Location
Located in the Northwestern foothills of the Himalayas, this is one of India's most amazing and beautiful locations for tourists and locals alike. The Himalayan mountains make up the world's tallest mountain range. Despite its height, they are the youngest mountain range. These mountains are home to a range of rare animals, lush vegetation, and exotic cultures. We have organized projects with several schools and anganwadis (comunities) in the area and we welcome international volunteers!
About the project
This volunteer program is comprised of two projects: the teaching project and the orphanage project, both of which rely heavily on the support of international volunteers for full functionality. Indian orphanages have a chronic shortage of funding, resources, and staff. Volunteers are crucial in creating a happy, fun, and safe environment in the orphanage and school. Our volunteer program has forged a strong relationship with several primary, secondary, and high schools in the area. Volunteers work with children anywhere from age seven to age 18, (Kindergarden placements are also possible).
Volunteer work and contribution
Teaching Project: We work with several schools in Shimla and its immediate surrounding regions. Volunteers are needed to teach English and sports to the school children. Volunteers also assist teachers in the classroom and with lesson planning.
The teaching program works on two levels; primarily the teaching programs is intended to provide aid, in the form of education, to children living in rural India. Additionally, the program is meant to expose and familiarize volunteers with the Indian schooling system and forge relationships with Indian teachers and students. Volunteers can expect to:
- Teach English, arts and crafts, hockey, cricket and athletics
- Motivate the children to learn
- Encourage healthy social habits & etiquette among the children
- Teach the importance of personal hygiene
- Play with the children
- Assist teachers in making lesson plans
- Promote environmental awareness
- Teach song and dance to children
Orphanage Project: Indian orphanages have a chronic shortage of funding, resources, and staff. Volunteers are crucial in creating a happy, fun, and safe environment in the orphanage. Most orphanages in India have constructed schools on their grounds. The school is also open for impovershed families. In addition to schooling, the orphanage provides housing, food and teaching materials to the children.
In cooperation of our own full time coordinator we will create each week a special program for all people involved in this initiative. Activities will include a combination of:
- Informal English Teaching Activities
- Creating activities for the students including workshops for cultural exchange
- Arts & Crafts
- Sports after classes
- Environmental awareness activities (Clean Up the World)
- Basic construction to improve the children's livelihood
Accommodation
Accommodation for this project will be at home-stays with local families, who are happy to welcome international volunteers. 2-3 Volutneers will stay in shared rooms, and be provided with 3 meals per day from their hosts.
Travel Highlights
Although Shimla and its surrounding areas are stricken with poverty, they also have much to offer such as the many tourist attractions found in Shimla. Shimla is a beautiful hill-town surrounded by lush pine and deodar forests. Shimla is known around India as the ultimate summer retreat. It is ideal for adventure sports like skiing at Narkanda, trout fishing along the Pabbar river, or golfing at Naldehra. One can purchase dry fruits, medicinal herbs, exotic hats, and beautiful handcrafted garments, textiles, and other handicrafts goods at the Bazaar. Beyond Shimla, India has endless places to explore. India is an up and coming tourist destination; Why not marvel at the Taj Mahal, trek through the Thar desert, or explore the Mysore Palace. The opportunities are endless!
Minimum Requirements
- Basic Level of English
- 18 years or older
- Desire to experience new cultures
- Motivated
- High level of independence
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)