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WHY we need Volunteers In India
- India is one of the poorest countires in the world, with 2 thirds living in poverty.
- 68.8% of the population in India live on less than $2 a day.
- Over 800 million people in India are poor, with higher rates of poverty in rural areas.
- According to UNICEF, about 25% of children in India have no access to education, with higher rates of girls not attending school.
- 43% of childen under five years are underweight and around 61 million children are stunted due to malnutrition.
- Even though there is a law about no child labour under age 14, it's estimated by aid agencies, that there could be up to 65 million children aged 6-14 working.
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Not sure which program is right for you? Contact us for more info
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HOW can you help?
- Help on-going community and school based projects designed to help underprivileged families
- Help give an education to poor areas in Goa, Udaipur or Sikkim
- Teach English, help at the special needs school, or teach on basic nutrition
- There are multiple areas you can get involed in!
WHAT you can do?
- Assist in slum outreach and teach English, inspiring the children to gain an education
- Educate children and adults on diet, basic first aid and personal hygeine
- Teach at kindergartens, schools and special needs centres
- Work on women empowerment programs and inspire the local women!
- Use songs, dance, music, creative activites and more to encourage conversational skills in English
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 33 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: EDUCATION & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
LOCATION: GOA, UDAIPUR & SIKKIM
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
Rajasthan,
Goa & Sikkim
- Cultural Orientation Weeks
- Community Support & Education
- Animal Welfare Goa
- Community Construction Goa
- Cultural Orientation Week Goa
- English Teaching Sikkim
All prices in USD
- 1 Week - $275
- 2 Weeks - $445
- 3 Weeks - $655
- 1 Month - $865
- 2 Months - $1795
- 3 Months - $2695
Vol House
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Airport Pickup
- Local Transportation
- 1 Day Orientation
- 24/7 In-Country Support
- Project Materials & Equipment
- Pre-departure Expert Advice
- Preperation Tools & Checklists
- Certificate of Completion
- US$275 application fee applies in addition to program fees
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card fees included in below pricing 🙂
Overview
Volunteers are needed to support various on-going community and school based projects designed to help underprivileged families and communities in various parts of India. Depending on your preference you may choose between with Goa, Udaipur or Sikkim. Here you will be encouraged to be creative and apply your specific passions such as art, music, dance etc to help intercultural learning and interaction with people from all walks of life.
The projects are designed to provide basic informal education and life skills through teaching subjects such as English, maths, science, geography, hygienic standards and behavior skills etc. There is a wide range of projects to be involved with. You can choose from the below options.
All projects are centered around education mainly english language skills for underprivileged children of the local community who cannot afford to get good quality education. Volunteers will work as an assistant to a teacher with whatever skills you may have. You’ll be surprised what skills you never new you had! You will make an important contribution by improving students’ spoken English, Mathematics, Geography, Science and other subjects in the school curriculum. It is an experience and memories neither you nor they will ever forget.
Location
Goa, Kerala
The beach goers destination with the right mix of infrastructure and order coupled with that crazy un-ordered Indian charm. Goa is a really fun destination, with plenty of party goers and a relaxed funky vibe great for the free spirited types who want a more ‘westernized’ taste of India!
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur is commonly called the Venice of the East and nicknamed ‘the city of lakes’ is located in the state of Rajasthan. Primarily known for its art and architecture, it has temples dating as far back as 950 AD and palaces dating back to the Rajput era. The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) located in the middle of Pichola Lake is an architectural and cultural marvel. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above enhances the beauty of this magnificent city. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings and perfect for those who want to experience the history and culture while volunteering in India.
Sikkim, Bihar
Sikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Spectacular scenery coupled with buddhist monasteries are the highlight of this fascinating region. Our projects here are in the early days of development so volunteers in Sikkim looking for off the beaten track should choose this option.
Project Tasks
- Slum Outreach (Goa)
The project focuses on teaching underprivileged children from slums, whose parents cannot afford to send to school. The main aim is to interact with children using games and activities to try and instill the importance of academics. - Woman’s shelter (Goa)
Help women and young girls from broken families. Aged between 10 and 33 years old, you’ll help teach the girls English in fun and interesting ways. The cultural exchange and interaction provides the girls & women with much needed confidence and exposure to new ways of thinking to break old habits and form new opportunities to better their lives. - Old age Home (Goa)
Give back to the over 50 year old’s. They love to laugh and spend time talking about life and experience alternative viewpoints. - Kindergarten Teaching (Goa, Updaipur, Sikkim)
Coordinate with qualified teachers and assist them in various tasks in education combined with syllabus and curriculum in English. It can be nice to bring presents with you for students. In our experience, the students are less interested in toys (some typical toys of your country might be interesting), but pictures of your family/house/pets are always well received. - Primary School Teaching (Goa, Udaipur, Sikkim)
These schools accept a non-formal approach to teaching and also followed partly with a curriculum. This means that we will not have to conform to the local Indian teaching methods or style, but everyone will be free to choose their own way of teaching and may bring their own ideas into class. The subjects to be taught can alter, depending on current activities in the schools which might include, for example, environmental issues or geography. - Special Needs Teaching (Udaipur)
In the schools for the mentally challenged and hearing impaired, you’ll create an atmosphere conducive to learning and growth in which you can teach and interact these beautiful children under qualified supervision from regular teachers. Communicate with students using very basic sign language and through activities which will help them understand their subject matter better.
Food & Accommodation
In Udaipur, the volunteer center is located five kilometers from the heart of Udaipur’s where you’ll find all the standard things like ATM’s, gyms, shops etc, a mini library where you can read, a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow volunteers. The house is equipped with all standard western style amenities (eg. Fridge, running water, Wifi toilets etc). Please note the quality of Wi-Fi will be slower than you’re used to! Basic Amenities include 4-6 persons p/room, Wifi in public areas, laundry facilities (at a small fee), safety deposit box, lockable rooms, hot showers, private bathroom, bed linen provided, bring your own towel.
The Goa Volunteer center is a large western style house with a lovely garden and large outdoor area. The house features and hot water (solar powered), WiFi, dining room, mini library and travel desk, lounge areas, television with satellite connection, safety lockers and lockable rooms, fridge and western style toilets and purified water. Bed linen is provided, however you should bring your own towel. You’ll be sharing a room with max of 4-6 volunteers at any one time in single gender rooms. You can wash your clothes by hand otherwise there is laundry services available for an additional fee. The center is located located about 1 hour from the airport and about a 15 min walk to the nearest supermarket with ATM and personal SIM card for additional Wifi if desired as the quality of internet is not the greatest! The closest city is Mapusa.
In Sikkim, you will stay either at a monastery or close by in our volunteer centre. Spectacular scenery surrounds the Buddhist monasteries and you will see some incredible views from your accomodation! Please note, this project is in the early stages so please contact us for more details.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.
Testimonials...
"On our first visit to the school the entire school greeted us at the gates. The children placed flower wreathes around our necks and performed a Hindu blessing. As we walked through the entrance the school children showered us with flower petals and then performed a series of native hindu and Indian songs and greetings. We were completely blown away….."
"I used my lengthy nursing background and training to diagnose and treat some basic conditions but had to refer some serious conditions to the local doctors as it was the right thing to do for the patient. Dhirendra got us more of the medicine we needed and we were able to service several villages."
"my very favourite was volunteering with the absolute cutest children and seeing their smiling faces every day. I will miss those little monkeys. Goodbye crazy, beautiful, frustrating and inspiring India. I have learnt a whole lot of patience from you and you will be missed!"
"The project was seriously amazing, the amount of diversity with the activities was totally unexpected and made the experience ten times better than I would have ever imagined!……Seriously know that I’ll be heading back to the Bodhgaya project at some point in my life."
"I can honestly say that volunteering with IVI has been the best experience! That’s why I decided to do a second IVI program this year, I have absolutely no regrets and wouldn’t change a thing. It was amazing living with the friendly locals in their simplistic (very hot) lifestyle."
"My volunteer placement in Bodhgaya was a profoundly rich experience, which I’m quite sure has altered my path in life to align more closely with my soul’s purpose. I spent a lot of time with the kids at the school, and I am indebted to them for opening my heart. It is incredibly humbling, rewarding and inspiring to see how easy it can be to make a difference to the lives of people who deserve it."
"I cannot put into words my experience here, the children, the villages, the people, the staff are some of the best people I have met in my life so far. I am very sad to be leaving, as I’m sure everyone is. I hope to return sometime next year if my circumstances allow me too. This place will always hold a special place in my heart and I would recommend it to everyone I meet."
"To everyone who has helped me to raise an incredible £540…The children of Bihar say THANK YOU! After intense effort, Bolibigar Village now has a fixed roof, electrical lights and fans in the classroom. In the next few days they will be getting a fence, gate and cover for the well."
"I’m truly thankful for the past two months I’ve spent in this special country. I’ve met so many beautiful and inspiring people and have been exposed to a completely different way of living and have seen a completely different appreciation for life. I will cherish the memories, the friends and all the unconditional love and smiles I received"
"The entire team at Bodhi Tree were incredibly friendly and supportive and overall so kind to us during our stay. Everyone involved from Monika, Dhirendra, Khan and Ramesh at the volunteer centre to all the teachers at the school, were incredible in giving us such a wonderful experience."
"I had some great opportunities during my stay. I spoke to the Commander of a local military unit about the nutritional requirements of his troops, after he expressed his concerns with their weight gain. I was involved in facilitating intercultural discussions around women’s empowerment and the importance of education with local university students. And I was able to help out with the women’s empowerment and disabled student projects that the school was running as well."
"I can say I have found my Enlightenment through my own battles and suffering, through the eyes of people who have nothing but have everything at the same time, through helping others, by taking nothing for granted"
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FAQ...
Anyone seeking to experience first hand the richness of Indian community spirit while offering services to those in need. This project would suit anyone willing to put themselves out their comfort zone, to interact with the community with a caring and understanding nature. The projects here are truly rewarding.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Your program includes a 1 day orientation. This is an important day to help you become familiar with your surroundings, as well as learning about the local customs, culture and surroundings.
Typical Orientation Day Includes:
- Introduction meeting, General rules, Setting Expectations, Advice on Health and Safety and insuring you have all your documents.
- Indian Do’s and Don’ts, Cultural introduction, learning about the countries history
- Tour around the accommodation and local area.
Airport pick-up is included in the volunteering cost unless specified.This may involve either a local pick-up by your volunteer host or a public transport ticket where necessary. These details will be finalised with you upon making a booking as this will depend on your arrival information.
Each day can be different and depends on your skills/ where you would like to be working. You can volunteer at schools or out in the community. It’s really up to you to decide where you would feel most comfortable and could make the biggest impact.
Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our ground operators will help you organise additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency. As a volunteer you will gain access to local knowledge, opportunities and value you simply would not find if staying as a standard tourist.
No extra requirements for this program.
India is an eclectic and intoxicating cultural experience like no other! Home of the famous Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, the sacred Ganges river, and over 1 billion people of varying languages, cultures and beleifs, India is sure to push you to the boundaries of your comfort zone.
IVI is focused on establishing sustainable employment and education through volunteering efforts in India. Children in some of the regions we service have not had basic nutritional background. Over 950,000 newborns per year in India die from infections. Education about health for families provides a strong foundation for self-care in the communities we service in India.
India’s climte ranges from tropical down south to alpine up in the northern mountain regions.
From April until the start of October is summer, and in most places in India, is very hot. In June the monsoon rains start in Kerala down south, and move inland. Further north and in the rural areas of Rajasthan, it can get pretty cold from December to January- sometimes as low at minus 5 degrees!
Be prepared for some hot temperatures but if in the Sikkim region, bring along some warmer clothing as it can get cold in the mountains.
India is a country FULL of culture! From the beautiful colours, different religions, ancient traditions and the smells of spices- India is a country like no other. It’s the the second most populous nation after China, with over 1.2 billion people.
The most prominant religions are Hinduism and Buddhism and around 13% of the popualrtion are Muslim. Because there are so many religions, India celebrates a large number of festivals throughout the year. Some of these include Diwali, Holi, Eid and Good Friday.
In India, the cow is considered to be a Holy animal and you will see cars either driving around, or simply waiting if a cow is in the road holding up traffic! In some parts of India it is forbidden to eat meat or drink alcohol.
You will see many temples in India, as well as colourful clothing, particually the sari’s that the local women wear, and many cultural dance shows and activities.
33 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Weekends & Extra Tours
One of the most visited places in India, the Taj Mahal is absolutely stunning in person and a must do when visiting the country!
Amber Fort, situated within the 'golden triangle' is a 16th-century palace, with a mix of Hindu and Muslim patterns. The temple is very pretty with many intricate carvings and statues.
The Red Fort was home to royal Mughal emperors from around 1648 to 1857. The fort has some incredible architecture and is built from red sandstone.
For those that love the beach, why not pick one of our Goa projects? The town has a relaxed vibe, with many beach huts and a good nightlife.
If you want to head down south, try a visit to the beautiful Kerala region. The palm tree lined backwaters are stunning at sunrise and sunset.
All over India you will find markets of all kinds, food, spices, tourist and craft markets. Find some local produce or quirky gifts for back home.
If you are situated up north, then you must check out the Himalayan mountains. The sights are incredible!
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Ready to Volunteer in India?
APPLY NOW
Ready to Volunteer abroad? Complete your application in about 5 min
NEED MORE INFO?
Not sure which program is right for you? Contact us for more info
SCHEDULE A CALL
Let's talk about it! Schedule your preferred time and date.
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