Mannan Tribe Project - Western Ghat Mountains, South India

  India

Cochin,  Rural Areas,  Trivandrum

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Immediate start - Ongoing project

Description: This is a exclusive and fascinating opportunity for individuals and groups to live and volunteer at a Tribal project in the western Ghat Mountain project.

Year Out India is doing various community development project with the consent and support of the Mannan Tribal King since 2006. Since then, Year Out India has been able to complete a new house, 12 new toilets at the tribal settlement. There are many areas like drinking water supply, sanitation and environmental conservation etc.

Currently, our project will require new permanent toilets to be built from scratch with suitable water supply and waste disposal systems. The toilets will be external structures as the Mannan tribal customs don't allow for toilets attached to houses. The toilets should be permanent with enough direct sunlight as few houses have electricity and adequate water supply and waste disposal system. Septic tanks will be built and there will be the option of over head water tanks for harvesting rain water during the monsoon seasons. There will also be enough space for washing and the structure will have sufficient ventilation and doors. Wherever possible, toilets will be built between houses to enable more than one family to share the facility. All building materials and labor will be sourced locally therefore generating business which supports the local economy.

Toilets and Bath facilities
The settlement only have a couple of toilets and the existing ones are temporary structures built from thatched coconut leaves and are erected away from the houses. They have no waste disposal system.

The proposed toilets will be built using cement bricks, cement or corrugated iron sheet roofs and on good granite foundation. There will be enough space for toilets and shower/wash with ample ventilation, doors and running water. Floors will be cement/red oxide mix which provides water proofing and are easy to maintain and clean. Our volunteers have built 15 toilets so far and we plan to build another 40 in the next few phases!

Drinking water and Sanitation Project
We need more volunteers to help for the Drinking water and Sanitation project currently running at this site. The project is desperately short of 4 more volunteers. Please join us immediately!

Mannan Tribe House Building Project
Kozhimala - Western Ghat Mountains
Kerala, South India

Volunteer Needed Immediately to Manage and Supervise the Project
You don't have to do actual building work on site unless you want to.

Year Out India sanitation project aims to build 40+ permanent toilets with running water facilities throughout the settlement on a need to need basis. The village officer and the locals have pledged support towards this project. These toilets will be a vast improvement upon the existing sanitation facilities.

Highlights: This project will greatly benefit the tribal community and also has much to offer the volunteers:
- A unique opportunity to work amongst tribal people and to learn about their culture and way of life.
- The satisfaction of creating permanent sanitation facilities / homes for the tribal families.
- The joy of working in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Western Ghat Mountain ranges.
- A chance to build life-long friendships with people from all walks of life.
- A chance to improve your DIY skills!

It's a challenging project that requires volunteers to be resourceful, committed, self motivated and will definitely involve long hours of work with plenty of excitement and fun. You will be involved in planning, organizing and building activities with the help of a team of volunteers, local laborers and members of the community. Please note that the project area is remote and basic facilities will be provided by Yearout India. Amenities like Internet, ATM's, mobile reception, fax, etc. are only available at the the nearest town, Kattapana which is 15 Km away.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Aprox USD 250 / Week

Food includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Travel includes airport pick up and all other program related travel. You can also stay at the office in Kochi before and after the program if you wish. The office has free broadband internet and all basic comforts. The program fee collected by Year Out India is entirely used and managed by our local partner, YOI staff and the interns themselves.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typically, an intern / volunteer will be enthusiastic person, self motivated and honest individual who is a quick learner. Volunteer work experience is not necessary for this role, although an understanding and interest in Year Out Indias' ongoing projects and ethos is essential. Overall, we believe that the right individual / student would find the substance of our work very interesting and fulfilling, and it would be a mutually beneficial experience. It will give an insight into working in an emerging economy and understand the working culture, way of life and intricacies of Indian social and business scene

Age Range: 16-35

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

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-3

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Year Out India's Mission Statement: Year Out India aims to represent, support and facilitate, teaching, child welfare, community development and wildlife conservation programs in south India through professional and well planned volunteering programs. We are committed to direct involvement in local communities and environment conservation programs. We aim to assist volunteers to come together for a common purpose, to promote and develop local volunteering and voluntary action and to enable local people to benefit directly from such activities. We constantly strive to develop our strategies and methodologies to ensure harmony between visiting volunteers and local social, culture and natural environment.

Year Founded: 2004