A new program is bringing together Jewish Indian young professionals and Jewish undergraduates from around the world to help children in the Mumbai slums of India.
The four-month volunteer internship is a joint program of the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in India and Gabriel Project Mumbai, a collaborative Jewish initiative that aims to provide nutrition and literacy to the lives of impoverished children in Mumbai.
“Participation in the Gabriel Project Mumbai encourages the local community members to reach out beyond their Jewish circle and see the difference they can make to the underprivileged sections of society at large in the true spirit and essence of tikkun olam,” said Elijah Jacob, director of JDC India. The Mumbai Jewish community is an increasingly vibrant and active population of approximately 5,000.
Every Sunday, interns organize social learning activities for the children, such as day trips to museums and learning centers, social and sport programming.
Upon successful completion of the program, volunteers receive a professional certification from the JDC and may have the opportunity to continue with further internship programs on a leadership level. Additional information is available at www.gabrielprojectmumbai.org. or www.jdc.org.