Orphanage Assistance in India

  India

Delhi,  Mumbai,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: World Endeavors offers several enriching volunteer programs across India in both urban and rural areas. These projects provide a culturally-immersive experience while allowing volunteers to make a meaningful contribution to the Indian people. One of these projects allows volunteers to assist children in local orphanages.

Orphans are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. Through education and compassion, children are empowered to challenge a life of further poverty and exploitation. World Endeavors volunteers provide basic daily care for the orphans and are also encouraged to actively participate in programs such as health education, games, drawing, and painting. With such a variety of ways to participate, the orphanage experience provides volunteers many meaningful ways to approach service.

Highlights: Language and Culture Orientation

After World Endeavors participants are met at the airport, an orientation is provided that familiarizes participants with the basics of the culture, etiquette and ethics of India. The session includes an overview of the history, arts, food and culture of India.

After orientation, participants are taken to their accommodations and projects where they will begin their volunteer placement. Traditional Indian food is included twice a day, in the morning and the evening.

Volunteering in India is both challenging and rewarding. Initial culture shock is a common phenomenon, yet most participants find that making friends in India is quite easy. During the busy season (June-August) participants may be placed in close proximity to other volunteers. There is free time on the weekends for traveling and exploring the area.

Volunteers are not required to be fluent in any of the Indian languages as English is the Lingua Franca of India. It is widely spoken and understood by most Indians. This will be useful to volunteers when interacting with people in the local community. However, making an effort to learn even a few phrases of the local language(s) is greatly appreciated and is sure to come in handy.

India is a land of contrasts. The vast snow clad Himalayas rear behind the rich fertile Gangetic plains. There are the arid desserts of Koteshwar on the western edge of the subcontinent, and the virgin, verdant rainforests of the Kivithoo on the eastern tip of India. There is the spectacular sunrise in the Kashmir valley in the north and the mesmerizing sunset at Land's End in Kanyakimari. Add to the abundant geographical diversity, the rich diversity of the people and the culture, with six major religions, 18 major languages, and numerous racial and ethnic groups, and it would seem that India is more like a dozen distinct countries instead of the second most populous nation in the world.

Qualifications:
Applicants should have
* A desire to help the people and environment of India
* Flexibility
* Self-motivation
* An openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn

Cost in US$: Please visit the World Endeavors website.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: World Endeavors volunteers are people from all backgrounds who are looking for a life-changing experience abroad. Our participants are of all ages and come from countries around the world. We seek to match volunteers to projects that best suit their interests and abilities in order to maximize their experience and their impact on their project.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

World Endeavors's Mission Statement: World Endeavors is a provider of unique international volunteer, internship, and study programs. Our mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs.