India Development Scholarship, Rajasthan
Applications close August 30th 2009
SCHOLARSHIP
Antipodeans Abroad is offering a three-month scholarship on a new and exciting pilot project in the heart of the desert state of Rajasthan. Apply now for the chance of a lifetime. Gain unique international community development experience in India. Two full scholarships are available.
Where: Pali, South Rajasthan, India
Start date: 20th November 2009
Duration: Three months
Work focus: Education, Social Work and Development
CLOSING DATE: 30 AUGUST 2009
Applications for scholarships in 2010 will open in March 2010.
OVERVIEW
Currently only 13% of women in India have completed more than 5 years of schooling, and the situation in rural areas is far worse. India’s current public school system is one where nearly 20% of the girls are dropping out each year, resulting in an average dropout rate of close to 80% by the time they finish 8th grade.
The NGO ‘Foundation Educate Girls Globally’ (FEGG) program focuses on mobilising communities to take over government schools, working with teachers, bringing girls who have dropped out back into school and making schools work for girls. The program also focuses on improving school quality to retain girls in school.
We are pleased to offer two scholarships to FEGG to document the work done so far and assist in the program’s development. Working alongside the NGO’s local staff your responsibilities will include documentation, research reports and creating presentation materials for the government. Please see www.educategirls.org for further details about the organisation’s work.
ACCOMMODATION
Basic, but comfortable accommodation is included in the scholarship.
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Food
Airport Transfers
Pre-departure Assistance
Orientation
24-hour support on the ground and in Australia
EXCLUSIONS
Airfares
Personal Travel Insurance
Local Transport to placement site
Visa
Vaccinations
Items of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are required to have previous study and/or work experience within Education, Social Work or Development Studies. Applicants must have excellent document writing and presentation skills, a good camera, a laptop (preferred) and to be able to manage their own work time.
SELECTION CRITERIA AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Please apply with your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and addressing the following criteria:
A recent project you have researched
Relevant work experience
Interest in development issues
Previous travel experience
Career aspirations
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to support yourself financially
To apply for the scholarship and for more information please contact Fiona on fiona@antipodeans.com.au or (02) 9413 1522.
ABOUT INDIA DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP
India is one of the most diverse cultures in the world. Its fascinating mix of religions, festivals, temples, bazaars, exotic and colourful people and beautiful landscapes make it a compelling country. It is a country of contrasts and contradictions, of great wealth and poverty; a country that embraces the past and the present, the spiritual and the material.
Most families are Hindu. Volunteers have plenty of opportunity to learn about Hinduism. Families tend to go to the temple once a week and volunteers are usually invited to join. Many people have an altar of some description in their homes, devoted to their god/guru of choice, where they can perform/practice pooja (worship).
Rajasthan is one of the most exotic states of India famous for its forts and palaces, colourful festivals, people and music.