Friends of Sangam NZ
Friends of Sangam New Zealand is a voluntary group of people
interested in the future welfare of Sangam, spreading the Sangam Spirit,
and promoting International Friendships.
Welcome to the New
Zealand site for Friends of Sangam. Sangam is one of four World Centres
of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) - find
out more about Sangam here.
As Sangam is in the Asia Pacific Region, New Zealand has a very close association with the centre. Many New Zealand leaders have experienced the Sangam Spirit and want to support the centre, by making return visits to attend events or promoting the centre to others and undertaking fundraising ventures.
About Friends of Sangam New Zealand (FOS NZ)
Friends of Sangam International (FOSI) has many individual country groups including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, UK, USA, and New Zealand. The most important thing that FOSI members do is spread the word to others about going to Sangam and participating in events. By sharing the Sangam Spirit, returning to Sangam and sharing information with new visitors, FOSI members ensure that Sangam will be here for many years to come.
Friends of Sangam New Zealand (FOS NZ) was formed in 2008, with a committee spread throughout New Zealand. Most have been to Sangam, have a passion to return, and also wish to see others experience this amazing country and diverse culture. Like other Friends of Sangam groups, FOS NZ is 'committed to increasing interest, participation and enthusiasm for Sangam through promotion and attendance at events, and fundraising’.
The Committee
- Cheryl Watson (Chairperson) – Wellington
- Kylie Hall - Wellington
- Serena Smalley - Wellington
- Lynda Spittle - Christchurch
Newsletters
Snippets from the latest newsletter… March/April 2012
- How did YOU celebrate Sangam’s birthday?
- Read trip reports from Sangam’s 45th birthday event – Celebrate Our Centenary II.
- Check out what FOSNZ gave to Sangam as a 45th birthday present.
- Find out about our Guiding sisters in India and try out some of the games they play, in Sangelee’s Corner (for our younger members).
- plus much more – join now to get the news! Newsletters are only available to FOS NZ Members – join now!
Sangam Community Programme
Sangam offers two forms of the Community Programme, one spanning 12 weeks and the other 4 weeks. Both programmes offer the opportunity to volunteer with one of Sangam’s Community Partner organizations and live at Sangam in the company of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from across the world! Participants in this programme are known as “Tare”, after the Hindi word for “stars”.
The Sangam Community Programme takes you beyond everyday tourism. Gain a unique understanding of Indian culture by working in the local community. Live in a World Centre, connect with guests and volunteers from around the world, explore vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes and bustling cities, whilst knowing you have a home at Sangam.
During your time as a Tare you will:
MAKE A DIFFERENCE as you offer your skills for others
DISCOVER the culture and colours of India
DEVELOP new skills and experience in leadership and community action
LIVE with new friends from around the world
View more information here.
Download the 4 week application form here.
Download the 12 week application form here.
Download the reference form here.
Next 4 week intake closes 1 May 2012 (for 22 September - 22 October 2012).
Next 12 week intake closes 1 September 2012 (for 5 January - 30 March 2013).
Community Programme Volunteers
Sangam offers two forms of the Community Programme, one spanning 12 weeks and the other 4 weeks. Both programmes offer the opportunity to volunteer with one of Sangam’s Community Partner organisations and live at Sangam in the company of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from across the world! Participants in this programme are known as “Tare”, after the Hindi word for “stars”. The new 4-week programme is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a shorter volunteer experience – and age is no barrier!
The next intakes:
- 4 - Weeks (22 September - 22 October 2012) closes 1 May 2012
be at Sangam for Sangam’s Birthday!
- 12 - Weeks (5 January - 30 March 2013) closes 1 September 2012
Read more about what you will experience and how to apply on the Sangam website…
Remember that you can also apply for the Mona Burgin Scholarship to assist with funding to get there. The scholar Applicationsfor this scholarship close 31 May 2012.
Committee Chair
FOSNZ extends a BIG THANK YOU to Julie George, who has completed a three year appointment as FOSNZ Chair and is reluctantly stepping down from the role and the committee. Julie was instrumental and worked very hard with the committee to get a “friends” group established in New Zealand, including a challenge for all ages, an interest certificate for rangers and communications with FOSNZ members about Sangam. Julie will continue to stay involved with FOSNZ as a member and looks forward to returning to Sangam in the future. Cheryl Watson has taken over the position of FOSNZ Co-ordinator and chair of the FOSNZ committee.
Thanks also to Mary Dawson who is also stepping down from the committee; Mary has been involved with Sangam for many years and while she will no longer be on the committee she will continue to be a consultant and valuable resource for the committee.We are currently looking to filling the above committee vacancies and would particularly like to hear from any leaders in Upper North Zone and Central North Zone who have an interest in being involved with the committee in promoting and supporting the activities of Friends of Sangam NZ; contact Cheryl Watson on fosnz@petryl.gen.nz if interested.
Join FOSNZ
Become a member of Friends of Sangam NZ - PDF | Word
Join us on Facebook
Friends of Sangam Challenge
This Sangam Challenge encourages units to learn about Sangam World Centre by undertaking a series of activities relating to Sangam and the Indian culture. Leaders may purchase a special “Sangam Challenge” badge for each person once the challenge is completed. Click here for more information (for leaders only).
Sangam Interest Certificate
Find out more about the Sangam Interest Certificate for Rangers - PDF
