What inspired you to work for your organization?
Social activities are my major interest. I am chasing this field in this organisation. COST Charitable Trust is serving the tribal and poorest people in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu in India. My inspiration is also to help and serve these needy families with this organisation.
Project Area
Describe a typical day at work.
I meet with people to ask about their needs and later I connect with the volunteers and well wishers from abroad to help them find the appropriate program and services. Health, education, and livelihood are the main needs of the people here. I try to connect like-minded people with these communities.
Why do you do what you do?
Most of our target families are living under the poverty line, located in the hills and in remote areas. We help them with their health issues, education, and livelihood, offering them support from elsewhere.
Target village
What is your favorite part of your job?
Communicating with people and planning projects are my favorites. I enjoy discussing with friends and families, guiding them to the right way of helping needy people. I like sending letters to volunteers, to donors in order to arrange placements, tours, and events for international and local travellers.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use my background by communicating with like-minded people and with families that have an international background. I use my knowledge in order to improve the lifestyle of the poor and tribal families located in the areas where our project is active.
Project Area
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am currently working as a project officer in the healthcare and community development project. In the future I’m scheduled to do some other role in the organisation, such as contacting volunteers.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would advise my pre-travel self to trust a good organisation and project staff. This is the best advice for traveling abroad. I would also tell myself to research everything before leaving for a project. Get to know the organisation, the country, the placement, and everything else.
What makes COST TRUST special?
Our organisation has been conducting volunteer programs since 2005. More than 15 volunteers and 25 travellers work for our organisation. All our guests are satisfied — they like our food, our accommodation facilities, and everything else we provide them.
Children Project
Why should someone choose your organization over its competitors?
Our organisation offers low-fee programs to foreign volunteers. We offer them the opportunity to apply themselves and raise funds for our children’ education project and for development activities.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
We hope that in the near future we can make good arrangements to improve our infrastructure so people can trust us better. We are also trying to give all services for free for well-wishers and volunteers.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is when people realize that they are living an amazing experience, acknowledging that they are present in memorable events, and especially when people learn from their workplace. This is meaningful travel. Everyone will get those experiences by helping and working in our organization.