NirvanaSchool

Volunteer Application Pack

Information for Future Volunteers at Nirvana School

School Details

NirvanaNursery & Primary/HighSchool

Nadukuppam Road, Kottakuppam, Vanur Taluk,

Tamil Nadu – 605 104

EmailWebsite

Background of the School

Nirvana school was started in 1994 by Mrs. Vinodini Samani after the sudden death ofher husband. The school has gradually evolved and expanded since then. Currently it has children up to the 10th Standard with an annex building. The school has always benefited from the input of volunteers over the past years. This is usually in the form of daily activities and/or specific projects.

Approximate Student breakdown

StandardNumbers Approx.AgeRange

Pre – KG122.5 – 3.5

LKG A263-4

LKG B263-4

UKG A274-5

UKG B274-5

I -A265-6

I -B255-6

II -A236-7

II B246-7

III A267-6

IIIB277-8

IV368-9

V269-10

VI2810-11

VII2711-12

VIII2412-13

IX1813-14

X2014-15

Language

The school is an English Medium school. This means that apart from their Tamil lesson, all other lessons are carried out in English. Generally though, children in standard III and below only have a basic grasp of English. Children in the higher standard classes are usually able to manage simple sentences. This does mean that some creativity may be required if you do not speak Tamil. The children’s love and enthusiasm usually makes up for the extra effort required in communication.

Hours of Work

Monday toFriday8.45to 04.00(lunch 12.30 to 1.30)

Alternative Saturdays8.45to12.15

All volunteers are expected to be at the school during these hours. Any absence should be agreed with Mrs.Samani.

Accommodation

We are pleased to offer purpose built accommodation specially built for Nirvana School volunteers, which is just 5 mins walk from the school.

The current charge is 400 rupees per night just for lodging with kitchen facilities. It is our request that only vegetarian food is cooked and eaten in this school accommodation.

By using this school accommodation, you will be helping towards the school’s running costs. It is not obligatory to use this accommodation.

It’s relatively straight forward to book your accommodation yourself via the internet according to your budget. And incase of any problems, we can help to arrange your stay.

Transport

Bus to Pondicherry, one way:Rupees 5approx.

Autorickshaw to Pondicherry, one way:Rupees 120 approx.

Clothing

Volunteersare requested to wear Nirvana Volunteer t-shirts twice a week. This t-shirts can be purchased from the school for Rs.400.

South India has a very warm climate even during the winter months of October to January. At most, a sweater/jumper may be required on cool evenings. For those used to a European climate,winter in South India is equivalent tosummer in Europe. Summer time in South India is very hot!

During the winter months, it is unlikely to rain but expect rain in March and from June to September.

Generally t-shirts and jeans are fine. Although in Pondicherry people do wear shorts, in India it is generally best not to do so. You can buy appropriate Indian style outfits and light cotton dresses as you require.

Volunteers need tobe appropriately dressed when at the school as follows:-

Gentlemen:Trousers/ smart jeans and a collared shirt

Ladies:Salwar kameez,saree or trousers and shirt, long skirt and blouse (Not too open)

Footwear:Sandals or the Indian chappal as in many rooms you will have to enter barefoot

School Holidays/ Exams

During the following times the school has holidays or exams. These are not appropriate times for volunteers to visit.

  • Quarterly exams and holidays - 2ndweek of Sept to end of Sept approx.
  • Half year exams and holidays -mid Dec to start of Jan approx.
  • End of year exams and holidays - start of April to 1st week of June approx.

Possible Activities

The following are likely activities that you may be involved in. These can be varied and adapted based on your experience, qualifications, length of stay and your own personal desires.

Routine Activities

  • Read with a small number of children
  • Spoken English with the children.
  • Help a small number of children with their studies e.g. maths, science
  • In the absence of a teacher take a whole class for a period(s). Based on your knowledge and confidence.

Special Activities

In the past volunteers have improved the processes and teaching within the school by undertaking specific small projects. Examples are:

  • Organising the library.
  • Running workshops with teachers to give them specific skills.
  • Creating wall charts.
  • Increasing the use of the computers by identifying appropriate software and providing training.
  • Mural painting
  • Art & sports

Responsibilities

As a minimum every volunteer will need to carry out the following:

  • Sign inthe register of attendance every day in the main office.
  • Complete a daily work log.
  • Complete a volunteers report before they leave Nirvana School upon finishing their volunteering agreement.

7th May 2013

Information to be supplied by potential volunteers at Nirvana School

Please fill in this form and return it to the school by email at least one month before you expect to arrive. This information will enable the school to make your visit run as smoothly as possible.

Contact Details

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Age:

Male/ Female:

Details of who to contact in case of an emergency

Name:

Relationship to you:

Address:

Phone:Email Address

Arrival/Departure Information

Expected Date of Arrival:

Expected Date of Departure:

Will you need a pick-up to be organised from Chennai airport? (yes / no)

If yes, please provide details of flight. Please include date, time, flight number, where arriving from:

Accommodation Preferences

Would you like us to arrange Accommodation for you? (yes / no):

What is your daily budget for accommodation only?

Qualifications / Experience

Current Job:

(Please tell us what your job involves, outline specific tasks and responsibilities)

Interests / Hobbies / Community Work:

Exam Subjects taken at school and college:

Please give subjects, grades and dates when passed:

University Degrees.

Please give subjects, grades and dates when passed:

Professional Qualifications

Please give details as appropriate:

Personal Preferences

Please outline any particular activities you feel you want to undertake when you are at the school:

How did you hear about Nirvana School?

(internet search, personal recommendation, previous visit etc.)

We need two professional references we can contact to know more about you. Please give us their email address, telephone number and also how you know them:

What do you aim to achieve out of your visit to Nirvana School?

Thank you

7th May 2013

Page 1