This summer, Lancashire East Rangers journeyed across the globe to visit the WAGGGS World Centre in Sangam for the Brave Spaces event. This special event focuses on participation in a Community Action Project, working with one of Sangam’s community partner organisations. The group also embarked on a vibrant cultural adventure across India, embracing their customs, architecture and rich history. Learn about Lancashire East Rangers’ eye-opening trip to India!
From Idea to India
The idea for the trip came from the group leader, Hazel, who runs a Rangers unit for girls aged 14–17. These girls had been brave enough to put themselves forward for a selection process to go on international trips organised by the county, where participants take long-haul journeys to places such as Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, and Japan, visit animal sanctuaries, and take part in voluntary work.
One of the girls from the unit wasn’t selected and was negatively affected by this, so Hazel felt that the group should still have the opportunity to go on a life-changing trip. She suggested a destination that was on par with what the county offered. They decided to go to the WAGGGS World Centre in Sangam, India, as they wanted to include an element of service, which appealed to the group. Girls who visit the Centre also earn an exclusive special badge only available there, and participants can then apply for Girlguiding grants if they take part in these voluntary events.
Funds, Funds, Funds!
Then the two-year fundraising efforts began! The group needed funds that contributed to a large contingency pot and individual meals and items once out on the trip, so they came up with fun and creative ways to increase their finances.
The group devised a challenge badge to sell to Girl Guiding and Scouting units and advertised on Facebook groups. To receive the badge, units had to participate in the ‘ele-funtastic challenge’, which consisted of fun games and challenges. The group also went to different units for activity evenings, craft fairs, Vinted sales and local second-hand clothing stalls and set up a Just Giving page. The girls also had to take part in individual fundraising efforts to contribute to their own costs.
The journey begins!
After a long, fun two years of fundraising, they were finally on their journey to India! They started their trip with a walking tour of Mumbai, where they got to visit well-known filming locations for ‘Slumdog Millionaire, the Gateway of India, a museum full of ancient artefacts and one of the oldest flea markets in the world, the Crawford market.
Service and Adventure
On the third day, the group set off for the WAGGGS World Centre, Sangam, where they would stay for five days, contributing to community action projects, learning about global initiatives of Girlguiding and the Girl Scouts, and discovering the vibrant city of Pune. The group also had the opportunity to meet families in the nearby neighbourhood, enjoy meditation and art sessions, and learn Indian dancing.
The group visited a centre for young women and their children who had been abandoned, ostracised, or were victims of violence and had nowhere else to go. The girls learned that the centre provides education for the young children and teaches the women skills to gain employment. It also helps them access career pathways in healthcare or technology to support themselves in the future.
“It’s extremely humbling. You have an idea of what it’s going to be like, and you think you’ll be prepared for it. But what I wasn’t prepared for was how joyful everybody was, even in very difficult circumstances, and how welcomed we were.” Hazel said.
Another project the group took part in involved visiting an all-boys’ orphanage, with many of the children staying there as ‘passport children’, meaning that a parent had possibly passed away, and/or typically the father worked abroad and sent money home for their child to stay in the orphanage. The group learned about how these children live and study. The boys were taught in English, so the girls enjoyed taking part in fun activities and games with them, while sharing stories about life in the UK and America.
Other members of the group visited a girls’ orphanage in Pune, home to around 400 children. They were thrilled to see the visitors and welcomed them with open arms. Girlguiding is taught as part of the school’s curriculum, so it was inspiring to see the international impact of Girlguiding as the group met the leaders and members of the orphanage community.
It was a massive wake-up call to a few of them, some of the sites and sounds and the experiences will definitely live with people forever, it really does touch you. We all feel indelibly marked by our experiences there, and they have such positive outlooks [despite their situations].
Hazel
Exploring India’s Rich History and Culture
Once the group said goodbye to Sangam, they jetted off to the city of Agra, home to the mesmerising Taj Mahal, to explore the stunning architecture and history of India. The group were treated to a sunset tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, to see it in all its glory.
It was busy, but you didn’t feel crowded or imposed upon. It was breathtakingly beautiful and amazing when you’re there, and it’s set on the holy river Yamana. We could see across to the opposite bank, and we saw a GG group from Hertfordshire who had been at Sangam with us, and they were waving at us from the other side!
Hazel
On their final day, the next morning started with a guided tour of the Red Fort of Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of India’s finest Mughal fortresses. This magnificent structure dates back to 1080AD and has seen many battles and dynasties throughout its existence! The following day, the group stepped back in time to discover the great Mughal Empire and British Raj of India. Their expert guide led them on a journey through Old Delhi, where they got to see the old walled city and the wonderful structures that lie within. The unit hopped on a traditional rickshaw ride, exploring the city through the five senses as they made their way through maze-like streets. Later that afternoon, they traversed through New Delhi, witnessing imposing sites such as the Ghandi Smriti, a memorial house dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and where the father of India was assassinated and many more.
The lasting impact of Sangam
A trip to Sangam is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that opens the eyes of many girls to how others live around the world and the challenges they face day to day. It’s also a chance to connect with the wider Girlguiding and Scouting community. By visiting World Centres, you can meet groups from across the globe, create friendships, and unite for great causes.
It’s the immersive quality of experience you get at Sangam, with the activities and the visits and the little family link-ups that they organise. You do really feel like embraced by that local community, experiencing a day-to-day life that you wouldn’t get if you were staying in a hotel and sightseeing.
It was great. it’s a safe oasis in a big bustling city – the girls are free to roam around and get to know others there. They’ve genuinely made some lifelong bonds, and some are still in touch now! We’ve been invited over to Wisconsin, and we’ve made some really good friends out there.
Hazel
Sangam is the perfect World Centre to visit if participating in community action projects and embracing new cultures is important to your group. Taking young women and girls out of their comfort zones, whether through fundraising or visiting an orphanage in a rural area, can build confidence, resilience, and open-mindedness towards the wider world, offering experiences they may not gain through weekly meetings at home. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and experience life through a different lens, leaving a lasting impact for years to come.
Ready to start your own adventure?
Trips to WAGGGS World Centres like Sangam can show you how far Girlguiding can take you. From your weekly meetings to life-changing journeys across the world. If you’re dreaming of a big adventure, Venture Abroad can help make it happen!
