After I finished high school in Germany, I did an around the world trip in which I got to know the beautiful nature of the Indian people, but outside of India. When travelling, I realized that working with the local nation, one receives the best insight of the people’s culture. So I waited for my first semester vacations and organized my internship at Akshaya Patra. I wanted to work for The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF) in Bangalore primarily, because I wanted to get in touch with the Indian culture. Whether it is the working spirit in the office, the Indian driving manners in Bangalore’s daily mad traffic or the very welcoming Indian people: There is so much to learn and understand. Thus, my first reason was to come closer to the Indian culture, religions and life.
During my first trip I saw a lot of poverty, especially young children – the weakest and last guilty – suffering from malnutrition, diseases and low education. In this moment I decided to make use of my opportunities and help the needy at least one time in my life. Then I read about Akshaya Patra and its project. I found there work very sensible, comprehensive and convincing. I was astonished about their facilities and success and decided to become part of their project. When one sees the children smiling happily, notices the hope which the Akshaya Patra’s project spreads in their lives and reads about the success stories of young, poor and unfortunate children who became doctors, engineers, teachers etc one knows that volunteering for Akshaya Patra is totally worth the effort.
Moreover, I wanted to know what working for a NGO means, and be part of the “helping” side of this world. Additionally, a working experience abroad is always broadening one’s horizon, because working and communication patterns are completely different and, therefore, widening experiences. Apart from that the Indian food and warm weather was very tempting ;P.
