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Andrew Forde, Computer Applications graduate, to travel to Delhi
3 May 2005
Andrew Forde, a graduate of the Computer Applications programme at DCU, has just been offered a place on the Volunteer Programme organised by SUAS, a youth and education-focused organisation, which facilitates young people to address education disadvantage at home and overseas.
Andrew will spend from June to September 2005 in Delhi, India where he will also take on the role of United Nations Week Coordinator. He will be working for Prayas, a large Indian, non-governmental organisation which aims to provide for the basic needs of slum children in the Delhi suburbs. Prayas also caters for the needs of 50,000 neglected, street and working children through its 52 slum-based, non-formal education/vocational training centres.
He recently started work in the DCU Sports Club, but previous to this he worked as a volunteer in Villa Bendicion orphanage in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for two months in summer 2004. This orphanage housed approximately 170 orphaned, abandoned and abused children from one to 20 years of age. His work included caring for the children, teaching English and organising games, sports, art and other activities. "This was a difficult but eye opening experience for me. I had to overcome the language barrier and learn to be empathetic and understanding with often troubled and emotionally unstable children. Overall it was the most rewarding, educating and shocking experience of my life to date", he said. "For this summer's placement, each volunteer is required to contribute €2,850 toward the total cost of the programme. These funds will include a substantial direct donation to Prayas, and of course I aim to raise as much as possible. If anyone has any questions, comments or suggestions or would like to make a donation, please contact me at: andrew.forde@dcu.ie or 086 8048877".
For further information on SUAS, visit their website: www.suas.ie.