"My desire to help others is fulfilled
through Global Volunteers"

My name is Raja Stephen Chinnappan and I am the India Country Manager for Global Volunteers. I was born in Bangalore, India, and am one of three children born to my parents. I have one brother and one sister.

In December of 2004 I was married to a wonderful woman named Sheeba and in July of 2008 we welcomed our first child, a boy who we named Roshan Emmanuel.

Growing up, I enjoyed drawing, playing chess and cricket. I also enjoyed watching television and listening to film music. From first grade to twelfth grade, I attended the Army school in Bangalore. I received my bachelor's degree in commerce at Loyola College in Chennai.

I became aware of Global Volunteers through the travel industry. I was very appreciative of the good work they were doing for the children, and I was interested in doing some social work myself. By the grace of God I got involved with this wonderful organization and, to this day, I really love what I do.

It is really important to me that I spend time with the children at the orphanage, because they need adult companionship so badly. It makes me happy to see the love that the volunteers share with the children although I know it is equally important that they teach, inspire and motivate them to learn more. In addition, because of all the people who volunteer to come to India, we are now in the process of constructing a new school bulding. All of these things are so important to insure that the children of the orphanage can have a bright future.

My job also gives me the opportunity to meet the volunteers, as they are good people from around the world, who have a common goal to serve others. I wish that more people would know the deep committment of Global Volunteers to wage peace and justice in the world. Their committment has led to the lasting impression of hundreds and thousands of people around the world. I believe it is possible for people to develop a very good relationship across many cultures and live in peace in this world while helping others in some way or the other.

I work at Global Volunteers because it is soul-fulfilling and my desire to help others is fulfilled through the work we all do.

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, listening to film music, and simply spending time with my family and friends.

A favorite quote is:

"Life is a struggle in this world, but by the grace of God it is made beautiful."