Description

The Gyanjyoti Project ("Campaign for Awakening Wisdom") was founded in 1991 by Sister Jessie (also known as Didi locally) to help improve the conditions of the people of rural Bihar in India.

Bihar is recognized as the poorest state in India. Anywhere from 50% and 60% of Bihar's people are known as "untouchable", or harijan, and conditions for these people are often deplorable. Diseases such as tuberculosis and polio are still prevalent, and malnutrition is not uncommon. The literacy rate can be as low as 7%. The caste system is still strong in Bihar and harijan often receive harsh treatment by members of the upper castes. The Massihi Gyanjyoti Project seeks to change all this through medical, educational and economic programs.

There are currently between 20 and 25 people in Bihar involved in the project and a number of people oversees who have donated time and money. The Gyanjyoti Ashram is the center for the project and can be found 20km south of Bodhgaya.

Highlights

Volunteers are needed to help out with residential school for helpless girls. Preferably women volunteers are welcome. Also we are running 78 schools for the socially and materially poor children who are not motivated for education at all.

A volunteer will typically be doing one of several things: teaching English, helping with the homeopathic clinic, and/or helping distribute goods to the poor of Bihar. Duties and responsibilities can change day to day. Please see web site for more information.

Qualifications

* Patience
* A sense of humor
* Compassion
* Willingness to rough it a bit
* Hindi is not required, but would be helpful

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

0

Program Fees Include:

Volunteers do not need to pay any thing, but will be expected to take care of themselves as we are totally a non profit voluntary organization.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers for this program come in all shapes and sizes.

Age Range

18 and above

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Massihi Gyanjyoti Project's Mission Statement

Founded in 1991 by Sister Jessie, the Massihi Gyanjyoti Project seeks to help the poor of rural Bihar, India through educational, medical, and economic projects.

Year Founded

1991