Community Work with Children in Darjeeling

  India

Darjeeling

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

Description: There's more to Darjeeling than tea. This is a captivating corner of India; nestled next to the Nepalese border in the shadow of the Himalayas it's all rolling hills and sunshine. Luckily for you, we work with community projects here which care for disabled and disadvantaged children, which gives you the chance to see an amazing part of the world while helping people at the same time. Volunteers are encouraged to actively participate in teaching English, playing games, helping out with arts and crafts as well as group activities to encourage teamwork and leadership. It is advised to come prepared with ideas, activities and games for the children.

*What does this project do?
In Darjeeling we work with a number of community projects which aim to care for and develop the skills of disabled and disadvantaged children. The children at these community projects range in age from toddlers to teenagers. There are opportunities to work with children with a range of disabilities, including autism, and you are needed to assist the staff with the daily care and education of the children.

Several of the projects are homes for destitute children in the local community, some of whom have mental disabilities. The homes aim to foster vocational and social skills in the children, and to provide them with a basic education. We also work with some schools for disadvantaged children, where volunteers can help by teaching basic English, organizing group activities, and encouraging participation in extra curricular activities like sports, games and arts and crafts. In Darjeeling, there is also a need to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS, and you can get involved with visiting educational institutions to disseminate information about the virus.

*Why does this project need volunteers?
Disabled and disadvantaged young people in India are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. The aim of these projects is to provide care and education for these underprivileged children and help them look forward to a positive future. You can make a tremendous difference to the lives of these children through teaching conversational English, developing vocational skills and offering an extra pair of hands to the staff.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Living in the foothills of the awe inspiring Himalaya - wow
* Trekking and exploring the nearby countryside - a must even for non-trekkers
* Sampling the world famous Darjeeling tea - you'll never put milk in it again!

Qualifications: The skills you need:
These projects seek committed individuals to help strengthen their programs, so a willingness to learn is required. Caring projects are tough but rewarding, so resilient and independent volunteers would be most suitable for this type of work. You should be emotionally mature and able to cope with potentially distressing situations. A background in care work is not necessary; however some knowledge of working with mentally or physically disabled people would be useful. A genuine love for children, flexibility, self-motivation and openness to a new culture are also highly valued at these projects. We would also prefer you to submit your CV before starting the experience.

Your role as a volunteer:
The role of the volunteer is to assist with the basic daily care of the children, and to develop their skills. You are encouraged to actively participate in teaching English, health education, games, drawing, and arts and crafts. You can also get involved in sports and make teaching materials to aid the children's learning. You will be expected to contribute in any way possible, such as organizing entertainment programs with an emphasis on social issues, or group activities to encourage teamwork and leadership. It is advised to come prepared with ideas, activities and games for the children!

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

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The role of the volunteer is to assist with the basic daily care of the children, and to develop their skills. You are encouraged to actively participate in teaching English, health education, games, drawing, and arts and crafts. You can also get involved in sports and make teaching materials to aid the children's learning. You will be expected to contribute in any way possible, such as organizing entertainment programs with an emphasis on social issues, or group activities to encourage teamwork and leadership. It is advised to come prepared with ideas, activities and games for the children!

Age Range: 18 years old and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994