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Give practice with English for children and help with our charities in Kumbalam, Kundara, Kollam India

India
Favourited 397 times
Last activity: 19 Mar 2024

Profile information

Host rating
90 %
Last replied
7 Mar 2024
Reply rate
90.5 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
15
Email verified

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2024

Min stay requested: No minimum

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Description
Welcome to our Summer programme from April 17 to May10 for the school students.

I was born in the village of Kumbalam, Kundara, Kollam, Kerala, India in the year 1939 but studied and worked in the US for over 50 years and 10 years in Europe. I worked in Cambridge Public Schools in Massachusetts, USA FOR 25 YEARS. Upon retiring, it was my dream to return and start a school that promotes a different style of education. I firmly believe that a student does not fully learn by simply reciting information. It is my wish for my students to learn to reach conclusions on their own and be creative to inspire innovation. I encourage them to become socially responsible leaders for India, trying to alleviate the social evils in India. " My passion is my students; they are safe in my hands" is our motto.

We have three schools. The students range from LKG (the American equivalent of preschool) to 12th. They are very bright and ambitious, and we do our best to open doors for them to achieve anything. In our schools, we have a heavy emphasis on English to do just this.

We are looking for people to give conversational English classes for Pre- K to 12th grade (standard). We are also running about 10 charitable programs. Workawayers are needed to work with our charities too. We could use some help with fundraising for our charities.

We are looking for someone to come to our schools and lead classes to teach simple nursery rhymes to the younger students, guide the older students in proper pronunciation, improve conversational skills, and build their confidence in speaking. The school year runs from June to March and we are happy to host you at any time for any duration.

During your time, you will be staying on campus in our hostel at no cost. The hostel is also home to 15-20 of our students. All meals are provided by our on-site cook (vegetarian and non-vegetarian are available), but if there is anything that you require - we will do our best to accommodate you.

We have hosted volunteers from Germany, England, America, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and other countries. Please contact us with any questions or inquiries that you may have.

Our charities include building a home for the poor, a minimum of a house a year; making required maintenance for poor homes in dilapidated condition maximum of 6 in a year, giving food to about 200 families a year, providing 200 terminally ill patients a year with some financial help for buying medicine, providing land to build a house to the poor landless person, one a year, providing 100 scholarships for poor bright students to study, fully or partially, educating about 100 students of the poor fishing community, starting an elderly home for the poor, start an Indian Defence Academy to prepare poor students with tuition for the entrance exam to the Academy, a similar Academy to prepare poor children who are bright to prepare for Indian Civil Service competitive exams.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Teaching
Gardening
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
They meet parents and students and work with them and learn exchange of cultures.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
The volunteer work is primarily a classroom setting and after-school homework help for the students in the hostel. They may help with general maintenance.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hindi: Fluent
Malayalam: Fluent
Accommodation
The accommodation provided is a private and basic room and bathroom in the school's hostel.
What else ...
In your spare time, there is a beautiful lake nearby that you would enjoy visiting. Additionally, there are often festivals and holidays that we will go out to celebrate. Everything is in walking distance, but if you need to go further out - I have a car to take you.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Negotiable - maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 955487589625

Feedback (12)

2 Mar 2024

Left by Workawayer (Rebecca Marie) for host

I had a truly wonderful, lovely, and fun time teaching dance, yoga, English and art at St. Joseph's School!
A truly good school, great in many ways! Progressive and Loving and happy! One of the best I have taught at or visited
I got along well with everyone! I absolutely adore the founder Joseph, the principal Sreera is so sweet and smart, the… read more

(Very good )

18 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (fitguy) for host

Work exchange from January 12 to February 5, 2024
My 20th work exchange, 10th country

Accomodation:
The volunteers' house is located about 50m behind and somewhat secluded from the school. The house is very poorly constructed and offers little comfort. The roof is made of concrete, which aborbs the sun's heat during the morning and afternoon. By… read more noon it was already uncomfortably hot, by mid-afternoon the heat was unbearable. The evenings and nights were ridiculously hot because the concrete would slowly release the stored heat. My room had a ceiling fan, but in the evening and at night the hot air at the ceiling would merely be blowed down to the ground. There are windows, but no mesh coverings, so mosquitos could easily enter at night. There is no mosquito net for the bed. There is no kitchen, no dishes, no utensils, no fridge, no washing facilities, no warm water. Ants were a huge problem in the house. Any speck of food, especially fruit or anything containing sugar, would quickly attract plenty of ants. There is no wifi at the house, only at the school. The school's garbage pit was located just 40m from the house and the garbage (including lots of plastic) would be ignited once a week, generating a huge amount of noxious, very toxic smoke. All the neighbors surrounding the school also burn garbage, including plastic. Rarely was the air absent of the horrendous stench of burning plastic. Either it came from the school directly or from the surrounding houses. There is a temple about 200m from the school which created plenty of noise. There are three rooms in the house and fortunately I had the best room, but it was rather the best of the worst. All the rooms were poorly constructed and ugly, offering little comfort. My bed was constructed of a solid wooden frame and two, 2cm mattresses stacked on top of each other. One other room only had one, 2cm mattress. Because of the unbearable heat at night, the mosquitos and the thin, uncomfortable bed, it took hours for me to finally fall asleep every night. The only time it was reasonably comfortable in my room was during the morning. But by noon, it was already heating up, and the dreaded daily cycle would repeat again. The host's profile reads: "During your time, you will be staying on campus in our hostel at no cost. The hostel is also home to 15-20 of our students." There is no hostel and no students living here. The house is only for the volunteers. I can't imagine anyone else would want to live here, anyway, because it is so awful. The school demonstrates, with regard to the accomodation, little concern, care or interest for the volunteer's happiness, comfort and well-being.

The food:
"All meals are provided by our on-site cook (vegetarian and non-vegetarian are available), but if there is anything that you require - we will do our best to accommodate you." Completely untrue. There is no on-site cook. During my time at the school, there was one other volunteer from Bulgaria who stayed for one week. He received food - a minimal portion and frequently the same food - but I do not know where the food came from. I received a meal for dinner the day of my arrival, and it consisted of 4 cold, rubbery chapiti, very spicy okra and something with coconut. Completely inedible, so I discarded it. The next day for lunch I received 1kg bananas, some tomatoes, cucumbers and raw okra from the school's garden. I quickly realized that the school's food/meal concept for volunteers was a joke, so I started buying my own food and preparing my own meals with a small cooker I had brought with me. During my time at the school I spent around 4000 rupees on food and received a full reimbursement. So my meal/food arrangement was good. But for the other volunteer for Bulguria, I felt sorry for him. He complained to me that he (and another volunteer from Italy) received the same food three days in a row. If you expect a grand, typical, south India meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, think again. Any volunteer who wants to eat well, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, will need to shop at the shops and markets near the school, and at the end of the work exchange demand full reimbursement. The school demonstrates, also with regard to the food/meal situation, little concern, care or interest for the volunteers' basic needs. I don't understand the fuss regarding the food costs. The food is very cheap here! With about 200 rupees/$2.50 a day anyone can eat very well.

The work exchange:
Teaching in various classrooms. The school day consisted of four periods, first period from 9:30-10:30, second from 10:35-11:30, third 11:35-12:30, lunch break 12:30-13:00, fourth period 13:00-14:00, sports practice 14:00-15:15. Then the students would board buses and be taken home. At first the teaching was ok, but I found it very difficult to get the students to focus because of the frequent noise and distractions. All the classroom windows and doors were open the whole day, which meant plenty of distractions from other students walking around outside. While I taught, the students would repeatedly begin talking. I had to ask them again and again to be quiet. As the days passed, it became increasingly frustrating to teach, because of the noise, distractions and talking. In the week leading up to the Annual Day on January 25, the students were frequently absent because of dance rehearsals. A few days before the Annual Day I quit teaching altogether, as it was completely pointless and useless. After the Annual Day until my departure I no longer did any teaching.

Sports practice:
This was the only positive aspect of the work exchange. The school has a fairly decent basketball court but with no nets on the baskets; a useless and dangerous football field (because of the exposed bedrock in many places), and a nearly useless volleyball court with a severely damaged net. Basketball was obviously the best option, so I trained, refereed and played basketball with the kids, which was great fun. The kids clearly demonstrated their appreciation for my efforts. It was obvious to me that I was the first person to train the kids how to play basketball properly. I felt sorry for the kids because the school placed so little value in the sports practice and infrastructure. Two basketball nets would have costed only 400 rupees, or about $5 US. A new volleyball net would have costed 4000 rupees, or $50. Apparently the school has no money for the sports infrastructure, which would have brough joy, play and fun to the kids for years, but had no problems spending hundreds of thousands of rupees for the Annual Day "show", which came and went, and was quickly forgotten. So sad that the school has its priorities completely messed up. Sad also, when the kids asked me when I would depart. I told them and could sense their sorrow. No more training, coaching and playing with the very experienced sports trainer and certified fitness instructor. Another problem regarding the sports practice: it occurs at 14:00 to 15:15, the hottest time of the day, with the temperature daily around 35-36°C. I told the school's principal that sports practice must be in the MORNING, when it is cooler. It is unlikely that this will change, though, considering how unimportant sports are to the school's management. (I also mention here that volunteers are expected to be involved in the daily sports practice, also on Saturday from 8:00 to 10:00.)

The hosts:
Joseph and Smitha. On arrival day they demonstrated great interest in my skills, talents, knowledge and experience. But the response quickly turned cold after I began bringing problems at the school to their attention, and after realizing how intelligent I am and recognizing my high level of education. Afterward they began to intentionally ignore and avoid me. At my departure they were nowhere to be seen and expressed absolutely no appreciation or gratitude for my efforts and contribution. I will miss the kids, but the hosts will be quickly forgotten.

Conclusion:
Very negative. Not recommended at all. The hosts must completely revise their behaviour, mindset and concept regarding the volunteer program at the school. The accomodation, food and garbage burning issues must be dramatically improved, the teaching concept restructured and clarified, and the sports infrastructure and concept revamped. The volunteers come from far away and deserve comfortable accomodation with decent beds, mosquito nets, cooking facilities, eating utensils and wifi; good, plentiful food (the food is very cheap here! Why all the skimping and penny-pinching?), and CLEAN AIR (no more garbage burning on the school grounds!) If the hosts are not willing and/or able to be genuinely interested in, care for, show concern for and make an effort to ensure the volunteers' happiness, well-being and comfort, THEN THEY SHOULD NOT HOST EVER AGAIN!!!

(Negative )

12 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Biagio) for host

Beautiful experience!!! Joseph and the the staff are very helpful. I was there only for a few days and i played with guys basketball, football and volleyball,also basic English lesson, geography and maths. The children are wonderful too!!!The school Is near to Monroe Island and you can visit without problem. The accomodation and the food were very… read more

(Excellent )

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Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)

Cultural exchange:
(4.5)

Communication:
(4.4)

2 Mar 2024

Left by Workawayer (Rebecca Marie) for host

(Very good )

18 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (fitguy) for host

(Negative )

12 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Biagio) for host

(Excellent )

10 Jan 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Nikolay)

Nikolay from Bulgaria worked in my schools for five days and he engaged the students in Conversational English of the schools. His dealing with the youngsters was great. He was punctual, accommodating, caring, helpful, and welcoming. He had a special love for children. He agreed to come back in the middle of this month. He is welcome back here at… read more

(Excellent )

7 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Nikolay) for host

It was my first workaway volunteering and it was a wonderful experience. The school is nice located in a small quiet village. The students are nice, friendly and eager to learn and to communicate with foreigners. The classes were easy for me as I'm already used to teaching, it was fun and rewarding experience. The surrounding area is quiet,… read more

(Excellent )

5 Jan 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

Ms. Penny from Australia, helped in my schools for a month and she helped the students with Conversational English, funny games, music and dance every working day of the schools especially for the charity work of the schools and the trust. She accompanied our students in the carol for raising the funds for the cancer patients. Her dealing with the… read more

(Excellent )

31 Dec 2023

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host

Wow! I have just enjoyed the privilege to spend one month at International Schools. Joseph is an inspirational man with a great sense of humour, who has devoted his life to his schools and charities. Much gratitude to Smitha and family for providing me with 3 home cooked meals everyday and helping me whenever needed. All the teachers and staff… read more

(Excellent )

27 Nov 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)

Maria from Portugal worked in my school for a week and she engaged the students in Conversational English every working day of the school. Her dealing with the youngsters was great, She was pleasant, punctual, accommodating, caring, helpful, interesting, and welcoming. She had a special love for children. She is welcome back here at any time in… read more

(Excellent )

20 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host

Staying at st Joseph school was not an usual workaway experience, it was a life lesson! Joseph the director is a model of leadership, generousity and comittment and so is his staff and the students!
I enjoyed doing English language sessions in the morning for kids aged 6 to 13 (mostly games and songs), they were very collaborative and eager to… read more

(Excellent )

5 Sep 2023

Left by Workawayer (Danny) for host

The staff, the students and the locals are Beautiful, kind, fun and generous people. I was welcomed and looked after very well.
Joe and Smitha will go out of their way to help you the best they can and Smitha's family is amazingly kind and talented.
the hostel is very basic and there was no onsite cook like the profile says, but aparently a cook… read more

(Excellent )

11 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer (Caroline) for host

I spent a week working in the St Joseph International School, teaching spoken English, and loved the community and the ethos of the school. I was made extremely welcome by teachers, by Smitha, the wonderful school manager and by Joseph himself - a humane but dynamic person who's always working to make his school better. The students were a delight… read more

(Excellent )

27 Jan 2020

Left by Workawayer (William) for host

I spent a little over three weeks at the hostel and working in St Joseph's International Academy and it was a very memorable and enriching experience. There was a great deal of flexibility in what I wanted to do at the school, and also a great deal of independence in regards to the running of your day. The highlight of the experience is the time… read more

(Very good )

25 Jan 2020

Left by Workawayer (Asta) for host

I've only spent one week in St. Joseph's Academy and it was not enough. I had an opportunity to see and even be a part of the Annual school celebration, I helped in few classes with smaller kids and helped a little with watering the plants, which I hope will flourish. I recommend to come here and stay for as long as possible - the students are… read more

(Excellent )

22 Jul 2019

Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host

My boyfriend and I stayed at St. Joseph's International Academy for one week and had an experience will never forget. We stayed in the hostel that is just across the field from the school, along with 5 other students, Joseph, and two other teachers. In the mornings, we would eat a delicious breakfast (all meals prepared by a wonderful woman named… read more

(Excellent )

12 Jul 2019

Left by Workawayer (Sebastien) for host

Joseph is a local hero, for real. He grew up here and now he have 3 different schools !
The kids are eager to learn, nice and polite. Everyday happy. Plus you have a beautiful lake not so far and a football, yoga’s sports teacher every morning from Monday to Saturday. They are flexible so you can ask to teach something in relation with your… read more

(Excellent )

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Give practice with English for children and help with our charities in Kumbalam, Kundara, Kollam India

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Types of help and learning opportunities

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Projects involving children

Help

Languages spoken

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

How many Workawayers can stay?

Hours expected

Feedback (12)

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