India Service Trip
Donation protected
"As one person I cannot change the world,
but I can change the world of one person."
Hello Friends, Family + Visitors,
I hope this finds you well, wherever you may be in this world :) I have created this funding page because the world needs our support.
Since I can remember, I've dreamt of doing mission work in Africa or India. I've always had a gravitational pull towards reaching women and children in these parts of the world. I believe if we empower and educate individuals in poverty-stricken regions, we work towards changing an entire nation. I do realize that everyone needs our help, even here in the U.S. and I do not discount it, however, I must follow my heart. So, on December 7th of this year I will be traveling to Kolkata, India on a 10-day service trip along with 15 others from my yoga community.
Through The Village Experience we will work closely with the Women's Interlink Foundation (WIF), donating our time, energy and funds. Founded in 1990, WIF is a non-governmental organization focusing on women empowerment and children's rights. WIF offers rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficked victims, and action against deprivation of basic rights to those affected by such.
Our chosen project will be the Nabadisha Education Program for street and working children. The Nabadisha project was started in 1999 with a mission to provide education, nutrition, and community liaison support for those in need. They also provide an opportunity for street children to play and enjoy a bit of their childhood while gaining holistic support to springboard them forward toward a better life. Working with WIF, we will also have an opportunity to volunteer at a home for girls rescued from trafficking, prostitution and children of AIDS victims.
This trip is called Seva or selfless service. When I began researching Seva I came across the following definition that really spoke to me...
" It {seva} is more than just a simple desire to help others. As Swami Niranjan explains it, taken as a whole, the word “seva” means “together with” and describes the actions that seek collective upliftment through the understanding of the needs of others and are based on togetherness and integration. It is an expression of compassion for others and a genuine desire to uplift those around you. "
My own genuine desire to uplift those around me is the main reason I was drawn to teach yoga. I hope to deepen this calling through my work in India. This is one of my dreams but, dreams sometimes need support and I'm calling on YOU for help.
To help raise awareness and funds, in addition to offering donation-only yoga classes and workshops here in South Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio, I invite you to donate and share this page. Any and all donations will go to fund this trip and to support WIF, The Village Cooperative and the Nabadisha Education Project.
You'll know your money is being put into the right hands, I will deliver it myself.
Charleston - August 28th 2015
Kentucky - TBA
Ohio - September 6th 2015
(please check website and Facebook for details)
Our mission is to make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of women and children struggling for a better life. You can help, too. Please click the link and donate - every penny counts.
Let's change the world together!
Thank YOU & much love,
AMANDA xx
amandabyoga.com
but I can change the world of one person."
Hello Friends, Family + Visitors,
I hope this finds you well, wherever you may be in this world :) I have created this funding page because the world needs our support.
Since I can remember, I've dreamt of doing mission work in Africa or India. I've always had a gravitational pull towards reaching women and children in these parts of the world. I believe if we empower and educate individuals in poverty-stricken regions, we work towards changing an entire nation. I do realize that everyone needs our help, even here in the U.S. and I do not discount it, however, I must follow my heart. So, on December 7th of this year I will be traveling to Kolkata, India on a 10-day service trip along with 15 others from my yoga community.
Through The Village Experience we will work closely with the Women's Interlink Foundation (WIF), donating our time, energy and funds. Founded in 1990, WIF is a non-governmental organization focusing on women empowerment and children's rights. WIF offers rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficked victims, and action against deprivation of basic rights to those affected by such.
Our chosen project will be the Nabadisha Education Program for street and working children. The Nabadisha project was started in 1999 with a mission to provide education, nutrition, and community liaison support for those in need. They also provide an opportunity for street children to play and enjoy a bit of their childhood while gaining holistic support to springboard them forward toward a better life. Working with WIF, we will also have an opportunity to volunteer at a home for girls rescued from trafficking, prostitution and children of AIDS victims.
This trip is called Seva or selfless service. When I began researching Seva I came across the following definition that really spoke to me...
" It {seva} is more than just a simple desire to help others. As Swami Niranjan explains it, taken as a whole, the word “seva” means “together with” and describes the actions that seek collective upliftment through the understanding of the needs of others and are based on togetherness and integration. It is an expression of compassion for others and a genuine desire to uplift those around you. "
My own genuine desire to uplift those around me is the main reason I was drawn to teach yoga. I hope to deepen this calling through my work in India. This is one of my dreams but, dreams sometimes need support and I'm calling on YOU for help.
To help raise awareness and funds, in addition to offering donation-only yoga classes and workshops here in South Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio, I invite you to donate and share this page. Any and all donations will go to fund this trip and to support WIF, The Village Cooperative and the Nabadisha Education Project.
You'll know your money is being put into the right hands, I will deliver it myself.
Charleston - August 28th 2015
Kentucky - TBA
Ohio - September 6th 2015
(please check website and Facebook for details)
Our mission is to make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of women and children struggling for a better life. You can help, too. Please click the link and donate - every penny counts.
Let's change the world together!
Thank YOU & much love,
AMANDA xx
amandabyoga.com
Organizer
Amanda Bonfiglio Cunningham
Organizer
Mt. Pleasant, SC