To complete my studies in ‘International Social Work’, I applied for an internship at Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan. Before I came to India, I did not know what to expect. The management of Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan, staff and of course the children gave me a warm welcome. In the first few weeks, I was able to get to know the organisation and its structures as well as how it is embedded in the overall social system of youth welfare in India. Since the young people are to be intensively prepared for learning English, I found myself in the role of an English (and also German) teacher. This way, I was not only able to make an important contribution to helping the young people, but I also dealt intensively with the grammar of both languages myself and, last but not least, strengthened my didactic skills.  This also gave me an opportunity to get to know the situation and the story of many children in need of care and protection.

Between the lessons, I had enough time to get in touch with the young people, play games or prepare for the lessons. When I had several hours of free time, it gave me the opportunity to get to know the surroundings and the beautiful city of Kochi. I am more than grateful for this opportunity, because here I gain experiences that no amount of money can buy.

Article by: Gerrit Scherneck, Transnational Social Work, Frankfurt am Main, Germany