How it all started

Prior to setting up 'Volunteering for India' which is an independent, non-governmental organisation, we were people who not onlywanted to change our own lives but also wished to help others to change theirs.

Formerly a nurse,  Lyn Baker has been visiting India for over 25 years and has supported various organisations throughout the country. During the early 1990's one such project in Delhi involved encouraging the street children into education. This was done by providing a mobile school which toured the suburbs. During February 2001 in Bhuj, Gujarat, following the earthquake at the beginning of that year, she also became involved in helping amidst the ruins of the hospital. This led to her decision to help build a new childrens school in the area.  Due to her public speaking and photographic work she was able help with the fundraising. The school  has now been built and specialises in treating children with cerebral palsy, hearing impairment and children who are mentally challenged. In 2006 she visited the  Gujarat area,  where she now helps with 'Akaash Ganga', which is a home for children of the desert area, including some salt children,  who attend a local school. This project is now working on creating skills for the older children in order to provide them with an income once they have left school. The most recent project began in 2010 in Rajasthan. This helps provides local women from a small village to obtain sewing skills not only to empower them, but also to provide them with an income.

Formerly a lawyer,  Elaine Crawshaw has also been involved in raising funds for all three projects by raising their profile  through journalistic work and public speaking. This has been helped by her earlier experience during the early 1990's when she became involved in an organisation which regularly took aid to former Yugoslavia.

This involved driving 7.5 ton vehicles filled with humanitarian aid. The regular supply was a life line to families, doctors and hospitals throughout the regions of Croatia. Raising funds and awareness of their situation was also a vital element of the work.

However, they have come to realise that in order to effectively and consistently help with the broader issues involved, they now need to put their time and energy into expanding and seeking help from others, as well as providing them with an opportunity to become involved.

Quite simply, without the help and support of volunteers and the money generated through placements and fundraising,  long term sustainable change is not possible. Whilst intermittent short term help is better than nothing, what really affects change and what really makes a difference is consistency. For changes to be consistent and lasting, long term solutions are now required and this can only be done through donations and volunteering.