India
The world's largest democracy, India is also one of the world's oldest civilizations.
"So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked." - Mark Twain, from Following the Equator.
Its unique cultural heritage is everywhere in evidence. It is a predominately Hindu country, with social and religious structures that have survived centuries of outside influence.
India is also massively overpopulated (with about 1.05 billion people), and suffers from serious problems related to poverty and environmental degradation. Voluntary organisations play an important role in addressing these problems, and volunteers are always in demand. Placements are available in projects in various locations around India, including Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Ahmedabad, Pune and Patna.
Projects
Education/Teaching
There are 18 official languages in India. English is the most important language for business and politics, however it is not widely spoken among the poorer sections of society. Female education in particular remains a problem, with over half the female population unable to read and write. There are many opportunities for volunteers in schools around India to teach basic English in collaboration with the local English teacher to primary school children, secondary students and adult learners.
Sample Project:
Bharitiya Vidya Bhawan, New Delhi, is a secondary school with a section for children with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers can assist in teaching English in the secondary school or work with the children in the special needs school.
Sample Project:
Aksay Pratishthan, New Delhi, is a community based rehabilitation centre for people with disabilities. It aims to provide integrated education, medical care, vocational training and self-employment. Volunteers assist in providing vocational education in areas of arts and crafts, computers, weaving, textile design, and more.
Social Welfare Services
India is a highly populated country with enormous economic difficulties. Alleviating poverty, improving the welfare of the rural poor, and providing support and facilities for the most vulnerable in society are some of the areas needing immediate and ongoing attention. Voluntary organisations play an important role in this regard. There are volunteer placements available in orphanages, shelters for the homeless, centres for destitute women, old peoples' homes, and centres for the disabled.
Sample Project:
Delhi Council for Child Welfare,( DCCW ), New Delhi was established in 1952, to aid and assist children displaced during the Partition year. DCCW Orthopedic centre is one of the few of its kind, providing a range of services for both the physically challenged child and their parents. Starting with counselling for the child and the family and culminating with vocational training, it is the aim of the centre to enable the disabled child to overcome his disability.
Manav Sadna Kendra, Ahmedabad works in the slum mainly in the area of education, health and economic empowerment. It runs about ten – twelve activities under one roof.
Environment
Deforestation has become a serious problem all over the world. In India many organisation have come forward to combat this problem. Nature reserves and forest plantations have been developed to create general awareness of environmental issues. Volunteers do hands-on fieldwork, and also help the local staff by preparing educational aids on environmental educational programmes.
Sample Project:
The Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai, is today the largest non-government organisation (NGO) in the Indian sub-continent engaged in nature conservation research. In the 120 years of its existence, its commitment has been, and continues to be, the conservation of India's natural wealth, protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources for a balanced and healthy development for future generations.
Sample Project:
Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction, VIKSAT, Ahmedabad aims, through interaction of Government Organisation and People's Institutions, to promote and strengthen People's Institutions with active participation of men and women from all sections of the community for an equitable, gender sensitive, sustainable development and management of natural resources.
Arts and the Media
Media plays an important role in the development of rural India. It creates general awareness among the rural population and provides information about various developmental plans. It is very effective and motivating tool, with the power to make improvements in the lives of rural farmers.
Sample Project:
Activities at Education Media Research Centre, Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad are basically focused on education and research work related to media . There are also productions specially for people of rural India. Teams from such production houses visit villages, meets local people and records their true stories of success and benefits. Volunteers can join the local team for field visits as well as helping with in-house production activities
Programme details
Arrival and Orientation
Arriving at Delhi or Mumbai International Airport, you will be met by local staff and provided with overnight accommodations. The following day you will travel to the area where you will be based for your volunteer assignment.
During the first week you will become familiar with the local area and its culture. The orientation programme is organised by the local coordinator and will cover issues of Indian culture, people and society. You will stay with a host family with at least one member who speaks English. The host family provides all meals.
Accommodation
As a volunteer you can stay for total of 7 – 12 weeks. During your volunteer service you will have your own room in a furnished rented/paying guest accommodation near the project site. All meals are included in the programme fee.
You'll be invited to take part in organized weekend activities such as cooking classes on Indian cuisine, visits to places of local interest, and a cultural programme with local artists.
Requirements
Age: 18 +
Costs for 2010
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 7 weeks | US$ 2085 |
| 9 weeks | US$ 2275 |
| 12 weeks | US$ 2725 |
Please note, due to fluctuations in the exchange rate prices are given in US$. A price will be quoted in £ sterling on application.
What is included in the cost of the programme
- Information, preparation and support from the EIL UK office, including an interview prior to acceptance on the programme.
- Airport collection and one-week homestay.
- Orientation programme on arrival.
- Single room accommodation during volunteer placement.
- All meals for the duration of the programme.
- One night accommodation, if needed, on the day of arrival.
- Transportation from Delhi or Mumbai to orientation/homestay community.
- One half-day city tour during the orientation week
- One weekend trip and two weekend recreational activities during the volunteer placement.
- Donation to the host project.
What is not included in the cost of the programme
- International transportation.
- Health & accident insurance.
- Any kind of personal visit/expenses.
Stories
Photos and Videos
Photos:
Videos:
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