.

Geoff Morgan July 2006

Geoff was originally going to volunteer in Africa. However his plans changed and he decided to come and help us for a month. He has been a great success with the children, organising many sports games.

Shermina and Rob have done amazing work with Children Walking Tall and restoring the Mango House. The children benefit tremendously from their tireless dedication in giving them "a childhood that is worth remembering". My time working with the charity was truly unforgettable. I consider myself very fortunate for having the opportunity to volunteer for such a great organization. It is hard to imagine that there is any type of work that is more valuable than changing tiny lives. I wish Shemina,

Rob and Children Walking Tall continued success and prosperity.

Oh and the beer in Goa is not too bad either...

Geoff

Nadine July 2006

Nadine was not with us very long but was a great help as she is a pediatrician and was able to give our children their final Hep B injection. The young children loved her and below are her thoughts on the charity.

After 2 month in Himachal Pradesh working in schools and one month traveling across India I arrived in Goa for my last 4 weeks in India. Working in the Mango House was amazing, the kids are wonderful and they made my last weeks a highlight that I wont forget! I spent mostly the mornings there helping with the younger kids, like in a kindergarden- "teaching and playing". We tried to teach them songs, coloured lots of pictures and did a lot of sport games... Every day was a new adventure and it was a great pleasure to be here and to be a part of this great charity. We even visited the children's home to see were they come from and it is hard to believe that people can actually live there without getting angry with the rest of the world..To see the kids smiling every day, to hear their laughs, to look in their happy eyes and watch their daily development was a great experience for me that I am really grateful for.

Unfortunately I already have to leave but I hope to come back one day.

Melanie May 2006

Melanie was a joy to have volunteering for us, she was a lovely person and became a favourite for several of the children. Below is her comments about volunteering with CWT.

I first stumbled across the CWT website when I was looking around for places to volunteer overseas during the summer. It was such a natural decision for me to come here - I'm of Goan descent, and come to Goa every several years to visit my family. More than that, I had vivid memories, even as a young child, seeing the poverty in India and being told to look the other way. I was ecstatic at this opportunity to be part of the solution to this growing problem.

There really aren't words to describe how absolutely beautiful the children at Mango House are - inside and out. It was so easy sometimes to forget that many of the children didn't speak a word of English! Their body language spoke volumes, and they were by far the most affectionate and loving children I've ever come across! One of the things that surprised me most about the children were how willing they were to help out around the House; from washing to sweeping to helping prepare foods, they had a hand in everything!

Regardless of their physical or emotional situations, they brought with them a level of enthusiasm and joy that I have rarely seen. Whether learning new songs and dances, or learning to read and write new words in English, they gave their all in everything that they did!

Just seeing the giant smiles on their faces were enough to make the experience more than worthwhile. They children are as mischievous as they are helpful, and I was pleasantly surprised to get an equal dose of both! From teaching a class to playing cricket to putting the children to sleep, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time here. I'll definitely be back in Goa, and nothing can stop me from coming back to Mango House when I do!

Claudia June 2006

Claudia is back, well at least in spirit, she won't be back in Goa till September but she has written something down for the experiences page. Hurry Back!

When i had to leave India and especially the kids at the end of April it really really broke my heart. I knew it before that they will make me cry (and also Shermina knew it:-)) when it was time to say bye bye! I stayed seven months in Goa this time and from the beginning with the kids when we started the first school at Karaswada slum where i went nearly every day from then to teach. We were all waiting a long time to get the Mango House finally open and I will never forget the day when we had children in the house for the first time. Since that day we had so much fun together, the kids are wonderful, they love to learn and play and to see them coming every morning with a big smile on there faces is the best thing. We managed to split the school in different age groups and i taught the bigger ones and sometimes i couldn't believe how clever they are and how fast they can learn everything.

When i knew that I will go to Germany during the monsoon i worried about "my" group because I felt bad to leave them and I didn't know if we will have enough volunteers during the monsoon, so that there will be somebody to continue teaching them every day. But then, just a few days before i had to go, Sue came, a new volunteer and when she told me that she will stay for six months I was so happy. She directly agreed to teach them and I knew that she will do a great job and the kids will love her.

Now while I'm here in Germany I'm thinking every single day about the kids and India and I'm always looking on the Website to read all the news. The work everybody is doing there is great and I'm really proud that I'm a part of all these people who work for Children Walking Tall. I miss them all so much and i can't wait to be back in September.

Rachael June 2006

Rachael started volunteering for Children Walking Tall at the beginning of May and leaves in a week to travel north to Delhi and Nepal.

Thankfully we arrived at the Mango House at 6am so chaos had not quite yet descended. Not so for our full first day when I was presented with a class and asked if I could teach. Well we'll soon find out! 2 months later and we still go through the everyday process of me writing something on the board and everyone shouting `hello write? ` and the whole class yelling `hello me hello me` every time they have written a word. It has been a fantastic experience though, and I found myself getting truly excited when Gopi wrote ginger on the board unprompted or when they remembered how to say orange.

Everyday at CWT was a new experience, from washing little Kieran in scabies soap, to looking after a 3 month year old baby and comforting children with fevers and suspected Malaria. Not everything was so serious though..playtime was always madness! Endlessly counting skipping, colouring in, and I shall never ever forget the Watermelon Song; seeing Umesh swing those hips, my goodness! For such streetwise children, it is lovely to see their creative sides develop and their true age beginning to show.

Working for Children Walking Tall was an unforgettable experience; learning that there are new boundaries to my squeamishness, embracing the challenge of teaching and relishing the company of such delightful children made my time at CWT so rewarding, I cant wait to do more!

Isabel May 2006

Isabel hasn't quite left yet, she's still here for another week, after she leaves here she is thinking of traveling to Karanataka and taking a break before returning to Portugal where she is an environmental consultant. Isabel joined us on a bollywood fliming and was in a scene with Robert, hopefully to be shown at a cinema near you... :os

When I first met the kids at the Mango House early in the morning they were smiling... at lunch time they were smiling... in the afternoon on their way home they still had a big smile on their face.

It is a pleasure to be in a place where the children love to visit. My task was to teach the smaller children every morning, we danced, sang, learned some letters and numbers and I also learned some Hindi with them.

This was my first trip to India and it was very good mainly because of my time volunteering at the Mango House, although the weather was so hot that it prevented me doing many more things.

It is so rewarding seeing the children who look forward to coming back everyday and trying to avoid 'Chruti' (Holiday). Great job Rob and the rest of the staff, however, if you are thinking of coming to the Mango House there is only one piece of advice that I would give - These children never get tired, they go on and on jumping, playing and climbing on you....

Maggie May May 2006

Maggie has really enjoyed her time here, so much so that she is wanting to come back later on in the year for a longer period. We look forward to seeing her again in October or November....

I work as a social worker in England and felt that I always wanted to do some volunteer work at some point.

I was unsure what to expect when I arrived in Goa, as I had originally planned to volunteer with another charity but was amazed that they wouldn't allow me to volunteer without paying for the privilege. Children Walking Tall was new to me but I was so pleased when I arrived that all the staff were welcoming, there is real warmth and family spirit in this house which is seen in the faces of the children.

All the effort of the staff and volunteers is clearly displayed through the happy and confident children who I'm sure, as adults will look back and have not only happy memories but a sense of pride! Thanks to mango house!

There are many skills needed to work as a volunteer! but just an open friendly heart and willingness to play, sing , dance have fun and help to improve the quality of the life of the children is the best quality ever! My advice to anyone is give it a go! You will be made welcome and make some happy memories!! I intend to come back later this year!

Neville Rodrigues May 2006

Neville came along with Michelle who originally applied to be the volunteer here at Children Walking Tall, but he liked it that much he continued to come with her everyday. Both Neville and Melanie (She's promised that she will send a small bit about her experiences soon) have left today and were sad to go. Two of Melanie favorite students weren't in so we made a special trip down to the slum to say goodbye, companied by her father, grandfather and grandmother. Neville has already said he's be back next year, he is Goan and lives in Anjuna not so far away but only has so many holidays a year.

The most important thing I have learnt at Children Walking Tall (and I'm sure many others have as well) is to give love and care for others. Every child here comes from a slum and from different families but I'm amazed how they accept and help each other when required. When I first came to Children Walking Tall I was filled with doubt and the 'what am I going to get out of this' feeling. But just one day into this institution and I realised that what I got out of this was probably the best thing in the world and is not available in shops. That thing is the response and appreciation from the children who come here.

The say Children Walking Tall is run by charity. But in my opinion it is not only by charity but by immense patience and dedication of two dynamic and charismatic social workers - Robert and Shermina. They not only put their time and energy into Children Walking Tall but also inspire people (like me) to give some of our time too.It is true that most of the volunteers come from other countries and they are non-Hindi speakers. But as I have observed not knowing the language is hardly any trouble. Every message goes across and every lesson is learnt well. This proves to us that the age old saying is true - "Love And Affection Can Conquer All Obstacles"

Darian Shaw May 2006

Darian has been a great help. She originally came to help a school with their English skills but the school year ended and she was delighted to find that Children Walking Tall offered a great opportunity to teach the children.. She's now going away to Mumbai with two bags of clothes for a day care center in one of the slums there. She will return in a week to carry on here work with the children.

Volunteering at the Mango House has energized my visit to Goa. It is a joy being with the children; playing, singing,dancing and having fun. They are full of energy and so happy to be a part of the activities available to them at Children Walking Tall. The children arrive every morning ready for the day of classes, group activities, art, singing, and some valuable free play time they so rarely get elsewhere. Sometimes they just need to rest and get some much needed sleep. The showers and clean clothes, healthy food and snacks are also available to them that may not have been otherwise.

It has been rewarding to observe and take part in the learning process the children are experiencing. I have been teaching the young group daily their ABC's, colors and songs in English. They are full of life and so eager to learn and take in all the new information. It is also fun for me to get to know the children and watch them grow. They have a lot of love to share and thrive on the attention they receive from all the volunteers. The great thing is that I thrive on their energy and smiles too.

There is much for everyone to learn at the Mango House, big, small, from Asia or the West, about the resilience, resolve, and the ever present joy that is a part of human nature. The delight of connecting with children, anywhere in the world, brings magic into our lives and creates lasting memories.

Darian Shaw
Seattle, Washington, USA

Ellie Firth May 2006

Ellie is one I got on with instantly, perhaps it's because she has a similar sense of humor to myself... Or perhaps it's because she bursts into song every 15 minutes... :o) - She really has been great fun and a great help. The children I'm sure will surely miss her , thankfully after meeting up with her Mother in Delhi she'll be coming back down to see us again, possibly for a week or two before she flies home.

"Knowing I was going to spend four months in India , I'd decided I'd really like to spend some of my time contributing to the welfare of the children over here. I hadn't planned a visit to Goa , but when I found the Children Walking Tall website I was really excited and inspired by the work they were doing and so planned a month of my trip to be spent at the Mango House.

The team has created a fantastic environment for the children. The House is cool, light and has a lot of space for the children to be taught, washed!, fed, and given a lot of love, attention, and nurturing, with the goal of getting them into schools and the mainstream of society as swiftly as possible. Along with these things and basic medical care (there is a constant risk of infection and many local diseases at the slum), the team is looking to give the children that stepping stone they need to get an education, and ultimately find a job locally.

The children are truly inspirational. Whatever efforts we put in to try and contribute to their welfare we are rewarded tenfold by their smiles, diligence, good manners and affection, and also their sense of good fun! The children all have a place firmly in my heart; I have already determined to spend another week here before I return to England, and look forward to seeing further progress in the children, and development of the charity as an organisation, as it is going from strength to strength, with the help of the constant flow of volunteers - please keep coming! I would say to anyone thinking about spending some time volunteering in Goa that working with the children at the Mango House is an inspirational opportunity not to be missed. Just be prepared to muck in and get very dirty!! "

Kristi Bellows April 2006

Kristi was only able to spend a very short period of time with us but she was invaluable as she spent most of her time making papier mache balloons for the children to paint and make into faces.

"I was only at the Mango House for 3 days, but my heart was forever touched. Even though the children have very little in terms of material possessions, they have so much happiness and love in their hearts. Each morning, the children would greet the volunteers with a huge smile and a handshake as they said, " Good morning !" I will never forget my last day as I was pulling onto the road where the Mango House sits, my friend said, "Are those your kids back there?" I turned and saw about 15 kids running after the car waving furiously with huge smiles on their faces. Although it would be nice to think that their excitement was because of my impact on them, I know that t hey were just that excited to be coming to the Mango House .

 It is amazing how much Rob and Shermina have done for these children in such a short amount of time. They have deeply touched the lives of each of these children and will continue to do so. I enjoyed my time so much that I am already planning my next trip back. "

Alex Celini January 2006

Alex was here at the same time as Holly but she has only just had chance to do a report for the website... So here it is....

"When I first came across CWT's website back home in Scotland I never imagined that several months later I'd find myself living in Goa and running a school in a slum! Although only there for a relatively short period of time, and as part of a wider global travel plan, volunteering lent real purpose and focus to my trip. It was all at once rewarding, enriching and challenging. My volunteering experience involved spending mornings at The Mango House (usually painting walls, sorting clothes or planning lessons) and afternoons teaching in the Sinquerim slum. 

With no previous teaching experience and no real idea what to expect, it was with anxiety that I made my first trip to the 'classroom' along with Holly (a friend and fellow volunteer). I needn't have worried though as the children greeted us with smiles and excitement as they squabbled over who could carry our things. Mats were quickly laid down outside for the lessons to begin and we were soon in the noisy midst of alphabets, counting and naming colours!

With mixed ages and abilities to contend with and language barriers to overcome, teaching was never going to be easy. Despite planning lessons in advance, a lot of spontaneity and creativity was always needed on the day. Limited teaching resources also called for our imaginations and memories to be tested as we struggled to remember childhood games and activities! Within a few days 'Simon Says', 'I Can Sing A Rainbow', and 'What's The Time Mr.Wolf?' were firm favorites! We counted items on the washing lines and the kids took it in turns (well they were supposed to go in turn!!) to pick out clothes of specific colours.

The kids make the challenge of teaching all worthwhile with their enthusiasm to learn, eagerness to help, their friendliness (and mischievousness!) and the way in which they revel in praise and attention. I will never forget how much joy I saw in the faces of these children who have so little. It is humbling and heartwarming. The kids have such distinct personalities and characters and I will never forget them. I sincerely hope that I will meet them all again in the not too distant future.

Rob & Shermina do a tremendous job in very difficult circumstances and their achievements are substantial. I wish CWT every success and strongly encourage people to experience volunteering for themselves."

Jenny Ingram February 2006

Jenny found us whilst she was visiting Goa and decided to join us for two weeks. She was a great help in our Karaswada School where she spent time with the younger children teaching them A B C D.........

I volunteered to work with Children Walking Tall in February 2006. It was a hugely rewarding experience and it was a great feeling to be part of a team working towards improving the lives of street children in the slums of Mapusa.

Mornings consisted of a visit to the slums, where all local children were welcome to participate in a simple two hour English language session. In addition to this, vitamins and basic first aid were administered. In the afternoons there was always something to do at the centre, such as sorting out clothes for distribution in the Mumbai slums. The work was incredibly rewarding and I felt that as well as giving something positive to the children's lives, I personally drew a lot from the experience.

Something which became very noticeable to me was that although these children live in abject poverty - no toys, limited food; few clothes and no pocket money - compared to Western children who often have everything they wish for and still remain unsatisfied, these Indian children were some of the happiest that I have ever worked with. They were always excited about being in school and were consistently affectionate to us as volunteers. Every morning we were greeted with cheeky grins as they chased us up the road on our bikes. All of the volunteers at Children Walking Tall immediately made me feel welcome and useful. The whole team is caring and dedicated, everyone's energy for the project creates a positive, fun environment for both the children and those involved. With regard to Rob and Shermina, they are doing a great job and every charity in the world would benefit from having such genuinely devoted and giving people working for them.

Finally, I found that the experience was overwhelmingly rewarding. What beautiful children and what a worthwhile charity. Thanks everyone for a great experience!

Ineke and Lisa March 2006

Ineke and Lisa come from the Netherlands and have been a joy to be around. Their bubbly personalities making our job a real breeze over the last couple of months. We hope to see them again in the not too distant future, and I'm sure the kids do too. Comments Two months volunteering for Children Walking Tall have passed. In the beginning, we didn't know what to expect. When we arrived at 'The Mango house' for the first time and met Rob and Shermina we were sure that we made the right decision by contacting them. Proudly Rob showed us around the Mango house and we were amazed by all the work they had done in so little time, the house looks great!! It has a a very child friendly atmosphere and the paintings on all of the walls even gives adults a happy feeling.

We were asked to start teaching in the slum of Sinquerim. Looking at each other not knowing if we could, we asked Rob; "Are you sure?". And, as he was, we started the challenge, ending up enjoying every minute of it! Teaching the children english, maths and playing games with them. Although the circumstances in which the children grow up are not what we're used to, you get to know them as little individuals. You see them in sad, mad and bad moods, but most of all being happy and enjoying the attention they get from you.

Being more streetwise than the children in western countries, but at the same time also have a child way of thinking, you'll end up having some very funny situations. One day, one of the Vinods (there are three), was asked to put away the blackboard. As he walked away with the blackboard and this big joking grin on his face he said: "10 rupees"!

We could write so many more stories and experiences about our time with CWT, but to be honest.. If you are really curious and interested in volunteering for an relaxed organisation, where you can really do something extra, actually seeing the result of your work and last but not least have a great time with all of the volunteers??!! Grab your bags, book a plane and meet Rob and Shermina. We are sure you will be in for an amazing experience!!

Now continuing the rest of our trip through India and having so many beautiful sights to see ahead, CWT will definitely be the part of the journey which will stay with us the most. Being back in the Netherlands we'll absolutely keep in touch!!

Ineke and Lisa

Maeve February 2006

Maueve has been a great help during her stay, although I've only just found out about 'Old McDonald had a Jungle', I believe it goes something like 'Old McDonald had a Jungle, and on that Jungle he had a monkey....'... Artistic Licence I think :o)

Before I arrived in India I felt slightly apprehensive as I was traveling alone but all my fears were quashed the minute I walked into the Mango House. Meeting Rob and Shermina and the other wonderful volunteers made life easy and fun. I've pushed myself (or I've been pushed) to do things that I thought I would never do, like transforming into 'Nurse Maeve' to do first aid in the slums after school. Also singing 'Old McDonald had a Jungle' at the top of my voice with 40 children.

I am leaving with a heavy heart but it is full of memories of the children and the great experience that is, volunteering for Children Walking Tall. I'll be back!

Maureen February 2006

Maureen has been supporting us from the beginning as we all volunteered for another charity in Goa a few years ago. She comes out each year to help and also helps fund raise in the UK.

When I arrived in Goa I thought that I would have very little to do!!! Not so, I quickly realised what a lot of work had gone in to the house and how much more to be done for the inspection on Feb 14th.

Through the generosity of the british people with their various donations there was lots of sorting to be done ie. putting the boys and girls clothes in to their various sizes ready for distribution and packing them into baskets to go on to the shelves that were being made for the store room. There was also a lot of educational items to be sorted and put in to their various storage places plus towels, soaps, shampoos and toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Among the various jobs to be done the bright Rob came up with the idea of making some beanbags for the children to sit on!!! So Shermina and I went out and bought a sewing machine and Shermina, Allison, Maeve, Iris and I proceeded to make eleven beanbags and a cushion for the resident pet Tilly.

As the time of the inspection drew near, Mango House was a hive of industry and along with the visits to the slums, the school and various trips to the doctor with some of the children a few of the volunteers decided to stay at Mango and have a blitz on the cleaning and sorting of donations the weekend prior to the dreaded date!!! Well the beanbags came in very handy as there was no beds for us so we slept on them and very comfortable they were too. We worked all weekend into the wee small hours of the morning! and scrubbed floors, cleaned sinks and toilets, covered the windows with mosquito netting and dusted the ceilings of all nine rooms. What we didn't know what to do with, went in to the loft in "don't know boxes" ready for the next lot of volunteers (so now you know what you have let yourselves in for).

So on D-day we finally made the deadline and on the tuesday off the volunteers and Tilly the dog went to the school in the slums (three mats in the shade of a tree) and Rob, Shermina, Claudia, Sunil, Harry and Mick awaited the inspection team. Well they waited and waited and waited but they didn't arrive, so Shermina rang them up to see why they hadn't arrived and they just said they had something else to do instead!!! That is India for you!

Needless to say everyone was very depressed after all the hard work that had been done which was a culmination of months and months of applying for a definite date and doing up the house which had to be gutted and then redecorated. Rob and Shermina were assured that someone might come on the following day or they might come on the following friday or they might come in the next few months and that is what CWT have had to contend with in the last eighteen months they have been working in India. It is very exasperating and also very disheartening when the house is ready for children to live in and the great need there is for it and the various people who make the decisions do not turn up to make them. That is the position as of now as I write this but the work in the slums still go on.

After three and a half weeks of my stay in Goa I can honestly say that it was very rewarding and it made me realise just what Rob and Shermina have had to contend with, sitting here in Britain it is easy to say "why is it taking so long?". The simple reason is, the life in India is vastly different to anywhere else in the world and the heat doesn't help as it is hot now and getting hotter, so we get tired very easy but we must persevere as it is important that these children get a chance of living a decent life. Until you experience the life these children live we can not possibly understand why it is vital we do something for them.

So well done everyone who was involved you have done a great job.

Mary January 2006

Mary was such a pleasure to work with, her happy demeanor extending around her. She was even happy after having to have an operation on her arm after a 'mishap' (They call accidents 'mishaps' in Goa) with a wall. She had to have metal pins in her arms, and that was just her first week! Thankfully things calmed down after that.

When i first decided to do some voluntary work abroad india was not on the agenda, that would be too testing. yes i have experienced many emotions brought on by observing the poverty and neglect but i've felt absolute joy at seeing the children's laughing welcoming faces when greeting us every day for their english lesson. The slums are not a pretty sight and the children have very little, including parental care but working playing laughing and dancing (did we dance!. It was a cherished time which i'm grateful i didn't miss, and i will miss them so much,it's difficult to leave, maybe again one day!!! Shermina and Rob have a difficult task ahead in running the charity, they have my admiration at their stamina and dedication to the welfare and happiness of the children.

Writing these few words has been difficult for me, as i cannot truly express what these children have given me. to the wonderful friends i have met, i will miss you all.

Victor and Marleen Feburary 2006

Victor and Marleen have been a great help, they were lucky enough to have joined Shermina and some of the other volunteers in Mumbai giving out clothes to the children in the slums there which I think was their favorite parts of their stay.

We arrived in India on the 2nd of January for a 6 week bicycle trip through India. We heard about Children Walking Tall In Chicago, United States and decided to pay them a visit and see if we could help them with some volunteer work that had to be done at The Mango House. We did some painting at the house, sorted clothing for the children in the house and visited the local slums in Mapusa where the children get medication, education water and food thanks to Children Walking Tall. We also joined the everlasting bus trip to Mumbai, where six of us took more then 600 sets of children's clothing and presents. This was an intense and emotional experience and it showed us the necessity and importance of the work Rob and Shermina (Children Walking Tall) do!!

Rob, Shermina, we had a very good time with you and the others, thank you. Please keep going strong!!!

Marleen and Victor
The Netherlands

Holly Henderson January 2006

Holly came along with Alex after meeting up on their travel in India, they both originate from Scotland and really got on well with the children. I'm sure they will be missed. I've kept this short as Holly's is really long! :o)

Having never volunteered for a charity before, without any expectations I was immediately taken by Children Walking Tall and was welcomed into 'The Mango House', which will eventually be utilised as the main drop in base for the kids.

Full of life and character, the old Portuguese house has been cleverly refurbished into colourful bright spaces for playing, eating and sleeping and would brighten up any kids day. Murals, ABC's and 123's decorate the walls painted by the many volunteers who come and go over the months {I was given the task of completing a painting of Shrek, perfect timing for a Scottish volunteer!}

Rob and Shermina are to be admired, driving the charity forward with their endless enthusiasm and have a challenging but rewarding job living and working in the house never stopping for a minute. Not only running the show but also organising the latest volunteer recruits or happily giving the endless visitors a guided tour or a visit to one of the neighboring slums to see the kids at school or play. There's never a dull moment [apart from watching the paint dry!] and when I arrived on Christmas eve I was caught up in the festivities, joining helpers busy wrapping hundreds of presents to give out to the various slums and organising a party for around 100 kids on Christmas day. All their efforts were so worthwhile as the kids had a ball playing games and eating lots of goodies.

On the run up to the opening of the house the volunteers help is appreciated in many ways including painting, sorting out donated clothes, organising resources for the schools and planning our daily afternoon classes at Sinquerim slum which a friend and I took on during our stay in Goa.

In a short time I became really attached to the kids, who make you laugh and constantly surprise you with their enthusiasm, imagination and inquisitive natures. All the kids are encouraged to come along and join in and vary in personality, ages and ability from little tots to teenagers. They look forward to school and we try and make it fun so they will hopefully learn the basics to start them off in life. I have even learned a few words in Hindi from them.

Volunteering is the best way to experience life as it really is for the families living in poverty in India and the opportunity provided me with unique challenges and rewards, allowing me to see beyond the sometimes superficial side of being a tourist[especially here in Goa]. Their lives are inescapably physically demanding and a constant struggle for most, but it was amazing to watch their endless resourcefulness and how they make the most of any available opportunities along with CWT's help and hopefully these kids will get a better start in life. So fingers crossed for the opening of the 'Mango House' and keep up the good work. Would love to come back in the future and see all the progress.

Mark And Susan January 2006

Mark and Susan who work in the police force in the UK came out on holiday and just wanted to spend a couple of days a week volunteering for us. They 'said' they didn't mind doing any work so Robert put them to work in the garden and various other 'not so glamorous' jobs (Sorry guys...). They were a great help and we would like to thank them for their time away from the beach.

We found out about Children Walking Tall from the internet and decided to spend part of our holiday in Goa helping out. During the six days that we worked with Rob, Shermina and the other volunteers we got the opportunity to visit one of the schools at the slums. In between susan playing hand clapping games with the girls and Mark being a human climbing frame for the boys we practiced our alphabet, spelling and counting - some of the kids being better than us!!

We also sorted out the clothing that has been donated for distribution and helped around The Mango House and garden (we've still got blisters to prove it...) We've both loved our time with CWT, enjoyed meeting all the volunteers and the children and would strongly recommend helping in any way.

Thanks for having us.

Lynne January 2006

Lynne came out on her own to volunteer as part of a larger journey around India. In England she is a trained nurse and health visitor and helped out in the slums, giving some of the injections and trying to keep track of some of the skin conditions being passed around the families there. She should be joining back up with us in a month as she returns to Goa and we look forward to seeing her then.

When I came here I didn't know what to expect but kids and families the world over try and do the best they can, and here it is no different except they try and do something with nothing. I looked through the charity with my health visiting and nursing eyes and was rather overwhelmed by the health problems in the slums which at times was very frustrating. How can you treat a whole family for scabies when the parents aren't prepared to do the treatment themselves or wash their clothes. Secondary infections are rife from scratching at various mites and it's often an educated guess and hope for the best. They do however appear "happy" with their lot. I would encourage anyone wanting another perspective on life to come out here and take a look and let the effects sink in.

I have been touched by the work happening here, the other volunteers and Rob and Shermina are working towards the same purpose and the vision is clear. Its such a wonderful vision and we're all working towards this vision - helping children achieve optimal physical/emotional health, education and overall well being.

Melanie Holland January 2006

Melanie and her family have been supporting us since we started, each time they come on holiday the bring shoes and. clothes collected by Grace and Alex. Melanie wanted to come out and help and managed to get a months break from work to join us. She really enjoyed her time and is now hoping to come back.

I have volunteered for Children Walking Tall for the last month and I can honestly say it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have learnt new skills, like being able to teach some of the children and made new friends with people from all over the world. I was also lucky enough to take part in the trip to Mumbai.

I experienced every emotion possible and I am so grateful for the chance to have done that.

The time that Robert and Shermina give, and the work they do is so invaluable here. They deserve so much credit for starting this and lots of support to keep it going.

Kate And Lisa January 2006

Kate and Lisa have been know only as one entity as they were always together, joined at the hip. They originate from Canada and joined us after spending one day with us. They had gone to see another charity, but at 10pm on their first day with them, called us up and said 'Please can we come back'. We were delighted for them to, they've been great and managed themselves in their own project and will be greatly missed.

We have fallen in love with the kids we have been volunteering with. So much so at only three weeks later we are already back. The only solice we can take in leaving once more is that we know that Rob, Shermina and the CWT volunteers will still be here once we leave. The children are so lucky to have Rob and Shermina's support and devotion. Rob and Shermina are just as lucky to have found such an inspiring and loving group of children. We have learned so many valuable lessons from working with these children. They have been our lives and source of energy for three months.

We are not quite sure how we are going to leave for good this time.

We'll be back...

Maryam January 2006

Maryam came over while on Holiday in Goa and joined us for a couple of days to see if it was a charity she'd like to spend more time with in the future. She is an artist working with a children's charity in South London and wanted to see how we were helping children.

"The minute you walk into Mango House you know it is going to be a place that children are going to love. Everybody is smiling and happy to be here. The building is beautiful and you can see how much love has gone into it. Going to see the slums makes you realise how essential the work they are doing is. The first aid and nutrition 'Children Walking Tall' provide are simple provisions that make a huge difference to peoples lives, this is alongside the education or school that happens daily. It was wonderful to go through abc's with the children and to help them learn to write their names.

I am so glad I came to visit."

Emily January 2006

Emily has been such a star, she worked her heart out for us and the children. We really appreciate it when the volunteers are so selfless in what they do, we all do it for one reason, it's not really Children Walking Tall we do it for, it's for the children. I guess this is what made it so good for Emily as she knew what she did made such a difference, Children Walking Tall just gave her the opportunity to do the work she's enjoyed so much

"For a long time now, Rob has been asking me to write an entry for the volunteers section of the website, a task which I keep putting off. I think perhaps my reasoning for this is that I find it almost impossible to put into words the amazing experience I have had over the past couple of months. My preconceptions of children faced with poverty have been completely smashed. I expected to arrive in India and be confronted by unhappy, angry, downhearted children. I was wrong. The children I have come to know and love, despite their circumstances, have proved to be generous, kind, loving and sensitive - children who in spite of poverty, poor health and lack of education have the smiles of millionaires, children who are grateful and unassuming. I cannot fail to mention the wonderful friends I have made through CWT - fellow volunteers each with their own circumstances and reasons for coming to India - but all with big hearts and full of fun. I will miss you all!!!!

Saying goodbye to the children broke my heart, but knowing that the work of CWT will continue, and seeing the active difference it makes, will go a long way to repairing it."

Kym January 2006

Kym is with us long term and has made such a difference in the garden. I'm sure I didn't mention anything about the school ;oD

After graduating I came to Goa to live. The job I had arranged fell through just before I left the UK, so after taking a bit of a holiday, I noticed the CWT leaflet in a cafe and thought it would be a good place to work. I visited them the next day and it was arranged that I would be a teaching assistant in one of their schools. Being a keen gardener I asked Rob about his plans for the garden and had he thought about a vegetable garden. I never got to the school.... !!! I am now Mango House gardener.

One half of the garden is heavily wooded with, of course, mango trees as well as coconut, custard apple, cashew, curry leaf and jack fruit. The other half is open space where we are creating an ornamental area to the front of the house, a play area to the side and a large vegetable garden. The ground is VERY hard and everything has to be planted using a pickaxe! Because the climate is so good here we can grow not only all the plants we can in the UK but also exotics such as pineapple, lemon, lime, papaya, etc. We are even growing our own black pepper and cloves.

For me it is a dream come true to create a garden here and especially for such a good cause.

Monika Aronfeld January 2006

Monika was only able to join us for a short period of time but has been a great help in the school and in sorting clothes for the children.

Although I only volunteered at CWT for a short amount of time, it has been one of my most enriching experiences in India. Rob and Shermina and everyone at The Mango House really make you feel welcome. Meeting the children who live in the slums really opened my eyes to the real India and of course I wanted to take all of them home!

I hope that the long term plan of establishing The Mango House as a drop in centre is achieved really soon!

Sophie January 2006

Sophie is here for the whole season before she starts her nursing? course on her return to England. Well it was originally going to be a nursing course but now after working with the children in India she might be changing that, but I'll let her tell you in her own words......

Volunteering for CWT has been as incredibly rewarding and enriching experience. In the past two months we have successfully established a school in Karaswada providing over 50 children with basic health care, education, clothing and food.

It is remarkable to see the progress that has been made, in such a short space of time. The children have grown quickly in confidence and ability, always eager to learn new things and impress you with their knowledge. We teach in an informal and fun way, singing lots of songs, playing a variety of games (simon says and old Mc Donald are among their favorites!), encouraging creativity and free expression as well as structured learning. It is such a pleasure spending time with these children, each day is filled with surprises, love and laughter.

I have also had the opportunity to indulge my other passion, painting. There is now a fine array of Disney classics throughout 'The Mango House', which all the volunteers enjoyed creating. I'm having a fantastic time, working alongside some wonderful people and feel lucky to be part of the charity in its infancy. I have realised that I would like to pursue teaching as a career. So, this experience really has been life changing.

More Volunteer Experiences From 2005...