The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities for volunteers to work with our partner organisation in India. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the area of Women’s Empowerment, with children in day care centers and schools, and Kanjar community outreach projects.

Program Location

The program is located in Jaipur, in the Rajasthan state. Jaipur is also known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city. Jaipur is one of India’s most renowned tourist destinations for its blend of authentic Indian culture and modern lifestyles.

The Children’s and Women’s programs are located in Jaipur and the Kanjar Community Outreach program is located in Jhalrapatan in the Jhalawar district.

Jaipur is located in the northern part of India about 258 kilometres from Dehli and 232 kilometres from Agra.

Jhalawar is located in the southeastern part of Rajasthan about 335 kilometers from Jaipur.

The Programs

Children\’s Program

Over population is one of the biggest challenges children in India face today. The Government struggles to provide healthcare and education to a growing number of children coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, making them vulnerable to abuse and neglect, and a life in poverty. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to work with street children and children from slums in day care centers and schools which have been purposely set-up to help alleviate poverty. Volunteers work alongside local staff to assist in the day-to-day running of centers and schools. There are opportunities to teach English, provide care for children, and help keep medical records and provide basic healthcare. Volunteers also have the opportunity create awareness campaigns to inform the local community of the importance of education, health and other social issues for children. This role is suitable for a caring, self-motivated person who has experience working with children. To find out more click here

Women\’s Empowerment

Many women in India have not had the opportunity to gain a quality or equal education as their male counterparts have as the country has traditionally favoured the education of men over that of women. You have the opportunity to empower women whose access to education and life skills have been disadvantaged, such as women who live in Slums, women who have experienced domestic violence, orphaned adolescent girls, and women from self-help groups. Volunteers will work with women to build self-confidence and self-esteem through counselling and teaching vocational skills such as English, computer skills, basic math, sewing, and hairdressing, as well as educating women on the importance of family planning, motherhood, and healthcare and hygiene. This role is suitable for a motivated, self-directed person who has an interest in women’s empowerment. To find out more click here

Kanjar Community Outreach

In Indian society, the Kanjar, an ethnic community, have at times been segregated from mainstream society due to caste divisions. Local communities have traditionally viewed the Kanjar population as immoral and uncivilised and this has isolated them into the position of being untouchable. This view of the Kanjar people has lead to social, political and economic discrimination with Kanjar being denied access to education, healthcare, and employment. Volunteers have an opportunity to help bring change to this situation by providing opportunities for education and healthcare to the Kanjar community. We have opportunities to teach English, provide sports games and extracurricular activities, and health education in local schools. There are also opportunities in community outreach through awareness campaigns focusing on human rights, health and hygiene, women’s empowerment, and education. In addition, volunteers can also be involved with the running of Health Camps which provide medical check-ups to the community. This role is suitable for a caring, self-motivated person who is able to work with minimum supervision. To find out more click here

Applying

Program Requirements

As a volunteer in India you must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have no major health problems
• Be eligible to obtain a tourist visa to India
• Must be fluent in speaking and writing English
• Be proactive and able to work independently
• Some related experience is required for the Women’s Empowerment program
• Obtain a police check from your home country prior to volunteering

If you are interested in joining this project and would like further information, please click here

To view other Global Volunteer Network projects, please visit their website http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/