Kaya Volunteering Projects for Children in India

  India

Mysore

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: The first Saturday of every month

Description: Volunteering with children is one of the most rewarding areas to volunteer in as you can really help change the future of the children around you. Kaya has over 30 projects working with children spanning South America, Central America and Asia. Whether you are working in an orphanage, teaching English or working with abused children you have the chance to develop and equip the children with skills for a brighter future.

Work with Disabled Children in India

Help mentally disabled children achieve greater independence within unique community-based rehabilitation programs. This project is committed to the welfare of kids in Mysore with mental disabilities, supporting both them and their families.

The project provides direct service to about 100 students, from its model day-care center and even more through its home-based program. The home-based component is designed as an early intervention program through information, guidance and counseling, empowerment and weekly practical training for parents/caregivers. At the model day care center the children learn social behavior skills and diverse self-care skills. Speech therapy and physiotherapy are also provided.

Highlights: With its mind-bending cultural and environmental diversity, India is known as the planet's most multi-dimensional country. With mountains, jungles, deserts and beaches, India has it all! Bounded by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the
Arabian Sea on the west.

Gir National Park:
Gir is the only place left on the planet where the Asiatic Lion can be found. It is on the critically endangered list as there are only around 300 left. It is a fantastic opportunity to see these lions in their natural habitat.

Himalayan Trekking:
The most famous mountain range in the world contains the two tallest mountains on Earth, Everest and K2. Trek the Himalayas and see dramatic ice-capped summits and breathtaking scenery. Other activities include mountaineering, skiing and rafting.

Desert Camel Safaris:
Camel Safaris take place in Rajasthan. It's a fantastic way to travel across the open desert sands, whilst visiting remote traditional villages, seeing wildlife and experiencing the harsh conditions of a desert. This truly is exciting adventure travel!

The programs involve imparting an understanding of the importance of a healthy environment, and teaching local residents about the benefits they will receive and working with the community and trying to get them to understand the need to preserve and protect this endangered ecosystem. Volunteers can share their skills and knowledge to improve the lives of the men, women and children on the projects.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

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:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008