Debora’s unique experience at SCI workcamp in India
Workcamp
Written by Debora from Italy
In November 2024, Debora Mantovani participated in a workcamp in India. In this article, she shares her unique experience and the most meaningful moments she experienced during the project.
“It was an extraordinary experience. I shared everything with the other volunteers without feeling out of place, and they were simply wonderful. I was the only international participant, as all the other volunteers came from different parts of India. This made the project even more intriguing and special. I chose India out of three options because it seemed the perfect fit for my first workcamp experience.
What I loved most was the connection with the local community and how much my age was valued. As an older participant, compared to the younger volunteers, I was treated with great respect, almost like a mentor or guide. They would come to me often, sharing their stories and seeking advice. This mutual exchange was deeply enriching for me.
My time at the local school was particularly memorable. What struck me most was how the school educated children to embrace happiness and gratitude. They’re tolerant, non-
judgmental, and deeply respectful of diversity. It was truly inspiring. The children, aged 6 to 15, followed a beautiful daily routine: breakfast, meditation, and starting their lessons at seven in the morning.
Although I talked with the children in English, language barriers weren’t much of an issue. One of my favourite moments was the Italian night when I taught the children how to make pizza, a cultural symbol of Italy. Finding the right ingredients in local markets was challenging, but I made it work. We organized a pizza night and I also taught them a few Italian words. Every morning after that, they would greet me with, ‘Good morning, how are you?’ It was a real cultural exchange, especially since I was the only non-Indian participant.
In return, the group held an Indian cooking night, where we cooked with them and tried many new dishes. One thing that stood out was how they ate with their hands. Even though they offered me a fork and knife, I chose to follow their tradition as a way of fully embracing their culture.
My favourite moments were the early mornings at seven. Despite the biting cold, I found peace in the meditative walks. We strolled, in silence, surrounded by the mist. It was all about focusing on the sounds and the rhythm of our steps. Being around 500 meters above sea level, with the majestic Himalayas in the background, made it an entirely new and beautiful experience.
Before leaving for India, I attended SCI Italy’s international volunteering training in Rome, and that preparation helped me approach the workcamp with the right mindset. It taught me to be present in the moment, to avoid taking photos for social media, and instead focus on truly connecting with the children. I received simple yet valuable advice, like treating everyone equally and avoiding favouritism.
This workcamp gave me unforgettable memories and a newfound motivation to participate in more projects.
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