Rural School and Community Support in Bodhgaya, India

This rural community placement centers around a school just outside of Bodhgaya. It caters to children from the most vulnerable communities, many of which live in extreme poverty and lack basic infrastructure. Without this school, these kids would have virtually no access to education. In these agriculturally driven villages, the reality of an unjust social hierarchy simply does not allow children from poor families to receive an education. The school is the first of its kind in this area. As such, it has faced incredible resistance from the village elites due to the lack of understanding of the community benefits associated with ‘new’ knowledge systems and formal education opportunities. Slowly but surely, the pupil base has grown exponentially, harnessing a powerful spirit of pride, acceptance, and opportunity. As a volunteer guest, you will experience genuinely incredible Indian hospitality and a warm welcome from hundreds of intrigued, appreciative, smiling faces!