Voluntary Work
Despite its rapidly increasingly prosperity and economic importance, India is a country of great inequality. Over 330 million people live in the most basic of conditions, only just managing to survive. Rajasthan is one of the driest regions in India, with limited resources. By volunteering your time on this programme, you will have the opportunity to assist disadvantaged children in the desert. You will contribute to the improvement of local education to children that are keen to learn.
Teaching
Volunteers are required to work in government-run primary schools for underprivileged local children. No previous teaching experience is necessary, we simply recommend that volunteers undertake a little research prior to beginning their placement to gain some ideas about fun and exciting teaching methods.
Teaching and related activities can include:
- Teaching Basic English at various levels
- Imparting English conversation skills
- Creative activities such as painting, drawing, music, handicrafts, dance and drama
- Working with local teachers in creating low cost teaching materials from locally available resources
- Visiting pupil’s families to encourage regular attendance
- Promoting basic hygiene awareness amongst children
- Decorating/painting school building inside and out to create a more child-friendly environment
Childcare
The concept of pre-school is a new one in India, however, centres known as ‘Aanganwaris’ have been set up by the government to provide a safe, healthy and hygienic space for young children who would otherwise not receive adequate care at home. Volunteers are required in the centres to help monitor and ensure the healthy growth of children. By volunteering at the day care centres, you will not only be providing valuable help to the children, but you will also be providing to support to parents, enabling them to leave their children in a safe and secure environment whilst they are working. Throughout your time at the pre-school centre you may get involved in the following duties:
- Assisting at meal times and with health and hygiene checks
- Playing with and caring for the children
- Using creative games to help develop the children’s motor skills
- Getting involved in community awareness in the local area to achieve maximum attendance
- Making the centres as child-friendly as possible through decorating, renovating the buildings and providing additional toys and resources
Other opportunities are also possible at certain times of the year. Please contact the Gap Year For Grown Ups office for more information about these options.
Working with Adolescent girls and women - education and empowerment for this neglected sector of the Indian population. Volunteers will impart conversational English, sex education, sports and fitness in order to improve employability.
Residential training camps for physically disabled children - volunteers can help disabled children in education, computer training, physiotherapy (limited volunteer positions) and sports activities. Please note: Volunteers are able to state their preferred area of work, however, all placements are decided upon your arrival and are dependant upon the needs of the various projects, and availability.
What's Included in the Programme
- Welcome at Delhi airport
- Transfers
- Accommodation in Delhi
- Accommodation and most meals
- Visit to Taj Mahal
- Orientation programme in Jaipur
- Sightseeing of Amber fort in Jaipur
- Workshop programmes (Yoga, cooking, massage and Hindi)
- Excursions and sightseeing
- A two day escorted Camel Safari
- Tiger safari optional excursion
- Dedicated on-site
- Extensive pre-departure info
What's Not Included in the Programme
- Flights
- Extra activities not on itinerary
- Travel Insurance
Prices and Durations
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 4 weeks (Twin share)
£1,319
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 4 weeks (Single)
£1,759
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 5 weeks (Single)
£1,979
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 5 weeks (Twin share)
£1,549
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 6 weeks (Single)
£2,199
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 6 weeks (Twin share)
£1,699
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 7 weeks (Single)
£2,419
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 7 weeks (Twin share)
£1,869
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 8 weeks (Single)
£2,639
India Desert Community Volunteers - Rajasthan - 8 weeks (Twin share)
£1,979
