Youth Volunteers in Himachal Pradesh

  India

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Participants work with the local community for improving the quality of education and care in daycare centers, special institutions and regular schools. Volunteers may participate in educational enhancement for students of primary school age in the areas of English, math and enhancing creativity. You don't need to have any formal education or practical experience in teaching.

Nestled in the valleys of the Himalayas, the State of Himachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful nature and pleasant climate during the harsh Indian summer. Volunteers can not only enjoy beautiful snow capped mountains outside their windows, but also take up adventure activities like trekking/rafting or cultural trips to places like Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama and center for Tibetan culture.

Volunteers are primarily 18-30 years of age in this program, but those young at heart are also welcome! Orientation runs 4 days, includes sightseeing and host-family stays.

Specifically at the Himalaya Project, volunteers can spend time at Thakardwara, a school for the mentally challenged. This school is severely understaffed with only 2 teachers and 20 or so students. There is also an opportunity to spend time at the Saliyana Orphanage during the afternoon period. The orphanage is home to 29 children in various age groups. Ten volunteers can spend about 2 hours each day from 3:30 to 5:30 and help the children do their homework, teach English, and computer training.

Imagine...working in a rural Indian community. The goal of this project is to improve the quality of education and child care in daycare centers, special institutions and regular schools. By volunteering at this project, you may participate in educational enhancement for students of primary school age in the areas of English, math and enhancing creativity. You don't need to have any formal education or practical experience in teaching. GeoVisions is looking for volunteers who have a high degree of creativity and a lot of patience.

This project involves teaching English and Math in the schools, crating a playful environment, working with local teachers in creating low cost classroom materials, helping prepare nutritious meals, making certain pregnant women and newborns have health check ups and developing motor skills of the smallest children.

Child care is also an area of critical need in these rural areas. This project allows you to work closely with children and to offer up some additional time doing light handiwork and a little painting. What an incredible opportunity to impact the lives of so many children as well as the rural community. Leave a lasting positive impression with children, a community and a school.

Additional tutoring for and maintenance of the institutional facilities rounds out this unique volunteer opportunity.

Highlights: On top of this exciting volunteer opportunity, participants will take a 2-day, 1-night excursion to Amritsar, the holy city of Sikh religion, where the volunteers can visit a host of historical and religious sites. the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Participants can also visit the "Wagah border closing ceremony" between India and Pakistan.

There is also a trekking trip in the Himalayas for a total of 2 nights and 2 days with overnight camping inclusive of all meals and necessary gear.

Cost in US$: 1730 for 4 weeks. Please visit our website for additional information.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-30

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

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded: 2001