Newcastle Sixth Form College student's volunteering trip of a lifetime

Aaron Wall recently travelled to Dervan, India, as a member of a team of volunteers for the Shri Vithalrao Joshi Charities Trust (SVJCT), a medical charity which established the first medical dispensary in the village of Walawalkar on the Western coast of India. 

Aaron, who studies A Levels at Newcastle Sixth Form College, became aware of the charity when dad John, who is a biomedical engineer, began travelling to India with the Trust to volunteer his time and skills to maintain and repair hospital medical equipment. 

Aaron and John recently spent two weeks in the village of Dervan working together at BKL Walawalkar Hospital, but Aaron also found himself teaching classes in the adjoining SVJCT School. 

Aaron said: “I really enjoyed my time in Walawalkar. I wasn’t expecting to end up teaching classes of seven and eight year olds, but it was such good fun, I enjoyed every minute. 

“The villagers were so welcoming and it was a fantastic opportunity to experience a different culture.”

Dad John said: "This really was a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Aaron in a rural, poverty stricken area of India. The chance to travel such a great distance to support these amazing people was very humbling and very rewarding. It will give Aaron a deeper understanding of the issues faced providing global healthcare solutions in remote areas and memories he will cherish for his entire life."