Mother Meera in India

Mother Meera Ashram

Mother Meera Ashram Vidyalaya

Mother Meera Saranalayam

- a call for volunteers

Mother Meera Ashram, Mother Meera Ashram Vidyalaya and Mother Meera Saranalayam are in the first stages of development. Mother Meera Ashram Vidyalaya (Vidyalaya = School) is adjacent to the ashram and was inaugurated as an International English-Medium school on June 7th 2010, in the presence of Mother Meera and many prominent leaders of the community.

The Ashram now needs volunteers who can teach at the school. Please see the section on Volunteering at the School below.

It is also our intention to develop a network of schools (from kindergarten to primary level) located across urban Madanapalle. We are looking for volunteers who would be interested particularly in supporting this social project.

There is also a need for volunteers who can help with general maintenance work in the ashram, such as gardening, plumbing, building, cleaning, painting and decorating.

A general note about volunteering

Volunteers must be prepared that this is pioneering work. You will need to have a friendly and helpful attitude, be resourceful and have a strong will to support this divine work. You will not live in a traditionally supportive ashram. Communication with local Indian people can be difficult and not everyone is always friendly. As we are just starting from zero, you are invited to create a harmonious atmosphere in the ashram.

As building work can sometimes be demanding, volunteers joining in construction and maintenance should be in good physical health. Teamwork is essential here, so volunteers must be happy to work as part of a team. Volunteers working in the school should also be ready to help in gardening or maintenance work, if required. There should be no division among different volunteer groups, for example those working at the school and those working at the construction site. There should be one common spirit of selfless service, of seva, among volunteers.

It is helpful if you have some experience of living in India, but this is not essential. A willingness to be flexible and to adapt to the culture and climate is more important.

Accommodation

The ashram may provide simple accommodation for volunteers, if available. You may be asked to share a room. There are 2 small kitchens where volunteers can cook for themselves. There is a market and a good selection of shops near to the ashram, where volunteers can buy groceries at a reasonable cost.

Please send us a short e-mail, telling us about yourself, your experience, how long you can stay and what you can offer.

Please come and we look forward to seeing you.

Construction of Mother Meera Saranalayam

Mother Meera would like to hear from people who would be willing to supervise the construction of DEVUDAMMA SARANALAYAM, in English, MOTHER MEERA SARANALAYAM, (Saranalayam denotes a spiritual shelter, a sanctuary) in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, South India. Applicants should be English speaking, skilled workers and have had some experience in building construction.

The construction started in October 2011. Accommodation will be available on site.

We are also looking for volunteers who can work with handicapped people.

Interested persons should contact Dieter:

Email:

Volunteering at the School

Mother Meera Ashram Vidyalaya (school in Sanskrit) is looking for volunteers who have a natural affinity for and ability with children. Western volunteers are welcome, even if you are not a teacher.

In the longer term, the intention is that the school will make a gradual transition to a childcentred model of learning. People with a Montessori or similar training are particularly in demand.

Western volunteers will come on a voluntary basis. You will work at:

1. Kindergarten level, with children aged from 3 to about 4/5 (Baby Class and Lower Kindergarten), as helpers to take care of small children.
2. Primary level, with children aged from 5/6 to 12/13 (classes 1st to 7th) as an English speaking accompanying adult.

Experience of teaching would be helpful but is not essential. What is most important is your willingness and ability to dedicate yourself and your time.

The school would like commitments for a minimum of a one-month period of time.

A Unique and Exciting Opportunity for Volunteers

If you are looking for deeper meaning and purpose in your life and want to offer your time and services, this could be the opportunity you have been seeking. Please see the letter To all would-be school volunteers > >

Non-volunteer Indian teachers

The school is also looking for Indian teachers grades 1st to 7th from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, who can teach their respective subjects in either English or Telugu. Indian teachers will receive full payment.