A Future of Children in Bodhgaya Society Project Description

1. How long has your project existed?
   Since June 2004.
2. Is your project a faith-based organization?
   No.
3. Have you ever had foreign volunteers work at your project?
   Not yet, but hopefully in the future we will.
4. From what sources have you received the bulk of your funding?
   Private donations from local sponsors.
5. Are you currently part of a volunteer program?
   Not yet.
6. How many volunteers would you like and can handle at the same time?
   Four. In the future, we hope to accommodate more than 4.
7. What time of year (or year round) would you like volunteers?
   Anytime.
8. How long would you like volunteers to stay?
   As you like.
9. Would you accept a volunteer who can't donate?
   Yes!
10. What will you use the donations for?
    Donations will be used for teacher's salary, books and other classroom materials, uniforms for students who don't yet have sponsors, shoes, construction work for classrooms, vocational institute for more school units, volunteers' accommodation and food, management
11. Would you provide the volunteer with simple food and accommodation? Can you recommend places to stay and eat?
    We cannot yet provide food or accomodation. There are plenty of choices to stay and eat in town.
12. Who can volunteer?
    Both men and women, over 18 years old.
13. How far in advance will a volunteer have to contact you before they can come and volunteer at your project?
    Anytime, but 1 week before is preferable.
14. Is there a language requirement? What language(s) is/are primarily used at your project?
    English required. English and Hindi used primarily.
15. Descriptions of projects:
    This 6-room brick schoolhouse was built in the summer of 2004. Over 140 students, ages 5-15, attend from the surrounding 5 poor villages, north of Bodhgaya. There are 4 fulltime teachers, 1 partime teacher, and several local volunteers. 6 subjects are taught, including English, from kindergarten to 5th class.
16. How did the project start?
    My friend from Austria and my local friend visited the poor villages in the area and saw the many problems that they face. Then, we decided to start the project together to bring education to the children of these villages.
17. Is there anyone else, former volunteers, that we can contact (by email) as a reference for your project?
    Lindsay Marsh (F), Canada, tosujet@yahoo.ca
18. Additional comments?
    SPECIAL DONATION: Help for further school construction is needed, land arrangement, vocational materials, etc SPONSORSHIP: $12/month will cover the costs of 1 child to receive an adequate education. The sponsor will receive school reports, letters from the child, and photos several times a year.