RUCHI
Rural Centre for Human Interests
Volunteer India program
S.T.V. projects - 2013
Correspondence:
RUCHI
Technology Complex
Village Bandh, P.O. Bhaguri, Via Patta
Distt. Solan. H.P. - 173233
INDIA
Contact info:
Landline:+91-1792-207002
Mobile: +91-9459377111 (Mahip Dagar)
Email:
Website: www.ruchin.org
About RUCHI
Rural Centre for Human Interests (RUCHI) is a community development organization with ever increasing focus on youth development and intercultural learning through voluntary service. RUCHI got registered in 1983, under Indian Societies Registration Act as a non-political, non-profit making voluntary organization.
RUCHI was established keeping in mind the problems and restrictions that a remote community faces on day to day basis. These could be due to poverty, lack of knowledge, poor infrastructure or at times difficult terrain. As a result RUCHI has always implemented its project with people centered approach and gave priority to community development. With 29 years in this field, RUCHI has accumulated extensive knowledge in community development with project area ranging from semi-urban background to extremely remote communities requiring two days of walk certain time of the year.
Over time RUCHI has also developed and successfully implemented many low cost technologies. We are now acting as a resource organization for Indian Government and other NGO’s pursuing rural community development work.
RUCHI has a head office in Bandh village and two regional offices in Rajgarh and Punjab. RUCHI is well equipped with staff, infra structure and technical support to implement developmental projects across country with help of partner NGO’s.
Our motto
Through Voluntary services, RUCHI aims to promote intercultural learning between individual, group and community, leading to better understanding and tolerance towards each-others culture. We believe achieving peace, harmony and working towards a world with fewer boundaries is a never ending process which can be achieved by increasing youth mobility through voluntary camps globally.
Our Approach
For past 29years RUCHI has committed its efforts and resources towards rural development. All our projects have a people centered approach and ongoing commitment with our projects and partners. Our workcamp offer a unique opportunity to gain global perspective for volunteer and local youth increasing their professional competencies. Voluntary service not only help community projects but also provide a much needed overview and technical support. With work camp we provide a unique learning experience for volunteers.
Network and collaboration
RUCHI is affiliated with international and national voluntary service networks. Recently it got elected in Executive Committee of Network of Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA), It is also member of Coordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS). RUCHI also partners with Alliance of European Voluntary service Organization (ALLIANCE).
Besides international networks RUCHI also affiliates with national organizations like Institute of Rural Management (IRMA), Delhi School of Social Works, Tata Institute of Social Science, Xavier Institute of Social Science (XISS) and students from University of Delhi, Kurukshetra, Allahabad etc. RUCHI hosts students from these institutes and facilitates their rural management studies.
RUCHI also implements CSR projects in partnership with KRAFT Food and Johnson & Johnsons. Under this project a NFE centre is being run for deprived and needy children living in slums of Baddi. In 2012 RUCHI implemented a Support my School (SMS) campaign funded by UN Habitat Coca Cola and NDTV India, where infrastructure development work for public schools was undertaken.
Our Program
· Short Term Workcamp, STW (14days)
· Special Work Camp, SWC (14days)
· Long - Medium Term Volunteer, LMTV (1-12months)
· Group Workcamp. 10+ vols. (14days)
Areas of Interests
· Renovation/ maintenance.
· Environment and conservation.
· Non formal education.
· Community development.
· Construction.
· Culture exposure.
Programme 2013
Short Term Work Camps-(RC) & Special Work Camps-(RC-SWC)
Summary
Code / Name / Location / Dates 2013-14 / Type / No. Vols. Age 17+RC-Spl/13 / Solan/RUCHI / Festival of Colors / 25/03 – 31/03 / FESTIVAL / 07
RC-SWC-1/13 / Special project / Kasauli / 1/04-14/04 / SCHOOL, CONST/RENO / 10
RC-01/13 / Festival / Rajgarh(kotla) / 8/04-21/04 / CULT / 10
RC-02/13 / SMS Campaign / Solan / 8/04-21/04 / SOC/ENVI/EDU / 10
RC-03/13 / Trekking / Rajgarh(fagu) / 1/05-14/05 / ADVENTURE / 10
RC-SWC-2/13 / Special project / Kasauli / 6/05-19/05 / SCHOOL, CONST/RENO / 10
RC-04/13 / Tibetan & Indian culture / Dharamshala / 6/05-19/05 / ART/CULT / 10
RC-05/13 / SMS Campaign / Solan / 6/05-19/05 / SOC/ENVI/EDU / 10
RC-06/13 / Arts and Teaching / Rajgarh(Mangan) / 20/05-2/06 / EDU / 10
RC-07/13 / Tibetan & Indian Culture / Dharamshala / 20/05-2/06 / ART/CULT / 10
RC-08/13 / Tibetan & Indian culture / Dharamshala / 2/06-15/06 / ART/CULT / 10
RC-SWC-3/13 / Special project / Kasauli / 3/06-16/06 / SCHOOL. CONST/RENO / 10
RC-09/13 / Non Formal Education / Bengal (Vidyanagar) / 13/06-26/06 / EDU/SOCIAL / 10
RC-10/13 / SMS Campaign / Solan / 13/06-26/06 / SOC/ENVI/EDU / 10
RC-11/13 / Farm based work / Solan SG / 20/06-3/07 / COM.DEV./AGR / 10
RC-SWC-4/13 / Special project / Kasauli / 1/07-14/07 / SCHOOL, CONST/RENO / 10
RC-12/13 / Teaching Children / Rajgarh(Boghdar) / 1/07-14/07 / EDU / 10
RC-13/13 / Farm based work / Rajgarh(Priyadhar) / 1/07-14/07 / ENVI/AGR / 10
RC-14/13 / SMS Campaign / Solan / 8/07-21/07 / SOC/ENVI/EDU / 10
RC-15/13 / Tree Plantation / Rajgarh(Mangan) / 8/07-21/07 / ENVI/AGR / 10
RC-16/13 / Tibetan & Indian culture / Dharamshala / 15/07-28/07 / ART/CULT / 10
RC-17/13 / Tree plantation / Rajgarh / 22/07-04/08 / ENV / 10
RC-18/13 / Graffiti on wall / RUCHI / 29/07-11/08 / ART/COM. DEV. / 10
RC-SWC-5/13 / Special project / Kasauli / 5/08-18/08 / SCHOOL, CONST/RENO / 10
RC-19/13 / Social Kids/Culture / Punjab / 5/08-18/08 / KIDs/ENVI / 10
RC-20/13 / SMS Campaign / Solan / 5/08-18/08 / SOC/ENVI/EDU / 10
RC-21/13 / Tibetan & Indian culture / Dharamshala / 12/08-25/08 / ART/CULT / 10
RC-22/13 / Tree plantation / Rajgarh / 12/08-25/08 / ENV/CONST / 10
RC-SWC-6/13 / Special project / Kasauli / 2/09-15/09 / SCHOOL, CONST/RENO / 10
RC-23/13 / Arts/painting / Bandh / 2/09-15/09 / ARTS / 10
RC-24/13 / Vegetable growing / Rajgarh(Kotla) / 2/09-15/09 / AGR/COM. DEV. / 10
RC-25/13 / Tibetan & Indian culture / Dharamshala / 9/09-22/09 / ART/CULT / 10
RC-26/13 / SMS Campaign / Solan / 9/09-22/09 / SOC/ENVI/EDU / 10
RC-27/13 / Farm based work / Bandh-Sanghela / 16/09-29/09 / CONST / 10
RC-28/13 / Culture / RUCHI / 16/09-29/09 / ART/COM. DEV. / 10
RC-29/13 / Tibetan & Indian culture / Dhramshala / 23/09-6/10 / ART/CULT / 10
RC-SWC-7/13 / Special project / Kasauli / 7/10-20/10 / SCHOOL. CONST/RENO / 10
RC-30/13 / Festival (Dussehra) / Rajgarh / 8/10-21/10 / ART/COM. DEV. / 10
RC-31/13 / Festival of lights / Rajgarh / 30/10-12/11 / CULTURE / 10
RC-32/13 / SMS Campaign / Solan / 30/10-12/11 / SOC/ENVI/EDU / 10
RC-SWC-8/13 / Special project / Kasauli / 4/11-17/11 / SCHOOL, CONST/RENO / 10
RC-33/13 / Social, Kids/Env / Goa / 18/11-28/11 / KIDS/ENV / 10
RC-34/13 / Social, Kids/Env. / Goa / 28/11-7/12 / KIDS/ENV / 10
RC-35/13 / SMS Campaign / Solan / 28/11-11/12 / SOC/ENVI/EDU / 10
RC-SWC-9/13 / Special Project / Kasauli / 2/12-15/12 / SCHOOL, CONST/RENO / 10
Description of the Short Term Camps
General Information:
§ All Short Term Camps (STC) last two weeks with fixed dates.
§ There will always be a RUCHI Camp Leader
§ Volunteers take care of their own travel costs and bear all personal expenses during free time.
§ Volunteers have to be 17 years or older
§ No special skills are required; volunteers have to be open minded and willing to adapt to challenging conditions.
§ Volunteers’ contribution is always recognized and appreciated but they will have to accept the fact that they can not change the world in two weeks.
§ Living conditions will be simple.
§ Volunteers must be willing to understand and respect local as well each other’s culture.
§ Volunteers must be prepared to live in harmony with others and work as a team.
§ For every STC there will be a special info-sheet with more detailed information.
§ Working hours will be 5-6 hours, 5 days a week.
SHORT-TERM CAMPS:
This is a voluntary service project developed for a short duration of two weeks. Under this camp, besides experiencing rural culture, the volunteers get an opportunity to foster international dialogue and friendship. During the camp, volunteers work, live and have fun together in a simple natural environment. Depending on the programme of each project, volunteers can join activities in different areas of RUCHI’s work.
Short duration camps are held round the year. Group of 6 to 10 people are invited to participate in them. In these camps they join projects involving civil works such as construction of Irrigation Tank, development & protection of Natural Spring, construction of Ferro Cement Tank for rain water harvesting, repairs and renovation works, teaching/arts/games with school children, trees plantation.
The contribution for a two-week camp is Indian Rupees 14,000 except the Dharamsala and festival camps which cost Indian rupees 15,500 because of its touristic location. The participants are required to pay the contribution in Indian rupees in cash on the first day of their arrival in the workcamp. Please note that there is no ATM available in the work camp area. Therefore, the money has to be changed in Delhi or Chandigarh city. The contribution covers all basic expenses, e.g. food, housing and local transportation on weekdays/ work camp. You will need money for weekend extra expenses and for your personal toiletries. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
Why the extra fee?
RUCHI with other NGO’s in India is not financially supported by government to host projects related to IVS. Hence all projects are self funded with a participation fee. Given the remote location and various complexities we have tried our best to make it as affordable as possible for volunteers. Being a non-profit organization we emphasize on transparency, below is how we spend collected participation fee.
· Food, accommodation and logistics of volunteer during workcamp.
· Project setup costs. (material and logistics cost)
· Running the camp. (wages of professional like mason, carpenter, plumber etc and training local youth supported by us.)
· Office running/admin expenses. (Internet, photocopy, stationary, electricity, phone, salaries, office equipments, tools and rent etc.)
· Supporting small community project.
· International travel costs to global conferences and membership fee for networking.
SHORT TERM CAMP DETAILS
RC-Spl/13 Solan/RUCHI Festival of Colors 7 Vols. 25.03.13 – 31.03.13
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
One of the major festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar. Holi is also called the Spring Festival - as it marks the arrival of spring the season of hope and joy. Entire country wears a festive look when it is time for Holi celebration.
Market places get abuzz with activity as frenzied shoppers start making preparations for the festival. Heaps of various hues of colors can be seen on the roadside days before the festival. Womenfolk cook loads of sweet dishes for the family and also for the relatives.
A Hindu festival, Holi has various legends associated with it. The foremost is the legend of demon King Hiranyakashyap who demanded everybody in his kingdom to worship him but his pious son, Prahlad became a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to be killed. He asked his sister Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika had a boon which made her immune to fire. Story goes that Prahlad was saved by lord himself for his extreme devotion and evil minded Holika was burnt to ashes, for her boon worked only when she entered the fire alone. Since that time, people light a bonfire at important crossroads, called Holika on the eve of Holi festival and celebrate the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion to god.
After a fun-filled and exciting day, the evenings the spent in sobriety when people meet friends and relatives and exchange sweets and festive greetings. It is said the spirit of Holi encourages the feeling of brotherhood in society and even the enemies turn friend on this day. People of all communities and even religions participate in this joyous and colourful festiva.
Along with festival celebrations, volunteers will have time to spend 3 days on the community development projects for their personal development.
Location: The project site is Ruchi campus located near Bandh village (1 km) in Solan district. It is 30 km from Kalka and 60 km from Chandigarh. The village is small with 35 families.
Accommodation: Volunteers will live under simple conditions and share accommodation with other volunteers. Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. Sleeping bags are also necessary.
International Terminal: New Delhi (320 Kms); Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh (65 kms)
Nearest railway station: Kalka (30 kms) from RUCHI campus in Bandh village.
Participation Fee: 7,000 Indian Rupees.
RC-01/13 Rajgarh CULT/Festival Camp 10 Vols. 08.04.13- 21.04.13
RC-03/13 Rajgarh CULT/Trekking 10 Vols. 01.05.13- 14.05.13
RC-30/13 Rajgarh CULT/Festival Camp 10 Vols. 08.10.13- 21.10.13
RC-31/13 Rajgarh CULT/Festival Camp 10 Vols. 30.10.13- 12.11.13
Location: Rajgarh is a small but growing town in Himachal Pradesh and is famous for producing Asia’s best peaches. The entire area is hilly where the rural economy is based on agriculture and horticulture. The area also has state’s highest lower caste population. The landscape is beautiful. The farmers have green houses established in most of the villages and grow fruit and flower cuttings as alternative to food crops.
Work: This is a festival time in India and goes on for almost a month. April month is marked with local festivals whereas October and November months are known for internationally known festivals of Dussehra (which is celebrated to mark the win of goodness over evils. This day is celebrated by burning the effigy of Ravana (symbolic of evil) after nine days prayers) and Diwali (festival of lights. This festival is celebrated with a great fervor just like Christmas). Diwali is followed by other local events like Budi Diwali, Bhaiya Dooj etc. Volunteers will attend festivals during the project. They will get opportunity to explore Indian festivals and Indian culture. They will also work with village people on farms, and related constructive work.