India

The India trip begins in Bangalore at an organization called Visthar. Visthar is a non–profit organization committed to enabling women, children and other marginalized peoples to realize their rights. They also rehabilitate children at risk and train activists, organizations, and students to work for a just society. At Visthar the team gets an introduction to India and its culture - and to some of the injustice issues that plague the country.

The second organization, BIRDS (Bharati Integrated Rural Development Society), started as a catalyst and support organization for poor, mostly Dalit (or “untouchable”) communities working for their own development based on caste and gender equality. BIRDS has served 65,000 poor villagers in Andra Pradesh, setting up microcredit loans, Dalit empowerment projects, sustainable agriculture, social security programs for widows, water rights and a school amongst other projects. At BIRDS the team works mostly with the school.

The last organization is Bapatla Children's Home. The home houses about 130 children who have lost one or both parents or whose parents and extended family cannot afford to take care of them any longer. They provide schooling for the children through high school and sometimes college. Gordon has had a long relationship with this orphanage, and the children love it when the Gordon students come to spend time with them!

For more information contact one of the leaders: HanByul Chang and Kate Danahy

Apply here for the India mission trip (log-in required).