Description

Volunteers in this program work in local day care centers or "Anganwadis" as they are locally called, located in and around Palampur. Since the area is a rural area, there are not many qualified and well trained caretakers for the children. Our volunteers play a significant role by providing the children with the much needed attention, love and care. Volunteers provide one on one attention to each and every child and help in the overall holistic development of the children. Volunteers also help the day care centre staff by helping in daily jobs, such as feeding, cleaning, clothing, teaching and playing games with the children.

Since the inception of this volunteer program, we have seen a gradual change and development in the working of the day care centers in the area of Palampur. Volunteers have played a big role in their development by lending a helping and caring hand.

Typical volunteer activities include:

* Ensuring attendance by the children of the area to these centers.
* Keeping the parents informed about the activities their children are doing at the centre.
* Help, prepare and, serve nutritious meals for the children every day with the help of a local worker.
* Create a fun, colorful, "Play Way" environment for the children through games, stories and other creative activities.
* Decorating and painting the day care center with charts, colors, papers to make it look attractive and inviting for more children to join these centres.

Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and team for any kind of help they need in their work.

Highlights

Project Location
Volunteer Projects are located in and around the city of Palampur located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. Palampur is well connected by road and air from Delhi. Volunteers have the option of taking a direct flight from Delhi to Dharamshala, from there they are picked up by the local staff. The other option is to take an overnight bus from Delhi to Palampur. Our local staff in Delhi assists the volunteers in booking the ticket.

Language & Cultural Orientation Week in Delhi
You have the option to start your volunteering with a week-long Language & Culture Orientation week in New Delhi. (Starts 1st and 3rd Monday of every month). The week aims to provide important Language instructions, safety tips, and cultural knowledge before volunteers start their work. Volunteers would also be given a 2 day tour around Delhi to see the beautiful sights it has to offer.

Volunteers joining the program in Palampur are recommended to join the Orientation week in Delhi as it gives you a good headstart where you can learn some basic Hindi and also get to see the historical sites in Delhi before leaving for Palampur.

During Your Free Time
Volunteers can go and explore the market in Palampur and take long pleasant walks. The area in and around Palampur is very safe and volunteers generally prefer to walk to all the areas. You can also visit the beautiful tea gardens, temples and Tashi Jong monastery which is located in Palampur.

Qualifications

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

starts at 275 only!

Cost Includes:

• Food
• In-country orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Housing
• Medical insurance
• Written materials pre-departure
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

What are you Paying For?
* 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
* Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
* Airport or Bus station Pickup
* Orientation
* Food
* Accommodation
* Travel & Medical Insurance
* Local Market and Tea Garden Tour

What's not Included?
* Airfare
* Visa and Visa extension fee
* Airport drop, airport taxes and local transportation
* Any personal expenses (You would need around USD30 per week for your personal expenses)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Teaching

Age Range

17 to 60yrs

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, South African and Kiwi Participants. This Program is also open to Families and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-8 weeks

Volunteering Solutions's Mission Statement

Our Mission is to provide Meaningful and fully researched volunteer programs abroad. Benefit local communities by providing volunteer support. To strengthen the travel experience by providing cross cultural experiences to our volunteers. Use the funds and develop the communities and people we work with.

Year Founded

2006