Volunteer in India

  India

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work with disadvantaged communities in Kolkata, India. Volunteers can work in a variety of projects around the city.

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. The city has a population of almost 5 million, with an extended metropolitan population of over 14 million, making it the third-largest urban agglomeration and the fourth-largest city in India.

There is a one month minimum set for the program. The program starts on the first of the month so you will need to arrive in Kolkata before this date. You will be placed where your skills are most suited. You will have the opportunity to look at the available options during the training program and make a final decision in consultation with our partner organization. Due to the nature of the situation, projects will start and end at different times so there can be no specific guidelines as to what project you will work in until you arrive. An orientation and training will take place upon arrival and you will be placed according to the current needs and requirements, with consideration of your skills and background.

The types of programs you could be involved with include:

Teaching: Volunteers can work teaching English, arts, crafts, music, drama and games to various disadvantaged groups.

Disabled Children's Programs: These projects may involve working with both disadvantaged and disabled children. Volunteers help care for the children and help with rehabilitation and alternative schooling. There is also scope for specialist programs for qualified volunteers in counseling, medical care, physiotherapy and speech therapy.

Working in Homes for the Elderly: Here volunteers will help take care of elderly residents which includes helping out with meals and bathing, and also with providing companionship.

Women's Development: Volunteers can help with vocational training and budgeting. Here volunteers can also participate in the teaching programs.

Environmental and Waste Management: Volunteers can help with basic water and sanitation services for the disadvantaged. Please note that this program is out of the city.

Medical: Suitably qualified volunteers (doctors and nurses) can work with AID's victims and those suffering other serious medical conditions.

Small Enterprise: Volunteers can help with design, quality control, and researching sustainable businesses.

Office Work: Suitably qualified volunteers can help out with marketing strategies, human resources and managing projects.

Qualifications: Program Requirements

As a volunteer in India you must:

    * be at least 18 years of age - the upper age limit is 60
    * be in good health
    * be a native speaker of English (fluent)
    * be enthusiastic
    * have cultural sensitivity and respect

Cost in US$: See website

Experience Required: no

Age Range: At least 18 years of age

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000