Community Work in Rural Darjeeling, India

  India

Darjeeling

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: On this unique project set against the backdrop of the rolling Darjeeling hills, you'll see a beautiful country at its beautiful best. On a project which has all of us in the office checking flight times and digging out our rucksacks, you'll spend time in the shadow of the Himalayas becoming involved in a variety of work at a local tea plantation. You'll help to establish health and education programs for the workers while the green fingered amongst you can learn more about the agricultural processes used on the project. One thing is for sure though; even though you're in the countryside you won't be far from a cuppa.

*What does this community project do?
This is a varied project which gives you the flexibility to assist on one or a number of worthwhile community initiatives, while living in the fascinating surroundings of a tea estate near Darjeeling. There are three main areas of work at the project: education, health care, and agriculture, and it's your choice to get involved with one or more, depending on your preference.

Workers and their families live in villages scattered within the estates and the education and health programs offer assistance to the families living in this rural community. The health program was originally aimed at improving basic health and hygiene in the villages, and this has extended to pre and post-natal care as well as maternity nutrition. Paramedics conduct regular rounds of the village, promoting awareness of basic health issues and offering advice to families. There is more than one school in all the estates and one estate also has a computer school to assist traditional education, but there is an inadequate supply of teachers to maintain good standards of education. Volunteers who are interested in working with children can also assist with mother and baby care at local creches. For those who are interested in the agricultural workings of a tea estate, there is the opportunity to learn about pioneering biodynamic practices and get involved with activities like herb growing and composting.

*Why does this project need volunteers?
Historically, tea plantation workers have received low wages and lived in poor housing conditions, resulting in a prevalence of disease and low literacy rates. The projects at this tea estate are aimed at improving standards of health, hygiene and education in the surrounding villages, and you can contribute by bringing valuable native English skills and an extra pair of hands to help out with health and care work.

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Highlights:
* Getting under the skin of rural Darjeeling life - unique and fascinating
* Playing a part in the on-going development of the local community
* Watching the sunrise from Tiger Hill - a 'must do' for a weekend

As you admire the world-class sites set against the stunning backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan peaks, you'll try your hand at a wide range of activities.

The Tea Estates are located near the desirable tourist destination of Kurseong - a small town with internet cafes, restaurants and hotels, 30 kms outside of the bustling pace of Darjeeling. At a lower elevation than Darjeeling, Kurseong enjoys a more temperate climate and is surrounded by tranquil tea gardens and a wealth of flora.

Darjeeling boasts not-to-be-missed sites; from the renowned Yiga Choeling Monastery and the Natural History Museum, to its surrounding magnificent mountains of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Qualifications: The skills you need

This project requires commitment, initiative and a willingness to learn. If you're mature, open-minded and independent, this is the ideal trip for you, as you may not always be given a fixed timetable of activities and will be expected to be proactive. A genuine interest in people, flexibility, self-motivation and openness to a new culture are also highly valued at these projects. This adventure is not suitable for those who throw in the towel quickly!

Your role as a volunteer

Depending on your interests and the availability of work, you will get involved with a variety of activities. You are needed to teach basic conversational English and computer skills at local primary schools, as well as helping with child care at créches.

You can also assist the paramedics with their village rounds, disseminating health information and collating statistics. There is also the opportunity to get involved with all biodynamic practices at the tea estate, including herb growing, prep making, composting and many other associated activities.

Project resources and advice

Resources are adequate at the project, but any additional equipment you can bring with you such as learning aids, stationary, craft materials and music will be greatly appreciated!

Please note that the schools will be closed at times for holidays in which case you will be involved in other work on the estate, tea planting is also seasonal. As this project has various aspects to it you do need to be flexible and to go with an open mind.

Cost in US$: USD 1535.00 for 3 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994