First published in October 2018. Programs, prices and details may have changed since then. See our current programs.
In 2018, India still faced real challenges in fighting poverty and giving everyone a good education and proper healthcare. Lasting change depended on the government and on India’s own civil society, but friends of the country, and of humanity at large, could help through small, steady volunteering efforts. That year, we looked back at the work our volunteers had done in education, healthcare and more, to share their impact and to inspire others who want to make a difference.
Volunteers of different nationalities, ages and backgrounds took part in our projects with enthusiasm and left an inspiring legacy. Here’s a look at their work on the ground.
Working with children from low-income families
Despite many efforts, India’s education system faced big challenges of quality and access. Nothing replaces good schooling that every child can reach, but our volunteers helped give children from low-income families a stronger foundation, especially when their parents were busy earning a living.
At a primary education center, after the day’s teaching, volunteers helped students with their lessons and homework. From basic math and spoken English to creative ways of learning new words and phrases, they brought a lot of new energy.
A step forward for women’s rights
Our women’s empowerment project in Delhi was popular with volunteers who care about women’s rights. English lessons, job skills, conversation practice and building women’s confidence and independence were the highlights.
Time with children with special needs
At a special school for children with intellectual disabilities, volunteers spent quality time with the students and helped the local staff with teaching and with running and looking after the center. The volunteers on this project brought empathy, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.
Programs that have since closed
Some of the work from these years was on programs we no longer run:
- Medical placements in Palampur. Health students and professionals assisted doctors for several weeks at hospitals and dental clinics in this small town in Himachal Pradesh, and helped at health check-up and dental camps in nearby villages. Our medical internship is now at a private hospital in Delhi.
- Yoga. Volunteers on our yoga program practiced yoga, spread the word about its benefits for body and mind, and celebrated International Yoga Day.
- Elephant care. Animal lovers worked alongside mahouts at elephant camps, helping them and learning how elephants are cared for. Our elephant work today is different: three days at a rescue center near Agra on the childcare and elephants program, with no riding.
Good work lasts only when it is done well. Our volunteers, past and present, built that legacy and inspired others to follow in their footsteps, responsibly. Want to be one of them? See our current programs.