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The Center for Service & Learning India 2006 (The Inaugural Trip)
India 2006 was a half-block reality tour and work project in January 2006. Partnering with the Himalayan Light Foundation (HLF), a non-profit organization based in Nepal, trip participants installed a solar lighting system in a Tibetan refugee community in northern India. HLF installs subsidized solar-powered village light systems in rural communities throughout the Himalayan region. By providing renewable electric light, homes can limit the use of indoor fires for evening light, improving living conditions, health, and quality of life. HLF also installs solar systems for rural health clinics, allowing refrigeration for vaccines, and community centers and monasteries, improving the quality and access to education for children. You can find out more information about the Himalayan Light Foundation at www.hlf.org.np. Eight students were selected for India 2006. Participation included a semester-long on-campus orientation during the fall of 2005. The group met blockly with invited faculty, staff, and community speakers to build skills and awareness about the region and project. The group traveld together from Colorado Springs on December 28, 2005, returning January 20, 2006. On arrival, the Himalayan Light Foundation provided training on installing their solar systems, and an orientation to the community where participants will stay. HLF staff provided translators and porters as needed. Upon their return, trip participants organized an all-campus event second semester to share their experience with the CC community, and assisted the program recruiting and selecting the next team. |