Partnership with AMAIDI Foundation
AMAIDI For Sustainable Development (amaidi.org), founded by Camille van Neer in 2006 near Auroville, has been a steady source of international volunteers for REAL since 2007. AMAIDI supports local Indian communities by linking overseas volunteers and professionals with organizations like ours. We have received numerous determined volunteers who have supported our beneficiaries through various projects. Below are some of the impactful stories of volunteers who have dedicated their time to our cause.
Willemijn Veenenbos
The very first volunteer REAL had, Ms. Willemijn was with us from February 2008 to May 2008. She supported the Micro-finance programmes of REAL, analyzing the determinants affecting its success or non-success.
Shuyi Hu
Working from May to June 2008, Ms. Shuyi Hu conducted an economic analysis of our micro-credit financing through interviews with SHG members and staff. Later recruited by TNO Quality of Life, she arranged a donation of Rs. 15,443 in 2010 for marginalized children’s uniforms and contributed Rs. 10,015 for relief operations during the 2012 Thane cyclone.
Inge Renckens
A resident of the Netherlands, Inge worked with REAL from February to May 2009. She volunteered for the management of the Milk Chilling Units (MCU) in Koonimedu, highlighting the importance of management skills training for workers. She generously donated Rs. 25,000 for a training programme for women working in the MCUs.
Getty Schuling
A lawyer by profession, Getty analyzed the application and awareness of human rights and women’s rights among target groups. She prepared a comprehensive report analyzing the women’s situation, comparing the present status with the past and future outlooks in Ennayiram, Kattumannarkoil, and Marakanam.
Ms. Leonie & Ms. Marleen
Part of a 3-week programme starting in July, these volunteers visited Child Care Centers in the Villupuram region. They spent quality time with children, teaching basic formal education lessons like alphabets and stories. Their major area of work was child development, which was both impressive and leisurely for the children.
Neal Van Duijn
An electrical engineering student from the Netherlands recommended by Amaidi, Neal volunteered for the construction of Ecosan Toilets at Chinna Mudaliar Chavadi. He was noted for being impressive and spontaneous in his communication with rural community members.
Lieke Rozendal
Currently a Junior Programme Officer at Hivos International, Lieke was involved in internship activities during 2008. She was very cordial with our staff team and supported us in preparing the "20 Years Report" on REAL activities from the organization's inception.
Jolijn Le Rutte
Present in August 2009, Ms. Jolijn prepared an advisory report on renewing our official website and helped prepare project proposals. As a member of Project Committee Asia, she supported the "Tribal Women Development" project in Kalvarayan Hills (2010–2012) through the Melania Foundation.
Stephanie Vogelius
A native of Denmark, Stephanie worked with REAL from October 2009 to March 2010. She utilized her skills in teaching English and Creative Arts to children in the tribal area of Kalvarayan Hills. She also proved to be of great help in initiating our fundraising strategy with the corporate sector in Pondicherry.
Andrea Wagner Thomsen
Recommended by Volunteer Aid Denmark, Andrea volunteered from September to December 2009. She focused on capacity building and the social housing project undertaken by REAL.
Pia & Maria
Natives of Denmark (April–Sept 2010), they innovated fundraising through social networking. They raised Rs. 36,412 via Facebook to provide uniforms for 96 girls and helped dropouts return to school. They also secured a donation of Rs. 42,675 from Lions Club Denmark for education programmes.
Julie Huusom
Another volunteer from Denmark, Julie joined REAL in October 2010. She volunteered for the designing of a low-cost house for a rural beneficiary in Marakanam village, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.
Alfredo Fluixa
A volunteer from Spain who joined in Summer 2012 to share financial knowledge with microfinance staff. He learned how Self-Help Groups function differently than in Western models and provided support by teaching and reinforcing educational performance for children lacking resources for private education.
Blanca Balasch
From Spain (Nov 2012 – Jan 2013), Blanca was deeply involved in women and child empowerment in Marakanam. She raised Rs. 56,947 via Facebook videos, used for a medical camp in Ennayiram and to provide 300 new school bags for children in Melguddalore, Esalam, Brammadesam, and Thirunanthipuram.
Other Volunteer Programmes
KKS – Weltwaerts – Bridge Builder Programme (Germany)
As a part of the Bridge Builder Programme, two volunteers from Germany stay with us for about 8 months every year to develop inter-cultural learning and support teaching initiatives. They focus on teaching English, Arts, and Crafts to children in the Kattumannar Koil region.
- Anna Frank & Claudia Bela (2010)
- Ronja Sames & Johanna Dohl (2011)
- Nora Beil & Luise Speiker (2012)
Ray Brillinger (Canada)
A management consultant from Canada who has advised REAL since 2011 on strategic planning and organizational development. He connected with REAL through PLAN International and currently supports projects through the Village Outreach Society (VOS) Canada, focusing on salt pan workers' families.