Volunteer With Us

Dalit Solidarity is  very grateful for three premed students, Claudio Ordonez, Tommy Tu and Jon Patel from Baylor University and one more, Vikram Patel who volunteered to come St. Mary’s Health Center, Odiayathur and St. Patrick’s Academy for a ten-days trip. They wanted to have an exposure of our Indian Health System, culture and history. Leenus Thiag, a staff-nurse from North Carolina supported their initiative with all logistics and program. 

The volunteers were very much taken up by the exceptional welcoming celebration given by the clinic staff in the middle of the night when they arrived. It was such a unique experience to have a group of people who hardly know them be so welcoming and loving to their home. Both our clinic and school staff have done amazing job with the volunteers in helping them out in conducting medical camps in five villages and in visiting two schools. Jon Patel, the leader of the team said that this trip is something that each one of them will carry for the rest of their lives. Seeing patients with a variety of diseases and malnutrition re-opened their understanding of how privileged they are today. The medical camps gave them an understanding of the living conditions of the rural communities. Although many lived in poverty, they are very happy families with cheers and smiles. They learnt so much about the Indian healthcare systems and operations, even having firsthand experience in an orthopedic operating room. Visit to the leprosy clinic was something that they team would never forget. It was very touching and emotional moment for them. Their visit to our school children was something that they will cherish forever. This was the most rewarding experience as they felt. Arriving at St. Patrick’s Academy was truly magical for them. They were welcomed by kids in green uniforms with their smiling faces. 

Besides visit to the hospital and schools, the volunteers also visited cultural and historical sites in both Tamilnadu and Pondicherry.  Overall, the entire trip was with something unique, life-changing and learning experience for which the volunteers expressed deep appreciation to our Indian staff. Thanks a lot for the volunteers! Read their testimonials below.