General Info
Many people in Tamil Nadu do not get the opportunity for swimming classes due to the lack of swimming pools in the cities or in schools. During monsoon season sadly many people drown as they’ve never had the chance to learn how to swim.
This project is set in the one school in Madurai where there is a good sized swimming pool enabling you to make the most of teaching the children techniques to keep them safe. As well as teaching them how to swim you will be giving the children important life skills as well; this is a very rewarding and challenging project.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into beautiful India and it's fascinating culture.
► The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
WORK CONTENT:
You will be introduced to the Principal and the Swimming Coach on your first day and they will discuss your coaching programme with you. Your first point of contact will be the swimming coach and he will help you with different techniques and tips and give you a timetable after the first couple of days. Not only will you be giving invaluable life skills to the children, your involvement with these great children will bring immense satisfaction and enjoyment!
You will be coaching between 9.30am and 3pm and generally 4-5 classes a day. However this programme is flexible as you will be out in the hot sun for a lot of the day and you may find that you would prefer to teach 3-4 classes only. You will coach Monday to Fridays only. In between sessions though you are free to cool off in the pool!
Some of the children are quite strong swimmers but may lack in technique; for other children they may require more time spent teaching on a one to one basis as it is very daunting for them and they need to get overcome their fear of swimming. You can also teach them about water safety as well as the basic stroke techniques and diving.
Recently the school held the Madurai District Aquatic competition and our volunteer helped train some of the children for the competition – what a fabulous way to watch the children compete when you have been involved with their training!
ACCOMMODATION:
Your accommodation could comprise of either staying with a host family or living in a Travellers flat. In either accommodation you may share a room with another Travellers volunteer. The accommodation you’ll be allocated to will depend on which project you’re doing and the number of volunteers there at the same time as you. However, if you have a preference for either a host family or staying in a flat, we will do our best to accommodate you.
► HOST FAMILY:
For a complete Indian experience we can arrange for you to stay with one of wonderful host families. All of our hosts are very welcoming and not only will be made to feel part of the family you’ll also gain a great insight into Indian culture and customs. Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave India and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family.
You may share a room with one other volunteer; and you may have an en-suite western style bathroom. Most of the showers in our host accommodation are cold water only – however your hosts will boil water for you.
All of our host family houses are close together and just a few minutes’ walk away from internet cafes, banks and snack shops and just a short auto ride into the centre of town. Our staff in Madurai also lives close-by.
All your meals will be provided and prepared for you by the family and it is mainly local fare allowing you to taste a varied selection of delicious south Indian dishes and exotic fruits. You'll also have access to the kitchen if you want to make snacks or drinks.
► VOLUNTEER FLAT
Our volunteer flat is situated close to all our host families. This option gives you the chance to live within the local community whilst at the same time retaining your independence. This newly built flat is very modern, spacious, light and airy. It has a well kitted out kitchen and large lounge area with satellite TV, DVD and a good selection of DVDs for your entertainment. There is also a balcony on which to relax with a cool drink and a book and gets a wonderfully refreshing evening breeze to keep you cool!
You will be provided with a food budget giving you the option to either cook for yourself or sample the local restaurants. Eating out is extremely cheap in Madurai. You’ll be able to sample excellent south Indian Thali’s and Dosa’s. There are two supermarkets within walking distance of the flat selling everything from groceries to clothes and also a well stocked fruit and vegetable department. Many of the hotels in town have roof top restaurants offering incredible views across the town with the dramatic Sri Meenakshi Temple silhouetted on the skyline. Most restaurants are good quality and you can sample north as well as south Indian dishes along with a small selection of western food. Vegetarian food is in abundance! Bakeries and snack shops are on every street and you must try the delicious fruit; there is so much choice; mango, pineapple, water melon, custard apples and jack fruit make a very refreshing option and coconut water is also delicious.
Benefits:
Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £895 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.
Requirements:
To do any swimming project, you'll need a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification (or the equivalent in your country. All nationalities and volunteers from 17+ upwards are welcome.
