OVERVIEW

Our volunteering program takes place in Bodhgaya. The school is an educational facility that genuinely caters for the most vulnerable communities, many of whom live in extreme poverty.

Students come from surrounding villages that lack basic infrastructure and, without the school, would have virtually no access to education. For these agriculturally-based communities, the reality of an unfair social hierarchy simply doesn't allow children from poor families to receive an education.

The school is the first of this kind in this region and, as such, has met with incredible resistance from the village elites, who don't understand the benefits to the community of “new” knowledge systems and formal educational opportunities.

Slowly but surely, the number of students has grown exponentially over the years, thanks to the powerful spirit of pride, acceptance and opportunity.

As a volunteer, you'll be greeted by hundreds of smiling, intrigued and grateful faces, and receive truly incredible Indian hospitality. There is a myriad of inspiring activities you can get involved in that will make a lasting difference to the school and the community.

THE LOCATION

Bodhgaya is a fascinating and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site. It was here that Gautama attained supreme knowledge and became Buddha, the Awakened One, around 525 BC. Bodhgaya is famous for the Mahabodhi Temple, which rises above the ancient Bodhi Tree.

Outside the temple, you'll see a crazy, buzzing mix of diversity, color, culture, food stalls, rick-shaws, street dogs and, of course, great poverty.   Venture further from the city center, into the local villages, and you'll discover the true heart of India.  This is where the IVI course takes place.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

The Tara Guest House is safe, clean and comfortable. We have a separate kitchen. Each room has a double bed and western toilet.  It is close to the Mahabodhi Temple, a World Heritage Site.

We offer single or double rooms, subject to availability. All standard equipment is included: beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, towels, water purifier, fans and coolers, mosquito nets, Western toilets, cleaning products, chairs and tables. Wifi available.

Three vegetarian meals a day (2 at weekends). We provide fruit, bread and butter with tea or coffee for breakfast. For lunch, we offer spicy or non-spicy vegetarian meals (rice, green vegetables, soup and salad). For dinner, we again offer authentic Indian vegetarian dishes with or without spices.