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Childcare Volunteering in India - Kerala with IVHQ

Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
2Reviews
2007Year established

Program Overview

Join and help provide early childhood education and care for young children while experiencing life in southern India. Volunteers work in junior classrooms and kindergartens at local schools in the Kochi (Fort Kochi) area where resources are limited and support is much needed. Typical tasks include assisting local teachers, helping with early-learning activities such as alphabet and word games, picture-story reading, arts and music sessions, play-based learning, and general care during class time. This helps give children a strong foundation for future learning and boosts their early development.

No prior teaching qualification is required — what matters most is a caring, energetic attitude, patience, and enthusiasm to support young learners. The role is ideal for someone passionate about early childhood education, especially if you enjoy working with children and cultural exchange.

Outside placement you’ll have time to discover Kerala’s coastal towns, backwaters, lush landscapes, and vibrant local culture while contributing to meaningful early education.

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Program Highlights

Programs start every Monday - Duration start from 1 to 8 weeks giving you freedom to balance volunteering with travel and cultural immersion
Includes airport pickup, orientation, volunteer-house accommodation, meals, and 24/7 in-country support
Volunteer up to 5 hours per day in kindergartens or junior classrooms in schools around Kochi, Kerala
Volunteer tasks may include assisting local teachers, caring for children, running classroom activities and games, teaching basic English, and helping with art, music, sports or play-based learning
Opportunity to help give young children a strong start in education, support early childhood development in under-resourced schools, and immerse yourself in Kerala’s culture and local community life.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Certificate of Completion
In-Country Orientation

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Kerala, India

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

5.0
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

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2
4
0
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2
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Top categories

Academics
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Cultural Immersion
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Community
5.0

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Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Laura BuffreyJune 2024

It was the best thing I have ever done

It was the best thing I have ever done, apart from being a mum, the whole experience will stay with me forever. Do it - you will love the culture, people and mainly the beautiful children. I feel I got a lot out of this experience. I planned the lesson for the next day and I feel I have done some really good stuff - the children seemed to enjoy the lessons. I tried to make them fun by making play doh and doing a lot of prep and bringing a lot of equipment to help explain the topic. I did fund raising and I was so happy to receive over £1000 from donations from people back home to buy two water filters, plants for a garden project, lots of food, clothes and a study table.

Kate’s-travelIreland · July 2019

Incredible experience!!

I had the most amazing time on my trip to Kerala! I was on the kindergarten project and I loved every minute of it!! The staff in the house were incredible and thought us so much about the culture! The only thing I would change if I went back is I would stay for longer!!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What does the Kindergarten in Kerala programme involve?

You volunteer in junior classes at kindergartens or elementary-school kindergartens in Kochi, helping local teachers. Your tasks include caring for young children, assisting in classroom learning, and helping teach basic English along with playful activities.

Who can volunteer for Kindergarten and what are the requirements?

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate (families are welcome). You need to speak English and have volunteer travel insurance. A criminal background check is required for volunteers over 18.

When can I start and how long can I volunteer?

New programmes begin every Monday. You can volunteer for a period from 1 to 8 weeks. Volunteers generally work up to 5 hours per day.

What sort of impact does this Kindergarten programme aim to make?

This programme helps provide early childhood education and English exposure to children in areas where schooling resources are limited. It gives children a better foundation in language and social skills, supporting their future learning and giving them a stronger start in education.

What accommodation and support are provided to volunteers?

Volunteers stay in a volunteer house provided by the programme. Accommodation, meals, orientation on arrival and ongoing local support are included to help you settle in and focus on your volunteer work in Kerala.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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