Announcing: Humanist Scholarship to India!

The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard University is delighted to announce a new scholarship that will sponsor one or two North American students for independent travel to India for 3 to 4 weeks this Winter, to work with humanitarian and Humanist organizations. S

The scholarship recipient(s) would receive a full transportation grant from anywhere in the continental United States or Canada to one or more of the selected sites for humanitarian work in India (see below).

SITES (scholarship recipients will be required to spend three weeks volunteering at one or two of the sites below):

• One or more schools associated with The Atheist Centre in Vijayawada, in Andhra Pradesh, India. Atheist Centre is a social change institution founded in 1940, which currently maintains a wide range of programs in fields including the removal of untouchability and Caste; promotion of ecology and environmentalism; secular and Humanist education; sex education and family planning; secular social work and comprehensive rural development; and irradication of the “Jogini” social system which exploits poor, untouchable women.

• The School for Humanitarian Thoughts and Practice in Kurukshetra, approximately three hours from New Delhi. This is a Humanist school for 40 orphans, former street children, and survivors of the Kashmir earthquake. The mission of the school is to spread secular and rational education and develop scientific tempre among global people so that a sane, healthy, war-free, nonviolent and just social order can be evolved. School programs include the usual elementary and grammar school-level curricular subjects, including English.

• The Gignyasa School in Hyderabad (Capitol of the Andhra Pradesh State). Gignyasa, which means “spirit of inquiry” or “thirst for knowledge” is a Humanist elementary-middle school with a mixed curriculum. Foreign volunteers regularly work at the school, with responsibilities including teaching, organizing events for students - camps, excursions. Teachers and volunteers sometimes attend training programmes, exposure visits, and conferences, in coordination with Resource Institutions, administrators in the Government and community leaders.

EXPECTATIONS for scholarship recipients: teaching English and any other area of special knowledge the recipient is able convey.

Requirements: Excellent English skills; good diction is also important for teaching. Interest in improving society through the educational system. Good health status. Interest in working with teams of people. Simple living habits or the ability to adjust well to them for a few weeks.

Description of accommodations: Simple accommodation (a single room) with one of the Centres above or with a host family is arranged. Simple vegetarian food will be provided.

Additional travel in India: After 3 weeks of volunteering at one or two of the sites above, grant recipients would be eligible to spend an additional week traveling on their own in India.

Female students and students of color are particularly encouraged to apply for scholarships as part of the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard University’s efforts to create an inclusive and diverse Humanist community. Applicants should inform us of any significant disablilties so we can determine which site might be most accommodating.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS consists of a short essay– no more than 500 words– on why the applicant is interested in this scholarship. It is suggested, but not required, that essays would focus on one of the following topics:

*Humanism and humanitarian work
*Humanism and India
*Humanism and education

Essays should discuss Humanism in terms of the American Humanist Association’s definition: “Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.”

Those selected as finalists will then be granted an interview, in person or by telephone if necessary.

Applications will be selected and reviewed on a “rolling” basis. Only Harvard University students will be permitted to apply until November 21, 2007. On that date, if one or both scholarships remains unfilled, students from any North American College or University may apply.

Application essays must be sent by email to thenewhumanism@gmail.com. The email should include three attached files: the essay of up to 500 words; a biographical sketch of the applicant of 200-500 words or a resume or CV; and a digital photo of the applicant that could be used for publication.

**Scholarships may be offered for Summer 2008 as well. Those interested may apply now, however awards for summer travel will not be made until February-March 2008.

RISKS: Travel in India involves risks that are typical of travel in many developing nations, including risks relating to poor sanitation, disease, and ill-maintained travel facilities and other infrastructure. Scholarships will be provided only once an applicant has consulted with his or her doctor to confirm that the applicant is physically fit to travel to India and has all necessary vaccinations. The Chaplaincy assumes no responsibility for any illness, injury, or other harm suffered by any scholarship recipient.

LIABILITY: The Chaplaincy does not assume any responsibility for any action or omission of any institution in India with which a scholarship receipient works or any other person in India or for any airline or other travel provider.

*The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard extends very special thanks to The Roxbury Foundation for providing funding and support for these scholarships.