India, as we all know, is a land of diversities and mysteries. For ages, people from all across the world traveled to this beautiful country – either as merchants or as rulers, or simply as explorers.
If you have always wanted to visit India, then this is your chance to take a volunteering trip to India – explore the country while contributing meaningfully towards the developing Indian society.
In this article, we shall discuss everything that you should know about volunteering in India in 2024.
To begin with, when you think about volunteering abroad, here are the first things that would come to your mind.
Why volunteer in India?
Before you scroll down to read ahead, here are a few reasons why you must take a volunteer trip to India in 2024.
- It’s one of the most budget-friendly ways of exploring the country as well as an incredible opportunity to serve society.
- Learn the true meaning of unconditional love as you add some happiness to the lives of underprivileged people.
- Soak in the cultural richness of India, explore some of the most gorgeous destinations including the Pink City (Jaipur), and witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal (Agra).
- A volunteer traveler isn’t like a tourist – this is your chance to know a big difference and step out of your comfort zone, to experience something new and meaningful. It’s your chance to be a Responsible Traveler.
- Meet some fun-loving, like-minded travelers from different parts of the world, and widen your social network.
- Gain incredible international work experience, boost your Resume, and stand ahead of your peers.
No matter whether you are a high school student looking for a Summer Break program or a gap year traveler, seeking something more meaningful, your volunteering endeavor in India will definitely be an enriching journey.
How to volunteer in India?
Well, that’s quite a valid thought. The best way is to choose a trusted organization offering affordable projects with flexible duration and proceed ahead with their guidance.
Volunteering India, as the name suggests, is an India-based organization offering both volunteering and internship opportunities to students from different parts of the world.
For the last 16 years, we have been focusing on providing a better life to the underprivileged communities in New Delhi, where our volunteers have contributed immensely towards the well-being of the locals.
Volunteering India works in collaboration with other local NGOs, schools, hospitals, dental clinics, rural health care centers, and Anganwadis where volunteers and interns are placed. All the projects are designed in a way that both the giver and the receiver are benefitted.
NOTE: The programs are available throughout the year, for a minimum duration of 1 week to a maximum of 24 weeks.
Apart from the regular projects, there are a couple of specially designed projects that would give you a perfect experience of work and travel.
Which are the volunteer programs available in India?
Summer Volunteering Program in India, 2024
Be a part of Volunteering India’s Summer Volunteer Program in India and explore the best that India has to offer in just two weeks! This program is thoughtfully designed to provide you with a meaningful travel and volunteering experience while immersing you in the cultural, historical, and iconic attractions of major North Indian cities.
As a volunteer for this project, you will primarily work with underprivileged children in Delhi and contribute to beautification and renovation efforts in Jaipur. The trip also includes sightseeing tours of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Pushkar. This program is suitable for high school, college, and university students, gap year travelers, backpackers, corporate groups, as well as solo travelers who are passionate about making a positive impact on Indian society.
Mini Break Program – Delhi
This Short-Term Volunteering Project is meant for people with time constraints who still want to travel abroad and contribute to a meaningful cause. This special 2-week program offers the opportunity to volunteer with underprivileged children at Street Kids Schools in Delhi, where your primary task will be to care for and nurture these young ones with love and attention.
Volunteers will also have the chance to explore cultural landmarks and temples in Delhi, including the India Gate, Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple, and Qutub Minar, in addition to visiting the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive and fulfilling experience for all our volunteers.
Childcare & Elephant Volunteering Program
Do you love animals? Have you always longed to spend time with the gentle giants, bathing and feeding them and playing with the elephant calves for hours? Your wishes will be fulfilled if you join this program in India. Volunteers will get an opportunity to explore the “Golden Triangle” – that comprises the tour of three cities – Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
Your journey will start from New Delhi, where you’ll be volunteering at a childcare center. You’ll get to see all the major monuments in Delhi and Agra, including the Qutub Minar and Taj Mahal respectively.
Finally, you’ll head towards Jaipur, where you’ll stay at a village with the Mahout Community (folks who dedicate their lives to the well-being of the elephants). This would be the ultimate experience for you.
Apart from the specially curated programs mentioned above, we also have a bunch of other affordable programs in India.
New Delhi, known as the capital city of India, has two sides to it – one is glittery. glamorous side with oozing extravaganza and a posh touch of development, while the other side portrays the dingy streets and the slums, underfed children working at the traffic signals to earn a livelihood.
Our organization focuses on the well-being of those street kids and orphans by providing them a roof at the shelter homes, food, and basic education so that their future isn’t as gloomy as their past. Volunteers also work with the women of underprivileged societies so that they can support their families and be independent.
Volunteering For Street Children
For those who love to spend time with kids and look forward to work with a bunch underprivileged little ones, can join this project. The main task of the volunteers will be to teach these kids at the school that’s meant for them – the focus should be on activity-based teaching methods so that the kids remain interested in lessons and are able to learn.
Volunteers can also take the kids out for excursions to the Zoo or museums in the city, with permission of the coordinator. If you are a creative person, you can also take the initiative of renovating the school, to add more colors and vibrancy to the place.
Child Care Volunteer Program
Volunteers opting for this project will be placed in the shelter homes where they have to take care of the little ones, bathe and feed them, play with them, and love them like their own kids. These kids never got the love that they deserved, but now, it’s your chance to shower them with love!
Volunteers can also teach them the basic lessons of health, hygiene, and sanitation. In some of the childcare centers, volunteers can also assist in administrative tasks or in their fundraising activities.
Women Empowerment Program
The role of women is changing in society, however, in a country that’s still dominated by the patriarchal mindset, women belonging to the poorer sections still have a tough time trying to cope up with the entire system. Participants joining this program will have to work will women between the age group of 16 – 20 years.
The main task would be to motivate them to become independent and to teach them particular skills that can help in different vocational courses such as beautician work, stitching, and handicraft work so that they can earn their livelihood. Volunteers can also provide computer training, English-speaking classes, etc.
Medical Internship in New Delhi
If you are a pre-med or medical student looking forward to gaining some first-hand work experience along with serving society, then the Medical Internship Project would be absolutely perfect for you. Participants are placed at a hospital in the South Delhi Area, where they’ll mainly shadow the doctors and nurses. This would be a great opportunity for you to understand the health care system of the Third World Country as well. Interns can choose the departments where they wish to work, and the options vary from Radiology/Imaging, OT, Dialysis Unit, Critical Care, General Wards, Orthopaedic, and more.
What are all included in the Program Fee that the volunteer/ intern pays?
Volunteering India is an India-based organization, collaborating with others in the country, to provide volunteering/ internship opportunities to foreigners who are eager to contribute meaningfully. The fee that you’ll pay includes the following:
- Pre-Departure Guidebook and assistance before the program commences
- Airport Pickup and transfer to the accommodation
- Orientation about the place and the volunteer work
- 24/7 in-country support
- Accommodation and meals (as mentioned in the Pre-Departure Guidebook)
- Certificate of Participation after completion of the project
With an additional cost, we can also arrange for your “Weekend Tours” as well as Airport Drop after you finish your project work.
Here’s what our past volunteers have to say about their volunteering experiences in India:
If you still haven’t made up your mind, then take your time and choose the project that aligns with your tastes and preferences. Know that your contribution will not go in vain – instead, it’ll make a lot of difference to someone’s life. This volunteering trip would change the way you look at life and broaden your worldview.
If you want more information, then you can directly drop us an email at info@volunteeringindia.com and our Program Advisors will get back to you!
You can also take a look at our Facebook Page and read reviews from our past volunteers. We look forward to having you on board 🙂