Community work in Calcutta, India

  India

Calcutta

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

Description: It's no coincidence that Mother Teresa felt a calling towards this city, indeed despite all her good work the western impression of Calcutta is still of a tumbledown city blighted by acute poverty. This is definitely a city that challenges the attitudes and assumptions of visitors, through the lives of local people and the vibrant plays, movies, dances and festivals which showcase India's rich diversity. Our partner project is a not-for-profit welfare organization determined to improve the lives of neglected children through education and social activity. You'll get to grips with a variety of activities; from teaching English to providing healthcare assistance.

*What does this community project do?
The Calcutta community projects are based at a women's rights centre which works towards the empowerment of women, and at other areas in providing health care and education to street children and young people with special needs in and around Calcutta. The projects operate in a range of facilities, including 60 outreach centres, a mother-and-child clinic, a computer training centre for children, psychological testing and guidance centres, therapeutic programs and anti-drug centres. The majority of the children who attend the projects are street children, child workers, children who are victims of social injustice or are in need of care and protection.

*Why does this project need volunteers?
The main aims of the programs are to improve the lives of disadvantaged people in the area, to educate and improve literacy, to provide medical care and nutrition, to offer education on physical and mental health, skill development, life-skill training and to benefit the overall social and cultural development of children. As a volunteer you will work directly with social workers and may help to administer programs such as English language training, computer training, and medical care. Volunteers are needed to support the staff at the centre. These projects provide the best of volunteer travel, offering a culturally immersive experience while allowing you to make a meaningful contribution to the Indian people.

Highlights:
* Playing even a small part in improving the lives of some of the cities least fortunate children
* Getting to know India's least understood but perhaps most fascinating city
* Hanging out at Chowringee - you'll find a little bit of pretty much everything for sale here

Qualifications: The skills you need:
Characteristics needed for these projects include initiative, commitment and patience, sensitivity, adaptability, as well as a willingness to learn. You should be emotionally mature and able to cope with distressing situations which might occur, while a background in care work is not necessary.

Your role as a volunteer:
Your role will be to help disadvantaged people on a wide variety of projects. You may be involved in a range of tasks - from teaching English to helping with extra curricular activities. You will also get involved with making materials for the ongoing camps and training programs. You will teach and work with small groups or on a one-to-one basis. In addition to teaching English, you may spend some time making resources, singing songs, playing games and offering advice on healthcare and nutrition. You will act as a role model to the children so the more you get involved in all aspects of life at the project, the better your experience will be and the more the children will benefit from your involvement.

Please Note; The Diwali Festival (Festival of Lights) takes place every year either at the end of October or the beginning of November where the projects will be closed for a week .

Projects will also be affected for a week over the Christmas period December 25, please be aware of these dates when making your booking.

Cost in US$: USD 1755.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
* Food: All meals
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994