Editor’s Desk

Last month, we chose to focus on a popular urban occasion called Valentine’s Day. Our motive was to celebrate this day in a unique way by spending time with individuals who could truly be made to feel special. So read on to know more about Valentine’s Day volunteer ish-style. We hope this will be an inspiration to you to celebrate the many festivals and occasions in the coming year with people less fortunate than yourself.

India Fellow 2008

This summer will change your life... It could also change the lives of many others.

India Fellow 2008 is well underway across the four iVolunteer Centres. Applications from students have been pouring in. Alongside, projects with rural NGOs are being identified. This year, the programme will spread to two new states - Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

For those new to iVolunteer, every year we offer rural fellowships to urban students between 16-23 years through the iVolunteer India Fellow programme. For 6 weeks in summer, pairs of students are placed with rural non-profit organisations to live and work in rural villages on social development projects. Students are supported by stipend, local accommodation, reimbursement of travel expenses and training & orientation. ›››

Since 2005, iVolunteer has placed 102 Fellows from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai with 42 rural NGOs in Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. If you would like to be a part of this select group, apply now by downloading the iVolunteer India Fellow application form and send the completed form along with a copy of your college ID to the nearest iVolunteer Centre.

North India: Sherin Jacob, iVolunteer, D-134, 1st Floor, East of Kailash, New Delhi 110065     Tel: +91-11-26217460, 65672160
West India: Sunamika Singh, iVolunteer, A-1, Chiranjeev Bldg, Chittaranjan Road, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai 400057     Tel:+91-22-26105235, 65828875
South India: Ananth, iVolunteer, No. 384, 6th Cross, 18th 'E' Main, 6th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore 560095     Tel: +91-80-41466568, 91-44-42892791

Star Volunteer

Every month, we will showcase <STAR VOLUNTEERS< across India, those who have shown exceptional commitment and noted contribution to a social cause. While we appreciate the effort of every volunteer we place, there are a few who demand a special mention because of their long term commitment over the years.

This month, we honour Emal Pillai from Bangalore.

<Emal Pillai< is an HR Consultant with Sasken Communication Technologies, Bangalore, and a very committed volunteer of iVolunteer since the past year. She has actively supported a number of social causes like AIDS awareness, women, special children, underprivileged children and others, through her volunteer work.

“After connecting with iVolunteer, my way of life completely changed. From that fateful day last May to this Saturday, not even a single Saturday have I been at home. Instead, I’ve kept myself busy with some or the other volunteering activity… If not for volunteering, I would have been a lazy bum.” Here's her inspiring story

Valentine's Day Special

Volunteers across the four iVolunteer Centres celebrated 14th February Valentine’s Day in a special way with the young and the old.

Valentine’s Day @ Delhi

On 16th February, 13 enthusiastic Delhi volunteers made 45 runaway underprivileged children at a night shelter home their Valentines. The talented children and committed volunteers spent the day together dancing, playing games and watched the movie ‘Taare Zameen Par’. (Event photos)

“The day's program and activities were very well thought out and organized in advance and they seemed just perfect for the boys; they all pretty much enjoyed themselves and felt comfortable and happy throughout the whole day.”
- Blanca & Enrique (VSO Volunteers from Spain)

“It was an awesome experience with the kids… an event full of fun, joy and smiles. We decorated their dormitory, screened a movie and played games. I spent time getting to know them, their lives and some secrets and this showed me the other face of life that how young kids run from their own homes and lives.”
- Volunteer Shally Makin

Valentine’s Day @ Bangalore

Bangalore volunteers celebrated Valentine’s Day at three different organisations.
Valentine’s Day at Coles Park Kilikili was organised in the form of a Family's day out project where parents, volunteers and children come together to spend time with special children and give some relaxation time to their parents. The volunteers also got the opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of two little children. (Event photos) (Event write up)

“The morning of 16th February was the best time I have had in a very long time. I always thought the best way to spend Saturday mornings was to relax at home. But now, I know that the best way to spend that time is to be with these special children.”
- Volunteer Sreedevi Antapur

The second valentine event was organised at Cubbon Park with Balajothi Centre for Disabled. (Event photos) but beware, all the screaming and super fast rides resulted in a few blurry images. J

“Although the initial intent was to spend my time to brighten their days and add colour to the kids' lives, it turned out to be quite a healing experience for me as they brightened my day in return! It was a day where we became kids playing with these kids. I felt so at home!”
- Volunteer Tejshree Madhu ›››

“All our kids eyes were shining like TAARE ZAMEEN PAR and it warmed our hearts to see so many volunteers who turned up, carrying the kids, playing with them, taking care of them on the rides, running around with them.”
- Balaraj, Balajothi Centre for Disabled, Bangalore ›››