Project Description

1. State the purpose and objectives of this Ministry or Project:
   
   The main objective includes teaching English and maintaining a Salesian presence among the boys. The teaching aspect involves a spoken English class that makes the students comfortable with conversation and the American accent. Each volunteer teaches 3-4 classes of about 15 college students. Volunteers are also frequently asked to help in any editing jobs that might arise, i.e. the college website or magazine. The second aspect, no less important than the first, is to be present among the boys. This involves playing sports and socializing with them. This practice both sets a good example for the boys and encourages them to speak English outside of class.
   
   
2. Briefly describe the background and present situation of this ministry:
   
   This site began taking volunteers in October of 2006. Although a new site, it is a large community of 26 priests and brothers, all very welcoming and all English speaking. Currently, volunteers live in residence with the priests and brothers of the college. This means taking meals and being in direct community with them. The volunteers are encouraged to come two at a time. And, though there is only one volunteer at present, there are enough people and activities to keep the volunteer perpetually busy.
   
   
3. What other programs, activities or possible projects are involved in this ministry:
   
   As with any college, the administrators are very busy and are often called to Chennai or Bangalore both for business and for celebrations within the Salesian community. Often times, volunteers are invited to accompany them on their trips.
   
   There are also many other activities that a volunteer can be involved in, i.e. basketball coach, website editing, etc. Also, the priests have an open mind to any initiatives that a volunteer might like to undertake.
   
   
4. Give a brief description of the area in which the lay missioner would be working. Include information such as: rural or urban, income level of area, primary needs of the people in the area, etc.)
   
   Lay missioners will be working in a small city called Tirupattur. There is one main road that runs through the middle of the city and side roads that come off from it. Volunteers can find food items and all the daily essentials in the city itself. Surrounding Tirupattur is farmland and rural areas. The city is poor and it has needs in all areas. The city center has concrete buildings, but huts of mud brick and thatched roofs can be found throughout the city and especially in the outskirts.
   
   
5. Are there any special problems or conditions in the area or project which might restrict some applicants: political, health, personnel, etc. Please describe.
   
   There are no problems or difficulties that are specific to this site.
   
   

Job Description

1. List and describe the major duties to be performed in this ministry or job. Please also include an estimation on the number of hours per day/week you spend on each duty.
   
   6:15 morning prayer - 30 min
   6:45 mass - 30 - 40 min
   9:00 - 10:00 class
   12:00 - 1:00 class
   4:00 - 5:00 class
   6:30 - 7:30 class
   
2. What is the missioner's position with regard to other personnel in the ministry or project?
   
   Administering or supervising others:
   Member of a team:
   Working alone: The classes are taught by the volunteer alone, but if there are any needs s/he can talk to the father for which the class was organized.
   Under supervision of:
   Other:
   

Necessary Qualifications

1. Please indicate below the qualifications or skills considered necessary for performing well in this ministry - i.e. language, special skills, technical training, physical strength, etc.
   
   Good English communication skills are needed, but that is the only real requirement. No proficiency in Tamil is needed. Like any other volunteer position, one needs patience, kindness, and creativity.
   
   
2. What particular areas of academic preparation or educational certification would be helpful for this work:
   
   A college degree and an ESL certificate would be helpful for volunteers teaching English.
   
   
3. Describe the experience that would be helpful for this position:
   
   Some previous teaching experience would be helpful for this type of work, though not necessary.
   
   
4. Briefly describe the personal and professional qualities most needed in this ministry:
   
   A volunteer needs to bring an attitude of openness and acceptance to their encounters with others. These enable one to cope with the many differences between the Indian and American cultures. Also, creativity helps a lot. Class activities should be fun and enjoyable; creativity is one of the ingredients of a vibrant and fun classroom.
   
   

Mission Site Living Conditions...

1. Do the SLMs live with the religious members of the community?
   
   Yes
   
   
2. If "No", where do the SLMs live?
   
   
3. Do the volunteers have their own room or do they share?
   
   Private
   
   
4. Do the volunteers have their own bathroom or do they share?
   
   Private
   
   
5. Is there the opportunity for daily mass/Eucharist?
   
   Yes
   
   
6. What you do for laundry:
   
   Once a week a Dhobi comes to collect, wash, and return the laundry.
   
   
7. What are the local medical facilities like (where would you go for an infection, broken bone, etc.)?
   
   One of the best hospitals in southern Asia is located in Vellore, which is only 1-2 hours away from Tirupattur. There are doctors in the city and there is a clinic within walking distance of the college.
   
   
8. What does your local diet primarily consist of?
   
   The diet primarily consists of curry, rice, and some kind of bread item. At least once a day there is usually some kind of meat - fish, chicken, or mutton. They, also, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
   
   
9. Is there an ATM relatively close where you have access to money?
   
   Yes
   
   If "No", what is the preferred method of receiving money?
   
   The fathers at the college are able to exchange any money if the volunteer cannot reach an ATM.
   
   
10. What is your involvement with the religious community?
    
    The volunteer is encouraged to join with the community in morning prayer, daily mass, evening prayer, and any house meeting that they might have.
    
    
11. What is your involvement with the greater community (local festivals, invited over for meals, dance groups, etc.)?
    
    While the volunteer has a good amount of involvement with the college community, s/he does not have very much interaction with the greater community. One reason for this is that the greater community speaks only Tamil and very little English. The language barrier makes this kind of involvement difficult.
    
    
12. What other things do you feel others should know about "Life at your site"?
    
    While Salesians normally work with the youth, this college works with young men that are 17-21 years old. It may not be the typical age group for the Salesians, but it is every bit as rewarding. They are eager to learn and very welcoming. Any volunteer will quickly form good relationships with them.