GoAbroad

Special Needs Care Volunteering in India - Kerala with IVHQ

Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
2007Year established

Program Overview

Join and make a positive difference in the lives of children and young adults with physical, developmental, or learning disabilities. Volunteers help at special-needs schools and care facilities serving individuals aged from 2 up to early adulthood. Your support may involve assisting with sensory activities, helping students build motor skills, offering educational support such as basic reading or life-skills lessons, running games or creative activities that encourage social interaction, and helping with gentle mobility or physical movement exercises under supervision.

This program is ideal for volunteers who are compassionate, patient, and committed to making a difference. No previous qualifications are required, though background or interest in special education, physical therapy, or care work is a plus. You’ll work alongside trained local staff, so you are fully supported and guided in your role.

Your hosted volunteer experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, and two meals each day. Programs start every Monday and run for 2 to 8 weeks.

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Program Highlights

Programs start every Monday. Duration from 2 to 8 weeks
Includes airport pick up, orientation, accommodation in a volunteer house in Kochi (Kerala), meals, and 24/7 in-country support
Volunteer in schools and care facilities supporting children and young adults (ages approximately 2 to 22) with physical or mental disabilities in Kerala
Volunteer duties include assisting with activities, supporting life skills education, helping with basic movement, teaching basic English, and assisting with social and recreational activities.
No prior professional experience is required, but those with a background or interest in special needs education or physical therapy may find additional meaningful ways to contribute

What's Included

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

All Ages

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
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
0
3
0
2
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1
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Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0

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Showing 1 of 1 review

Apolline CharpentierAugust 2023

My IVHQ program manager has been amazing

My IVHQ Program Manager has been amazing, she answered all my questions and helped me prepare this trip in confidence. The website was also very well thought through, with the VISA application directly integrated, the possibility to buy add-ons such as airport pickup and short courses to help prepare. Overall really great! I want to thank the local support team again, including Ridhi, who went out of their way to make me discover as many things as possible and really contributed to making this trip unforgettable. Tasty meals, a mix of local and occidental food for all tastes, so good as a whole. Thanks again to the cooks! The volunteering is organised in a way to help us have an impact. I had an unforgettable experience, both in terms of culture discovered and impact in volunteering. IVHQ is a wonderful way to volunteer abroad, get out of your comfort zone and meet incredible people (the locals with whom I volunteered, the local team and the other volunteers)!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What does the Special Needs Care in Kerala programme involve?

You support children and young adults with physical or intellectual disabilities in schools or care centres. Tasks include helping with sensory activities, assisting with simple lessons, supporting life-skills development, and helping with mobility or therapy under supervision.

Who can volunteer for this programme?

Volunteers must be at least 18. Younger volunteers may participate only with a parent or guardian and proper consent. All volunteers must speak English, have volunteer travel insurance, and adults must provide a recent criminal background check.

When can I start and how long can I volunteer?

The programme begins every Monday. You can volunteer for 2 to 8 weeks. Daily volunteer work is usually up to 5 hours.

What impact does the programme aim to make?

It helps provide care and educational support for people with disabilities who may face limited services or social stigma. Volunteers contribute to improved well-being, learning opportunities, and social inclusion.

What accommodation and support are provided?

Volunteers stay in shared volunteer-house accommodation with basic facilities. The programme includes meals, orientation on arrival, airport pickup for eligible arrivals, and ongoing local support.

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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