Traveling as a Volunteer: Impact Through Giving Journey
In the heart of Northeast India, the state of Assam is no stranger to the fury of the mighty Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Every year, communities in the region are affected by devastating floods, and one non-governmental organisation (NGO) is taking a stand to provide relief – Sarvahitey.
Based in Delhi, Sarvahitey has made a commitment to offer flood relief in Assam whenever it is needed. The author, Imtiaz Ullah, a traveller who believes in travelling for a cause, joined forces with Prem Prakash (Co-Founder of Sarvahitey) and Sumitro Chatterjee (Advisory member, Sarvahitey) to embark on a journey to provide aid in Gohpur, Assam.
After a long drive, the team reached Gohpur and was welcomed by the local administration. They distributed relief materials, such as rice, oil, lentil, salt, tents, mosquito nets, mosquito repellents, ORS, T-shirts, and drinking water, to approximately 450 families in Ghutung Chapori, a small riverine island.
Sarvahitey's efforts in Assam focus on providing immediate relief, including food, clean water, shelter, and medical aid, while also emphasising long-term rehabilitation and community resilience building. The NGO works in key flood-prone districts, such as Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Majuli.
If you're interested in volunteering and travelling to Assam to assist in these efforts, here's how you can get involved:
1. **Get in Touch:** Visit Sarvahitey's official website or social media pages to find the latest volunteer opportunities. Reach out via their contact email or phone number to express your interest.
2. **Volunteer Requirements:** Age typically 18+ (varies per program), basic health and fitness for fieldwork, willingness to work in challenging conditions with limited infrastructure, and relevant skills (e.g., medical, logistics, community mobilization) can be helpful but are not mandatory.
3. **Training and Preparation:** Sarvahitey often provides orientation sessions covering safety, cultural sensitivity, and effective relief distribution methods. Volunteers may receive training on flood response protocols and first aid.
4. **Travel and Accommodation:** Volunteers usually arrange their own travel to Assam (nearest major city: Guwahati). Sarvahitey assists with local transportation to affected areas. Accommodation is generally basic and organised by the NGO in safe locations near the work sites.
5. **Duration:** Volunteer assignments can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the stage of relief and rehabilitation.
6. **Costs:** Volunteers may be asked to cover their travel and personal expenses. Sarvahitey may request a nominal contribution to cover food and lodging during the assignment.
When volunteering with Sarvahitey, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of flood-affected communities in Assam while gaining unique experiences in humanitarian aid. Embrace the opportunity to engage with the local community and learn about their struggles with flood and soil erosion.
Remember to pack essential items such as mosquito repellent, quick-dry clothing, sturdy footwear, water purification tablets, and any personal medications. Stay informed about weather updates and flood forecasts, and follow health precautions, including vaccinations recommended for Assam and carrying a basic first aid kit.
Respect local customs, as Assam has diverse communities, and show an openness to their cultures and practices.
To learn more about Sarvahitey and their flood relief work in Assam, visit their website ([www.sarvahitey.org](http://www.sarvahitey.org)) or contact them via email ([email protected]) or phone. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for live updates.
Join the journey to provide flood relief in Assam and make a difference in the lives of those affected by this natural disaster.
Traveling to Assam with Sarvahitey allows you to participate in flood relief efforts and experience the unique challenges faced by its communities. By getting in touch with Sarvahitey via their website or social media, you can volunteer to distribute relief materials and help build community resilience, enhancing your understanding of humanitarian aid and local lifestyles.
