Souvenir

VOLUNTEERING WITH A TWIST !! Life is short – so, we must make sure that we enjoy whatever we do whether paid or unpaid !! It takes just two hours a week or fortnight or month of your time to effect change in someone else’s life !! As a group we make sure that we get some down time in and have fun !! In the last couple of years we have made it to the beach, a pizzeria, the movies and a few restaurants. We also go out to the orphanages / welfare centres / old age homes not with work on our minds but, to bring some joy to the children / men & women that we meet. So, balancing some serious work with games, singing etc. is the key to our success !! What gives us that edge is that all of the volunteers have something in common i.e. we all want to “Make a Difference” in our communities !! Here’s hoping that you will either join us or go out on your own !!

Our History !! Volunteer in India – Pay it Forward formerly Global

Solutions – Pay it Forward was started with a

group of students and their friends from various

colleges in January 2012 (Bandra, Mumbai).

The concept was simple – Just two hours a week

to be spent at an orphanage or old age home

(Rest Home) or animal shelter which was closest

to their home.

Now that the concept is tried and tested. We are looking further afield and want to include

anyone/everyone who is willing to help make a difference in their community !!

GBT WHO WE – God Blesses Those Who Help Others Without Expectations.

BOYS WILL BE BOYS !!

For centuries people have been researching the

best ways to manage / handle boys AND it

really isn’t that difficult !!

When it comes to boys, it is their feet that

need to run – whilst for girls it is their ......

Boys will scream whilst waiting to be passed

the ball – whilst the girls like to shout at

the .....

So, come holiday time if you keep boys locked /

couped up at home OR expect them to sit

quietly and play house-house; then expect to

have all sorts of trouble !!

The boys at the various orphanages / homes

are no different so, if there were volunteers to

take them to the playgrounds and let them run

(wild), kick the football around hit the ball

(cricket) around and SCREAM as much as they

want whilst doing just that !! Wouldn’t that be

just fantastic !!

Yes, there will always be exceptions as some

boys do prefer to sit and paint or read/study or

dance etc.

But Generally Boys Will Be Boys !!

OUR VISION

Making a Difference Through Helping Vulnerable

Sections of Society.

OUR MISSION, Aims & Objectives

Getting people to:

Spend at least two hours a week helping

others.

Take time out of their hectic lives to help

those in need.

Care about the community they live in; AND

Getting like minded people around the table

to discuss requirements in their community

and then follow it up with action.

G .

WE DON’T TAKE OR ASK FOR DONATIONS OF ANY KIND.

WE ONLY ASK YOU FOR A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR PRECIOUS TIME !!

By spending a couple of hours a week, fortnight

or month at an:

Orphanage: You can teach them something

OR play with them OR sing with them OR

dance with them OR read stories to them etc..

You will be surprised how much more they

love and appreciate you as compared to

when you drop off festival or birthday

goodies !!

Old Age Home: Spend some time listening to

them OR read to them OR play some music

for them OR take them on a short stroll OR

better still – do what you feel is right at the

time.

Animal Shelter: You will be surprised to

notice that they are like humans – they need

tender loving care too !! Spend some time

playing with them, feeding them and a loving

pat every now and then wouldn’t go astray !!

The above are only a few options. We are all

unique individuals and our passion to see

change lies in different areas of the

community we live in. So, LET’S TALK !!

HOW CAN YOU HELP !!

Email: volunteerinindia@live.com

Email: gspayitforward@live.com

Email: reachadrian@hotmail.com

Mb: 09167 489 984 / 09545 885 364

Adrian Misquitta Administrator

Shushil Joseph Photography

Mona Macwan Logo Designs

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK !!

It is always good to see new faces at our volunteering venues, meetings, functions, events, facebook & whatsapp group etc.. What is fantastic to see is new volunteers and what is even better than that is to see the people who were involved in the past come back with renewed energy. Welcome !! Welcome Aboard !! And Welcome Back !!

Every one of us has different skills, some of us are good at teaching, some of us are good at reading, some of us are good at dancing, some of us are good at entertaining, some of us are good at writing, some of us are good at just being there etc.. Don’t waste your talent – use it to help people in need.

It takes all types of people to make the world and Volunteer in India – Pay it Forward is no exception. Once again – WELCOME 2 – Making a Difference !!

“We Love & Enjoy What We Do”

Welcome Aboard !!

Orphanages / Welfare Centres / Homes

Selvina Dias

Maslie Coutinho

Rochelle D’Souza

Richal Fernandes

Asna Shaikh

Adrian Misquitta

Sedonie Rodrigues

Savia Gomes

Marcel Pereira

Clarissa Monteiro

Sasha Fonseca

Caryn Noronha

Meagan Valles

Aaron Almeida

Jeanona Dias

Sonal Kotian

Kajal Solanki

Shushil Joseph

Old Age Homes / Rest Homes

Mehzabin Quereshi

Daryl D’silva

Greban D’Cunha

Vipul Bhatnagar

Roger Dabre

Alcina Rodrigues

Paloma Tixeira

Janice D’Silva

Roshan Cerejo

Animal & Bird Shelters / Rescue

Shayne Alburqueque

Donna D’Souza

Sasha Fonseca

Chevlyn Fernandes

Andrea Paes

Priyanka Paes

Anushka D’Souza

Valeta Goes

Naomi Pinto

Priya D’Souza

Lyeana Cardoz

Karan Nair

OTHER (Environment, Cancer, Battered Women etc.)

Lovina Menezes

Zeyn Misquitta

Mona Macwan

Erica Monteiro

Alria Noronha

Vincy Macwan

Andrea Dias

Jill D’souza

Jolan Pereira

Yoshita Rao

Enrich your life !!

Ever wonder how much you do for your community by just being part of a supportive family ? Now think of the many neglected or abandoned people and animals in your community who really just want someone to spend some time with them and make sure they are alright !!

Talk to the people who you know that volunteer and listen to why they do it and how it enriches their lives !!

Below are some experiences of the volunteers from Volunteer in India – Pay It Forward:

“I had a nice time going to an orphanage to volunteer. It made me feel good about myself. The other volunteers were all warm and friendly”

- Karan Nair

“I decided to volunteer cz I like to give a helping hand to others (those in need) and I love the feeling of joy that comes after helping out”

- Rochelle D’Souza

“When I started volunteering at Ashray it was only to kill time but, as I got more involved I loved helping, teaching and playing with the kids. To see the smiling faces each time I went there was all I needed to motivate me to keep going back. Although today i’m not actively involved with Ashray. I try my best to do my small bit towards helping others. Something that I took home from the Ashray kids is that however big your problems are don’t lose that smile on your face coz that’s half your battle won !! I currently visit elderly people every week to make sure their needs are met”.

- Paloma Tixeira

“My experience at the ashram was enlightening. The children are so friendly and loving. I am amazed to see that even though they have so little, they are happy and share whatever they have with each other and us. When I first started going I didn’t know what to expect..... I was a bit nervous and a bit frightened..... but as soon as I introduced myself to the children over there I knew that I would be alright. They are interested in learning and we more than happy to teach them. They all have had bad experiences at one time or another in their lives but, are willing to look past them and live life to the fullest. It is a lesson we could all learn. Even though I am not able to go as often as I was able to before, I will always set aside time to be with them. It is a truly enriching experience.

- Meagan Valles

“Growing up, I always thought that volunteering was for old people or house wives or it had to be a career in social work. So, it was nice to find out that there were and are options. I love being part of change and making a small difference in the life of a child – some as young as 90 !!”

“The time I spent interacting with the kids I understood the meaning of the quote – ‘When one teaches, two learn’ – by Robert A. Heinlein. I also had a lot of fun playing with the kids after the learning sessions”

- Aaron Almeida

“Being a volunteer is a proud feeling. Makes me feel responsible and happy working for a good cause. I would like to thank my teacher for giving me an opportunity to be a volunteer and Pay It Forward !! ”

- Vipul Bhatnagar

“I had a great time volunteering. Got to see different peoples perspectives and also hopefully make someone’s day !! I know they made my day many times !!

- Andrea Paes

“When I come to think about the few months I spent with the kids at Ashray I could almost tear up... During the Summer of 2012 a bunch of us students were encouraged by Adrian Sir to help out in our free time at a little orphanage called Ashray Those kids know how to have fun and make the best of what they have... I personally was not strong enough to go through the emotional connections and circumstances that I faced. Somehow kids half my age found the strength in each new day to wake up and face the hardships that come with HIV/AIDS. Adrian Sir has been an inspiration to all of us and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say that we have all come out stronger and sensible adolescents after this wonderful experience. Ashray continues to touch the hearts of many other volunteers and for this I am grateful for having been part of this small step in changing the world, make it a place where compassion and love are not new ideals but, mottos by which people live... As Adrian Sir always says “We Must Pay It Forward” – I will continue and try living my life by these ideals and the many wonderful lessons I have learnt from the kids down at Ashray.... Today, I help people in my community in their hour of need ” .

- Yoshita Rao

A Melting pot !!

Every city in India like the rest of the world is becoming a melting pot of different cultures. What makes India stand apart is that we have over 26 distinct languages with thousands of dialects – not to forget that each state / territory / region has their own traditional clothes / costumes to match. Indians also worship different God’s in their region which makes India a very unique place / country !! What we want is for Volunteer in India to reflect that diversity and work together in our community to minimise if not eliminate our social issues !!

Taking down those invisible fences !!

It is amazing how in today’s world we hardly communicate with people who live around us and so, put up these invisible fences !!

Just like how a child thrives in a supportive family, with the support of a community you can multiply happiness by.....

So, why not make our communities a better place by bringing down those fences and start saying “Hello” to the people in our community.

Food & Sweets always make people happy – why not send some over to your neighbours on your birthday / a happy occasion / festival etc.

When you are playing, you should play well.

When you are working, you should work hard.

When you are studying, you should study well.

When you have a problem staring you in the face, you should solve it rather than avoid it – A problem shared is a problem halved.

And if you get into trouble and are outnumbered, run as fast as you can - Live to fight another day !!

Whatever you do - you should do with passion, otherwise you won't enjoy the ride !!

You got to enjoy what you do !!

A true story worth sharing !!

After a few months Teresa picked up another abandoned old lady who is now 92 years old and currently looks after her. We are not looking for that level of commitment to helping others but, for a start if you just say “Hello” to your neighbours or family that no longer lives with you that would be just fantastic !! It is amazing how much you can tell from eye contact or their voice or their messages !! There is an age old saying “It takes a village to raise a child”. Imagine if we had carried out that tradition in the community we live in – we wouldn’t have as many problems. Yes, some children would still find abandoned areas to smoke, drink etc.. but, what is we stuck by them too – no matter what !! “God Does Not Expect Us To Succeed, He Only Expects That we TRY”.

- Mother Teresa

Little New Plymouth – says “hello” !!

You will be surprised as to how much abuse happens right under our noses in our community. To combat that the community wellbeing group of New Plymouth came up with a simple and effective way of bringing communities together – by just saying “HELLO” to your neighbours !!

There is an 80 year old lady who lives in a small hut with no water supply, just one bulb and one power socket. She lives in one of the wealthiest suburbs in Mumbai but, still has to carry water from a communal tap at the end of the street.

Her name is Teresa – is it a coincidence (Mother Teresa) ?

Many years ago Teresa picked up an abandoned old lady from the street and brought her home to look after – that lady passed away two or three years ago.

Don’t Quit !!

When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is Queer with its twist and turns, As everyone of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint of clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, It’s when things seem worse, THAT YOU MUST NOT QUIT.

One hundred years from now It will not matter What kind of car I drove, What kind of house I lived in, How much I had in my bank, Nor what my clothes looked like.

One hundred years from now It will not matter What kind of school I attended, What kind of typewriter I used, How large or small my church, But the world may be.... A little better because..... I was important in the life of a child.

- Forest Whitcraft