Friends helped fund my Indian adventure
GRANDMOTHER Alison Francis, 56, spent two months in southern India last summer as part of an organised “gap year” experience.
She taught dance and drama to children and stayed with a local family.
“My children had grown up and I wanted to do something different with my summer holiday,” says Alison, a teacher who lives in Pinner, Middlesex.
“However, at the time, my husband was out of work so I did something I have never done before. I asked friends and family if they would consider donating money to me so I could help teach children in India.”
She raised £1,000, which covered her flight and accommodation (arranged by GapGuru.com) and Alison then just had to cover going-out expenses and lunches.
“There were plenty of ATMs, so I used my bank debit card to access money but I spent next to nothing,” she says. “I didn’t drink alcohol, I drank local fruit juices, used rickshaws to get around and ate cheaply.”
Alison, who has two children and a grandson, got an Indian SIM card for her mobile phone and kept in touch via email and texts.
“Living with a local family was a highlight,” says Alison. “It meant I was able to participate in experiences such as a ceremony to bless their son before he set off on a pilgrimage.”
