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"Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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SHORT-TERM PROJECT MODEL
Taj Global Understandng offers short term (14 day, 21 day) intensive volunteer programs for both individuals and groups. Programs can be arranged in the areas of education, health, environment, and creative arts.
The foundation for the TGU Project Model centers on FLEXIBILITY and ADAPTABILITY for the volunteer individual or group. A volunteer will not simply be placed on a location site with bare minimum tools. Working in India can be an enormous challenge. Working in small NGO’s can provide a course in disorganization and distraction from the main goal. Working for a large NGO, a volunteer can become lost in the day to day operations. TGU understands the background of a Western volunteer, understands the complexities of Indian culture, and understands the importance of creating a worthwhile experience for both the volunteer and the native community.
CULTURAL SENSITIVITY is also a major consideration in the TGU experience. There will be times when volunteers are working in both urban and rural communities. Moreover, project areas may be those in which there has not been much, if any, prior Western volunteer support or interaction. This would result in a raw and untouched environment and may be the first time local people have worked with a foreign individual or group.
DIVERSITY is another trademark of a TGU experience. Projects are structured around a three week time period for a purpose. It is important for a volunteer to not be ‘stuck’ in only one project site, but rather be able to experience the fabric of Indian society and participate in multiple projects, some just for the day. By creating diversity for the volunteer, TGU also is able to reach out over a broader spectrum and reach more people. It can be harmful to society to work with the same group all of the time as there can develop a dependence and a ‘routine’ so to speak. TGU supports a balanced and fair approach when carrying out humanitarian projects.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE (In Brief)
| Day 1 |
Orientation Meeting &
Surroundings |
| Day 2 |
Project 1 - Commencement |
| Day 3 |
Project 1 |
| Day 4 |
Project 1 – Evening Reflection/
Discussion |
| Day 5 |
Project 1 |
| Day 6 |
Full Day Field Trip with Social
Service |
| Day 7 |
Project 1 |
| Day 8 |
Project 1 - Evening Reflection/
Discussion |
| Day 9 |
Seminar - Cultural Program – Guest
Lectures |
| Day 10 |
Move to Secondary Project Work Site/ Camp
(2-3 Hr Drive) |
| Day 11 |
Secondary Work Site Day 2 |
| Day 12 |
Secondary Work Site Day 3/ Return to
Base |
| Day 13 |
Project 2 - Commencement |
| Day 14 |
Project 2 |
| Day 15 |
Project 2 - Evening Reflection/
Discussion |
| Day 16 |
Project 2 |
| Day 17 |
Full Day Field Trip with Social
Service |
| Day 18 |
Project 2 |
| Day 19 |
Project 2 - Evening Reflection/
Discussion |
| Day 20 |
Seminar – Cultural Program – Guest
Lectures |
| Day 21 |
Wrap Up &
Departures |
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