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Over 30 Affordable Volunteer Opportunities in India print story

May 24, 2012

Omprakash, United States

This month’s featured country within our network is India—offering 34 affordable and diverse programs perfect for all kinds of volunteers!

As you can see on this map , Omprakash Partners in India working in a wide range of settings -- in the mountains, on the coast, in villages, and in cities. Programs engage with issues including women’s empowerment, health, environment, education and economic development.

Our programs in India offer something for everyone-- whether you are a student taking a gap year to explore the world or a retiree looking to use your new-found freedom, there’s something for you!

Listed below are helpful facts about three of our different programs in India. This short list is meant to start your search for the perfect program to volunteer, and we suggest you continue your research through our full list of partners here.

1. Parijat Academy is a school for underprivileged children located in Pamohi in the district of Kamrup in Assam's capital Guwahati. It was established in 2003 as a non religious, nonprofit school providing free education for low-income families. Currently Parijat Academy has projects in children’s education and health awareness, and a vocational program in tailoring, embroidering, stitching, agriculture. Volunteers can stay at Parijat Academy free of cost for four weeks. The lifestyle is village oriented and volunteers will be provided free simple food. Additionally, there is a market for volunteers to purchase goods. Positions currently available include volunteer teachers in English, healthcare, sports, music, dance, art, photography, agriculture, story writing, and computer skills.

2. Shriram Foundation (formerly Shriram Social Welfare Trust) functions under the auspices of Shriram Group of Companies for the past 16 years as a part of their social responsibility. The Foundation is committed to serve the poor and needy children primarily focusing on Education and Care for children in need of care and protection. Current projects include the Ashram Children’s Home, Shriram School, Shriram Vocational Training Centre, Micro Schools, Educational Sponsorship and the Shriram IGNOU Community College. Shriram Foundation has no limit to the number of volunteers at one time, but it is advised that volunteers stay for a month. The first week will be strongly about training and learning so the subsequent weeks are more substantive. Volunteers need to be able to communicate in English and volunteers from India who know Tamil is also an advantage.

3. Educational Support Tibet is a Switzerland and India registered organization aimed to help middle aged Tibetan refugees. Educational Support Tibet currently has a school, the Kunpan Cultural School, where the Tibetan refugees are supported with academic education and computer skills. The school is located in the countryside near the popular town McLeod Ganj in northern India in midst of the Himalayan Mountains, the schools houses 24 students and approximately five volunteers. Educational Support Tibet is currently accepting applications for volunteer teacher positions in English (3 month commitment) and Computer skills. This organization provides free accommodations and food at the school and pays volunteers a small stipend per month. Volunteers must be fluent in English, speaking and writing, teaching qualifications or teaching experience preferred minimum two month commitment, and at least 20 years old.

These are just a few of the many affordable partnership organizations Omprakash has in the network. Click here to view all of the 34 volunteer opportunities in India and get involved today!