What inspired you to work for your organization?
HEEALS is a grassroots NGO that works directly with children and communities to create sustainable change through its hands-on, community-driven projects. Operating across urban and rural areas of India—particularly in underserved slums and marginalized villages—HEEALS designs and implements initiatives that address urgent social issues, including education, public health, hygiene, gender equality, and clean water access.
What sets HEEALS apart is its deep-rooted, on-the-ground presence. Rather than working from a distance, the team regularly engages with local schools, community centers, families, and village councils. This close connection enables them to understand the real challenges people face and co-create practical, culturally sensitive solutions that truly make a difference.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day at HEEALS is anything but ordinary—it's a vibrant mix of purpose, creativity, and collaboration. Each morning begins with a warm welcome at our Gurgaon office or field site, where volunteers, interns, and team members gather over a cup of chai and discuss the day's goals.
The day usually kicks off with a brainstorming session. Whether it's planning a health awareness campaign, designing educational materials for children, or creating content for social media, everyone is encouraged to share ideas. It's a creative and open space where people from different cultures and backgrounds bring unique perspectives—and laughter is always welcome!
After planning, teams head out into the field for hands-on community engagement. This might include visiting a local school to conduct hygiene education workshops, helping students practice English, organizing a street play, or distributing awareness materials. Each activity is interactive, often full of color, music, and genuine human connection.
Back at the office, afternoons may be spent editing videos, writing blogs, or creating posters for upcoming campaigns. Volunteers often work in small teams, making the environment both collaborative and fun-loving. Cultural exchange is a big part of the experience—expect spontaneous dance breaks, shared meals, and lots of storytelling!
We often wrap up the day with a group reflection or mini debrief, where we celebrate small wins, learn from each other, and sometimes plan weekend trips to explore nearby cultural sites or attend local festivals.
At HEEALS, every day brings the opportunity to make a real difference, learn something new, and enjoy the journey with a supportive, joyful team.
Menstrual hygiene workshop in urban slum school
Why do you do what you do?
It inspired me to work with them.
When I first came across HEEALS, I was immediately drawn to their grassroots approach and the way they work so closely with communities. They weren’t just running projects from behind desks. They were out in the field, interacting with children, visiting schools, talking to families, and creating real, on-the-ground impact. That authenticity and passion inspired me deeply, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.
What stood out to me was their dedication to making a difference in areas that are often overlooked—like menstrual hygiene, clean water access, education, and gender equality. Their campaigns are not just informative but also creative and inclusive to connect with people in meaningful ways.
What is your favorite part of your job?
One of the most fulfilling parts of my work with HEEALS is organizing workshops in schools and local communities. It’s not just a task or a routine—it’s where the magic happens. Every workshop is a chance to connect, educate, inspire, and learn.
Whether we’re delivering sessions on health and hygiene, menstrual awareness, mental well-being, or education access, each workshop is designed to be interactive, engaging, and culturally relevant. What makes it special is that we’re not just giving information—we’re building trust, sparking conversations, and empowering people, especially children and young girls, to take charge of their own health and future.
These workshops are more than awareness events—they’re seeds of change. Knowing I play a role in creating that change makes this my favorite part of the job. It’s where passion meets purpose, and where every day feels like a step toward a healthier, more informed, and empowered community.
How do you use your education and international background as a Director?
My background in education and experience working with international volunteers have become powerful tools in my current role at HEEALS, where we focus on creating awareness around critical social issues.
As a Science teacher with over 10 years of experience, I’ve learned how to simplify complex concepts and communicate them in ways that are accessible and relatable—especially for children and young people in underserved communities. I draw on my teaching experience to create interactive and engaging content that participants can easily understand and apply.
My exposure to international cultures, through years of working with volunteers and students from around the world, helps me bring a global perspective to local problems. I incorporate cross-cultural stories, examples, and visuals that make our awareness campaigns more dynamic and inclusive.
I also use ICT tools—like video storytelling, photography, and digital content creation—to raise awareness beyond local boundaries. Combining traditional methods like street plays and panchayat meetings with modern tools makes our outreach more effective and far-reaching.
By blending education with cultural empathy and global exposure, I’m able to create impactful, respectful, and sustainable awareness programs.
WASH in monastery
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
One of the most common challenges I face in my role at HEEALS is dealing with cultural barriers. India is incredibly diverse, and every region, community, and even neighborhood can have its own set of values, beliefs, and social norms. At the same time, international volunteers bring their own cultural perspectives and expectations, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or miscommunication.
One of the key areas where this shows up is in topics like menstrual hygiene, gender roles, or mental health, which can be considered sensitive or even taboo in some communities. Volunteers may want to be open and direct, while local participants might feel shy or resistant. In such situations, patience, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability are essential.
I overcome these challenges by encouraging open dialogue, practicing active listening, and creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. Before launching any awareness session or campaign, I spend time understanding the cultural context of the community and involve local leaders, teachers, or parents when needed. I also prepare our international volunteers by offering cultural orientation sessions that help them understand local customs, language cues, and respectful ways of communication.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am currently working on community-centered projects focused on Cultural Immersion, Hygiene, Menstrual Hygiene, and Education to improve the quality of life and empowerment of children, especially girls and women, in underserved communities.
I organize and lead awareness campaigns in schools and rural areas to promote basic hygiene practices, using interactive tools like visual aids, storytelling, games, and street plays to ensure the message is accessible and memorable for all age groups.
One of the most impactful areas I focus on is Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), where I facilitate sessions that help break taboos, educate young girls about menstrual health, and provide them with the knowledge and confidence to manage their hygiene with dignity. These sessions are often combined with the distribution of sanitary products and educational materials.
Additionally, I coordinate Cultural Immersion Programs for international volunteers and students, fostering meaningful cultural exchange while enabling participants to contribute to our initiatives. Through village visits, festivals, traditional cooking, and classroom activities, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of Indian life while supporting our mission.
Education is the foundation of all our work. Whether it’s teaching basic life skills, raising awareness, or building confidence among youth, I believe that culturally sensitive education is key to lasting change.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
If I could go back and give advice to my pre-travel self, I would say: "Take the time to truly understand where you’re going—not just geographically, but culturally, socially, and emotionally."
Before traveling, it’s easy to focus on logistics like packing, flights, or visas. But what often gets overlooked is preparing your mind and heart. I would tell myself to research deeply: learn about the country’s customs, traditions, local challenges, and especially the cultural sensitivities related to your work.
I would also advise myself to ask questions, listen more, and expect the unexpected. No matter how well you prepare, things on the ground will be different. That’s not a problem—it’s an opportunity to grow. Keep an open mind, and let humility guide your learning.
Another important reminder I’d give my pre-travel self is to prepare emotionally. Volunteering or working in a different cultural environment can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming at times. You’ll experience beauty and hardship side by side. Be ready to embrace both.
Finally, I’d say, don’t just prepare to give, prepare to receive. The people you meet, especially in communities and schools, will teach you just as much—if not more—than you teach them.
Travel with purpose, knowledge, and a willingness to adapt. That’s where the most meaningful connections and personal growth truly begin.
WASH monkey drama in orphan home
Why should someone choose HEEALS over competitors?
When choosing a volunteer or internship abroad, people seek meaningful work, cultural experiences, safety, and personal growth. At HEEALS, we go beyond and offer community-based experiences that support communities and transform volunteers' lives.
Unlike big NGOs that operate from a distance, we work directly at the grassroots level. We engage face-to-face in underserved areas. You’ll see the impact of your work right away.
India’s rich culture is at the heart of everything we do. Volunteers don’t just visit. They live and work in local communities, take part in festivals, cook traditional meals, visit temples, join village outings, and participate in art workshops and celebrations. This immersion builds empathy, respect, and memories that last a lifetime.
With over 14 years of experience, we understand the needs and expectations of global participants. You’re not just a volunteer, you become part of our family. We give you the freedom to use your skills and passions so your work is meaningful and fulfilling.
We also keep our program fees low, transparent, and accessible. We know volunteering abroad is a big commitment, so your contribution goes directly into community projects—not overhead.
Safety is a top priority. We provide secure accommodation, cultural briefings, local guidance, and 24/7 support. More importantly, we treat every volunteer with care, respect, and personal attention.
HEEALS isn’t just a volunteer placement—it’s a mission. As a registered NGO, we’ve been working since 2010 to uplift lives and challenge poverty through hygiene, education, and empowerment.
When you join HEEALS, you don’t just give your time, you live your purpose. You’ll laugh, learn, adapt, explore, teach, grow, and leave knowing you made a real difference. In a world full of volunteer programs, we offer something rare: genuine impact, heartfelt connection, and unforgettable transformation. That’s what makes us different.
What is HEEALS's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
At HEEALS, our mission is to provide the resources, knowledge, expertise, and leadership necessary to help individuals and communities across India harness their own potential—skills, abilities, and local assets—to improve their quality of life, ensure environmental sustainability, expand access to education, and create lasting livelihood opportunities for present and future generations.
Our deeper mission is to create a vibrant civil society organization that safeguards health, environment, education, and livelihood in order to promote the sustainable development of society.
We don’t believe in one-time events or superficial charity. HEEALS is committed to long-term engagement and measurable impact. We track the reach and effectiveness of our projects, adapt based on feedback, and stay engaged year after year in the same communities.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
A deep understanding of India’s cultural and social fabric. India is a land of complexity—rich in traditions, languages, festivals, and belief systems.
Through immersive cultural exchange and community interaction, we want participants to experience India beyond stereotypes. We offer opportunities to live and work among local communities, visit cultural landmarks, celebrate festivals, eat traditional meals, and engage in daily life.
We hope participants leave with not just an appreciation for India’s beauty, but also an understanding of its challenges. Seeing the social structures firsthand fosters empathy and cultural humility.
Additionally, global awareness and empathy. In an increasingly interconnected world, we need compassionate global citizens who understand that borders are geographical—not emotional or moral dividers.
Our programs are designed to be hands-on and project-driven. By volunteering with us, participants engage directly with real-world issues. This work creates a deeper emotional connection to global challenges. It also reveals the human stories behind statistics and headlines.
Participants begin to view global issues not as distant problems, but as shared human experiences. This kind of empathy drives action long after the program ends.
Giving books and toys to students from marginalized communities
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
When participants join HEEALS, we hope they walk away not only with professional experience but with a new perspective on life, humanity, and global responsibility.
One of the most valuable takeaways for our participants is a deep understanding of Indian culture, its complexities, and its beauty. India is not one single culture, but a vibrant tapestry of languages, religions, traditions, and regional identities. From urban neighborhoods in Delhi to rural villages in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, our volunteers experience authentic cultural interactions—festivals, food, family structures, values, and customs—that challenge preconceptions and open the mind to diversity.
Through our programs, participants gain cultural humility: the ability to interact respectfully and meaningfully with people from vastly different backgrounds. This is especially important for those pursuing careers in international development, global health, education, or social work.
Participants gain hands-on field experience in project design, implementation, communication, and community engagement. Whether conducting surveys in a slum, organizing a menstrual hygiene workshop in a school, or helping design educational materials, participants sharpen skills.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Connection over consumption. In a world of fast travel and social media check-ins, meaningful travel is the opposite of consumption-driven tourism. It’s not about how many cities you can visit or how many pictures you can post. It’s about how deeply you can engage. It’s about slowing down, being curious, listening, learning, and building relationships.
Meaningful travel prioritizes connection over convenience. Whether you're sharing a meal with a local family, participating in a traditional ceremony, helping with a community health workshop, or learning a few words in a new language, every experience becomes a bridge to understanding and empathy.
One of the richest aspects of meaningful travel is cultural immersion. When you step into a different way of life. Travel becomes truly meaningful when it includes giving back—not as a savior, but as a learner, collaborator, and friend.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
One of the most essential qualities in building a positive relationship is mutual respect. Volunteers must arrive with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the local community—not just teach or serve. In turn, the community welcomes them not as tourists, but as collaborators. Volunteers are placed within this structure not as leaders, but as supporters and co-creators.
This approach keeps the work authentic and grounded in reality. It also strengthens the community’s sense of ownership and responsibility toward the program’s success. Clear, honest, and frequent communication is essential in maintaining healthy program-community relations. For a program to be truly ethical and sustainable, both volunteers and communities should benefit.
Our programs are not designed just to give participants an "experience"; they are created to serve and uplift the people who host them.
HEEALS has been working in Indian communities since 2010. This longevity has allowed us to build deep, trusting relationships across schools, villages, and government offices.