Description

What does the project do?

Based in the Bandra area of this amazing city of Mumbai (the cosmopolitan capital of Maharashtra) where wealth and poverty stand side by side, you can experience the glitz and glamor of Bollywood and the white sands of the amazing beaches. On the flip side and more importantly you can be immersed within the deprived areas of the city where more than half of its population live in slum areas. You'll be helping to look after some amazing little children as young as 3 months old.

The center was founded in 1970 and is run by the SVD fathers who originally concentrated on social welfare issues. Due to the success of the project it started to focus on a developmental approach and aims to serve the changing needs of the community. It provides people from disadvantaged, socially deprived and exploited backgrounds to gain a better chance in life and encourages them to come out of poverty and stand on their own two feet by offering various vocational courses and education. It also offers education to 2 to 3 year olds so that they can be admitted to regular schools in the neighbourhood and training in tailoring for young girls who work as domestics. In addition the center has a small number of computers and offers computer training courses and adult literacy classes. The main part of the center is a creche that looks after children from the age of 3 months upwards so that mothers are able to go out to work and the Balwadi (kindergarten) where the 2 to 3 year old children are educated for their entrance into mainstream school.

Highlights

Help disadvantaged communities alongside beaches, Bollywood, glitz and glamor, what more do you need?

Based in this amazing city you'll be caring for some great children from the age of 3 months and upwards who come from disadvantaged, underprivileged or socially deprived backgrounds. You'll also be helping adults to better their lives through literacy classes and conversational English. Ready to make a difference? Then read on!

Trip Highlights:

* Look after some amazing children form the age of 3 months upwards
* Help with conversational English and adult literacy
* Watching a Bollywood film and experience the glitz and glamour of Mumbai
* Relax and kick back on the sands of Mumbai beaches
* Take a trip to Lonavala and Khandala hill stations on a weekend
* Even experience an overnight train to Goa and enjoy the charm that this city has to offer

Qualifications

What's the project like?

The project is the center of the community where disadvantaged people of the area come together to learn ways of improving their lives and how to take a step towards getting out of their world of poverty. At the centre they are given a chance through education and courses aimed at helping them to earn a living in the future. As you can imagine it is a very popular place, especially the crèche where the children are left while parents go out to work. You will be kept busy that is for sure! The center also organizes summer camps, field trips and day trips for the slum children.

Why does the project need volunteers?

The project is in need of any extra hands to look after the children in the creche and the Balwadi, as well as helping with the adult literacy classes. Your help will be invaluable with the teaching of English in the classes and in conversations as being able to speak English is a sure way of improving future prospects. The center also has a small number of computers so you can also help to teach the basics of computers.

This project is ideal for volunteers who have a passion for looking after young children and helping with their education. The project aims to give as much help to people who need it in order to give them hope for a better life. Be prepared to be flexible as there are a variety of things that you maybe required to do, but one thing is for sure, you will have a great time!

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,799.00 for 4 weeks, USD 275.00 for every week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared room in an apartment with a local family
* Food: Breakfast and dinner
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994