Volunteering at Barli Development Institute for Rural Women - Steph Champion

Barli is a safe enclosed project. It has a welcoming atmosphere and is a rather inspirational environment. It’s easy to really make a connection with the girls who attend the institute for training, who are more than happy to contribute to a cultural exchange with visitors in terms of language, games, or just having fun sitting around in the evenings. The directors, Jimmy and Janak are hospitable and seem to enjoy the constant stream of volunteers coming and going. They are supportive and open to new ideas or projects you may wish to carry out, whilst actively encouraging participation and learning about all aspects of the institute. As a result, I was able to use some of my time working at the institute to take on my own project coordinating the creation of murals designed and painted by the trainee girls.

Some trainees enjoying their free time at the institute

Mostly my role was administrative, writing and editing reports, and helping Janak with secretarial duties. In the evenings I took over teaching English from a previous volunteer and taught three days a week to the girls who wished to learn. I also initiated dance classes once a week which most of the girls attended, enjoyed and really improved at! In the mornings there are opportunities for fieldwork, maintenance duties or beading, which are all good to have a go at. The girls find it hilarious that you might try general maintenance, so I found it was well worth it just to see their reactions! Although I found the office work arduous at times, some of the reports are really interesting and the extra-curricular activities that I had the opportunity to contribute to the community made it very worthwhile.

The surrounding areas of the Institute are varied and exciting places to explore. Very quickly we settled in to our new surroundings and felt very at home. As a volunteer the days are so full on and long, that the restrictions on staying out are actually a blessing in disguise.

Volunteering at Barli needs responsibility and dedication; it is a community that is very open and welcoming, and one that volunteers must commit time and energy to being part of. It can be tiring and occasionally frustrating, but I have found the experience very rewarding and productive.