Program and Itinerary
In preparation for this Journey to Maher, the US delegation met regularly in Seattle to build relationships and learn about India – its culture, challenges and politics. We enjoyed several team building days when we learned how to best support one another, as well as to develop our cross cultural communication and compassionate listening skills.
We began our Journey in Delhi where we visited a number of NGOs and governmental agencies to gain grounding in the background and current status of girls and women in India. We also engaged in some site seeing such as the Gandhi memorial and museum and a day trip to Accra to see the Taj Mahal.
Then we headed to Pune. In addition to our time with Maher, we visited Pragati, an urban woman’s foundation. During our ten days at Maher, we especially got to know the women and children of Vatsalysadam, our home base.
Day by Day Schedule
Detailed Maher Agenda
At Maher we got to visit many of the dozens of homes in the area. We especially enjoyed our time at Vatsalyadam where the women and men who are mentally ill or developed delayed live amidst children and grannies, filling their days with loving interactions. The dancing together was incredible: so healing and connecting for us all!
Dancing at Vatsalyadam
dancing at Vatsalyadam
We were pleased to begin the construction of the vermiculture (worm bin)-bio-gas installation which has since been completed and is up and running.
We engaged in many great circles and dialogues together, exploring our cultural differences and issues around gender roles and bias. We helped bring together a dynamic group of over 100 college students for an inspiring Town Hall meeting, using World Cafe and Open Space to empower the youth in exploring how they can build the future they seek.
town hall Maher
town hall Maher
But of course the greatest joy was visiting and interacting with the children at the many homes in the rural areas of Maharashtra.
Logistics and Cost
Costs for US delegates were $2350 – including all ground transportation, lodging, most meals, and program fees. Program fees included contributions to Maher, gifts to hosts and speakers, funding of the vermiculture/biogas project, subsidies for some Indian delegates, and costs for the Project Directors. Airfare was not included: all US delegates arranged travel so they could gather in Delhi at the designated hotel by the evening of January 12. And they departed from Mumbai on Saturday, January 28. Delegates also arranged for visa (with an up-to-date passport) and inoculations. They brought pocket money for shopping and incidentals as well as $75 for meals out plus any alcoholic beverages.
