St. Gonsalos Garcia Ashram is an orphanage for about eighty boys between the ages of four and eighteen.  There is also a school attached for some of these boys and many boys and girls from the local community.  It was founded in 1926 by two Franciscan brothers and is attached to about five acres of land, which is used for farming and water-gathering, plus a rudimentary cricket and soccer pitch for the children. 

Accommodation

Volunteers will stay in a private room within St. Gonsalos Ashram.  Volunteers can use the showers that the staff use and there is a separate bathroom/toilet nearby.  Accomodation is quite basic, but this is made up for by the great food you will be served!
Vasai: St Gonsalos is in Vasai Fort which is a ten minute bus ride from Vasai itself.  Vasai Fort is a beautiful area, with the ruins of Vasai Fort available for exploring, and with beautiful forests and the harbour nearby.   Vasai itself is a growing and thriving town about fifty minutes train ride from Mumbai.   Many Indians that can't affort Mumbai rents are moving to Vasai so you get a real mix of people here.  There is a range of shops and a gym in Vasai town. 

About you

Volunteers at St. Gonsalos spend most of their time teaching, though there is also a lot of time to provide informal pastoral care.  The children love playing draughts, chess, football and soccer with the volunteers and practicing their English.   Volunteers live and work at the Ashram, and should be adept at ‘roughing it’ in order to deal with the basic accommodations.  However, the children are really enthusiastic and the organic food, usually direct from the garden is delicious.  There may be additional costs incurred.