10 March 2025
By Millie Rodger
In my family the OSCAR foundation has always been a charity close to our hearts. My cousin, Amber volunteered in 2019 and my aunt, Jo Dunne has been supporting OSCAR for many year. It is safe to say that, although excited for the opportunity, I felt anxious of what was to come.
When I walked out of Mumbai airport I instantly sensed the chaos. Overstimulation is one word for it, although I can’t say it fully encompasses the extent of it. The nerves I had before boarding the plane were just as strong. I recall arriving at the hostel feeling very stressed. I was messaged my mum, who tried to reassure me that I would adjust quickly. I remember Lucinda giving me the advice to “jump right in” and involve myself in as many activities as possible. With spontaneity being the opposite of my usual approach to life, I vowed that my love for organisation and planning would have to be forgone!
After that first night I can say with certainty that all I felt was adoration and awe for the city and people surrounding me. Despite my initial concerns I very quickly assimilated into the new way of life. Crossing the roads became less treacherous and eating uttapam and dosa for breakfast became normal.
One of the first events I attended was the Mumbai marathon. It was an early wake up. Safe to say I wasn’t happy about that (Kumar can vouch). But it was a fabulous morning, filled with dancing and love as we supported all the people taking part in the marathon.
The OSCAR boat party was definitely the best evening. We got to dress up, get henna and wear bangles. Everybody was dancing and the fusion of English and Indian music was so much fun! I could have danced all night – the energy and happiness from everybody was contagious.
OSCAR Annual Football Day was an event where I feel everybody was united. To see all the different teams and players and their determination in the tournament was awesome to witness. My limited football skills meant I spent the day helping and managing the different teams on the pitch, but it was wonderful to watch and I truly enjoyed the day; everybody’s energy and the atmosphere made it a highlight for me.
The involvement with OSCAR’s ‘Enabling Change’ programme that supports children living with a disability was also an important and inspiring experience to be apart of. We learnt sign language, led games and played football with many children, who were all so excited for the opportunity.
Taking the overnight train to spend a few days in rural Karnataka was also an unforgettable experience. I think I got more mosquito bites over those five days than I have in my entire life! But nonetheless it was worth it, to see firsthand the culture and lifestyle and how it differed from Mumbai. The food we ate was unreal – definitely a highlight. But it was also such a rewarding time for all of us volunteers, to teach English and play football with children living in unimaginable conditions for us westerners. To be able to give back to the communities, spend time with the children and take lots of photos – it really was good fun.
Overall this experience has undoubtedly been eye-opening and inspiring, as I am sure it would be for anybody who chooses to volunteer in India with OSCAR. Seeing the power of OSCAR and the effect it has on each and every single child’s life is genuinely amazing. I have learnt how much of an impact we can all have and how so much of our lives and privilege is taken for granted. Every child, young leader and staff member are all so positive and it is so inspiring to see that constant energy and kindness.
On a more personal level, the importance of the experience is how much independence I have gained as a result of it. I am much more confident in myself and I feel the shaky nervous girl that I was at the start of the three weeks has dissipated almost entirely. And for that I have OSCAR to thank.
For more information on Volunteering for OSCAR click here: