Teaching

Educational projects can be very rewarding for volunteers who love working with children.

As a volunteer you will help the educational development of students and young people within the local communities. The focus is on English, maths and enhancing creativity. The schools we work with are generally overcrowded and under staffed so as a volunteer you’ll be able to give the children much-needed attention.

Your daily activities can include:
Bridging lessons for slow learners and those with poor attendance, work with children of migrant communities and from child labour backgrounds, Encouraging a playful environment through painting, playing games, singing and other creative activities, teaching basic hygiene awareness, help and initiative to develop affordable teaching resources, cooperate with local doctors to encourage student health checks.

There will also be opportunities to organise extra curricular activities, from arts and crafts, dance and music, to sports days and football matches.

We like our teaching volunteers to have had some experience of working with children. And if you’re interested in developing your teaching skills before you go, why not sign up to an online TEFL course through BUNAC?

Regions available:
Rajasthan, Himachal and Goa.

Work with Children

If you’re keen to work with children then Volunteer India offers plenty of opportunities.

Early childhood care and education is an area of critical need in rural areas and we are seeking volunteers who have the necessary enthusiasm and skill to support local child care centres.

There are a variety of roles which can include:
Developing attendance, general care of the children including feeding and food preparation, vaccinations and health checks, creative and educational play, ongoing survey and health check of pregnant women and new born babies.

You will be working with children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds so the extra care and attention offered by volunteers is highly appreciated by the staff, children and community alike.

Regions available:
Himachal and Goa.

Community Development

Women’s Empowerment

As in many countries around the world, Indian women often suffer from disproportionate education and employment opportunities.

Volunteers' presence alone helps to motivate the women and young girls who attend the centre. You will provide conversational English classes and computer lessons to adolescent girls and mature women who have not had the opportunity to learn these basic skills. Teaching and mentoring efforts will help to improve their confidence and self-esteem, increasing their sense of independence and personal fulfilment and improving their chances of finding employment.

To volunteer in this type of project you need good communication skills and a genuine interest in preventing the spread of the disease. If you’re more interested in care and social work, see the ‘Care Work’ section for a summary of projects available.

Regions available:
Rajasthan and Himachal.

Special Needs Education

If you’ve got experience in working with special needs children then you might be interested in this unique project.

Volunteers work alongside existing staff to provide care and support to approximately 20 mentally challenged children. The schools are generally understaffed and your participation will allow more time to be devoted to each student.

Tasks include:
Assisting the teachers in general classroom duties, helping students with their assignments, organising educational activities, visiting student’s homes to encourage greater understanding and support from family members.

Regions available:
Himachal and Goa.

HIV/AIDS Awareness & Care Work

Shelter for HIV/AIDS affected patients

BUNAC volunteers can get involved with raising awareness of the problem and caring for people living with the disease.

The project is located in the Community Care and Support Centre (CCSO) which acts as a bridge between health care institutions and patient’s families to create awareness in the community. Volunteers are needed to help care for the patients who have often been left out of the social circle due to their condition.

As a volunteer, your role could include the following:
Assisting the local nurses, providing support and everyday care to patients, helping the resident children with play, study and general daily activities, contributing to the maintenance and decoration of the centre, undertaking small scale awareness programmes in the local communities.

Regions available:
Goa.

Rajasthan (September to March)

The north-western state of Rajasthan is well known for its rich history and colourful culture.

As a result it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. If you fancy exploring India during or after your programme Rajasthan is a great place to start.

Projects available:
Teaching, Work with Children, Community Development.

Himachal Pradesh (March to December)

Projects are based around the regionally important town of Palampur in the Himalayan region Himachal Pradesh.

The 'volunteer base' is located approximately 30 kms from Dharamsala, the capital of the exiled Tibetan government and centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture, adding another cultural dimension to the numerous opportunities that Himachal projects offer.

Projects available:
Teaching, Work with Children, Community Development, Special Needs Education.

Goa (All year round)

This former Portuguese colony is one of India’s most well known beach destinations, offering a distinct cultural experience developed around fine sandy beaches, music, food and climate.

Volunteers are based near Colva. In the colonial days the region used to be the retreat for Margao's high society who would come to Colva for their ‘Mundanca’ or change of air. If you want to volunteer hard during the week and kick-back at the weekends this location could be ideal.

Projects available:
Teaching, Work with Children, HIV/AIDS Awareness & Care Work, Special Needs.