Street Children Program in India

I’ve taught in Southeast Asia many times in the past, but this was my first experience teaching in India. I was traveling on my own and arrived in Jaipur not knowing quite what to expect, but the entire experience was thoughtfully curated from beginning to end by the volunteer coordinator, Rohit, and the rest of the team. Rohit in particular — along with our driver — was incredibly attentive, kind, and welcoming, and truly made the experience feel one of a kind. The organization itself was also very well run, while still giving me the freedom to bring creativity into the way I taught English and math. The children and classrooms were an absolute joy to teach in — the students were curious, energetic, and full of personality, which made every day genuinely fun and memorable. By the end of the program, it was honestly difficult to leave and say goodbye to them. The homestay was another highlight: it was run by a wonderful mother and daughter-in-law who made me feel completely at home and even helped me with errands around Jaipur. Overall, it was an incredibly meaningful experience, and I would highly recommend it.

This was a truly wonderful and meaningful experience. I was fortunate enough to meet some truly inspiring people in India who wanted to make my time there so special. I include all the staff from Volunteer with India who went above and beyond to help me and to introduce me to their culture. I very much look forward to returning.

We spent two weeks in December 2025 volunteering with VWI as part of the Family Volunteer Program. It was a life changing experience for my family, which consisted of my husband and I and 3 children aged 7, 9 and 11 years. We were volunteering at a boys shelter and teaching English and Mathematics to children aged 6-17. The program was well organised and we couldn't have survived without Pradeep (Program Director) and Shekar (our driver). Pradeep and Shekar were so accommodating and made us feel so welcome. Over the two weeks we developed beautiful relationships with the boys and felt that we were doing something that made a difference in the world. The purpose of our trip was to provide our children with greater insight into the lives of others and to make a meaningful contribution. It was the most authentic rewarding experience of our lives where we lived in Jaipur for two weeks and we are able to explore the city, while also participating in the volunteer program. I would highly recommend the program to other travellers who are looking for a different experience while travelling.

I spent 3 wonderful weeks with Ramesh and the boys at Bal Basera.The work being done here day to day is life changing for these vulnerable children. I travelled extensively in my free time and embraced the wonderful Indian culture with the host family.My time in India was everything I wanted it to be and more.I will continue to fundraise going forward in order to keep supporting the inspirational work being done at the Bal Basera project.

I‘ve been volunteering with children in a boys school in Jaipur for 2 weeks. It was simply a wonderful experience. The boys appreciated the volunteers very much and they were very friendly. I’ve been teaching Math and English. Usually there were kids from age 7 to 17 but the amount changed daily. Lessons start at 9 and finish around 1 p.m. Sometimes two or more volunteers are there at the same time. Its not like I knew school from home. But that’s why you travel and volunteer - to make new experiences and broaden your horizons. Don’t expect every detail to be organised perfectly. But everyone involved in the program is very kind and helpful. I was even invited to their homes and could join family festivities, which was very unique and authentical. I can recommend staying in a homestay while you volunteer. Another possibility to get an insight into authentic Indian lifestyle and culture. The city Jaipur offers a lot to do on the weekends and in your freetime. I loved the program! By volunteering you support that those boys are able to stay there, get food and lessons. And you will get back so much from this place ♥️

I stayed in Jaipur doing the educating children program for three weeks. It was an amazing experience. Well organised. The staff always keept me informed before arrival. While in India, I enjoyed every minute of it. We taught English and Maths to a maximum group of around 48 boys although numbers might vary depending on the days. I enjoyed singing while learning English and exercising while learning Maths. The staff over there are very friendly and always happy to help. Great experience and amazing memories. I will definitely come back.

Volunteering with this program has been one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my life. Working with the children was not only heartwarming but also deeply inspiring : their energy, resilience, and joy reminded me of the simple beauty of human connection. The program was well-organized, with an incredible team who truly care about the impact they’re making. From day one, I felt welcomed, supported, and part of something bigger. The activities were both fun and educational, allowing us to contribute in creative ways — whether through games, learning sessions, or just being present with the kids. Each child left a mark on my heart, and I’ve come away with memories that I’ll cherish forever. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to give their time with love and receive so much more in return. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful journey. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Street children program in Jaipur was such an amazing experience. I spent 3 weeks at the school with the children. The children were so loving and welcomed. I really liked how all the processes were organized by Volunteering with India from start to end. For example Volunteering work hours, Project pickup and drop-off, weekend tours, 3 times meals. Good staff and very supportive throughout the program. Host family was very friendly & welcoming. I really appreciate the experience and would highly recommend this program to anyone.

I had a great experience working with students at the orphanage. I was able to teach English and math daily. The students were amazing! They were so polite and were eager to learn. The staff was warm and friendly. This is a wonderful program and very rewarding.

It was an amazing experience! The children are lovely, well educated and disciplined. I was very impressed about the organisation of the school. The staff is very helpful and supportive. I was helping the teacher with english and maths. Every week you get the schedule for the entire week and you know which topic will be covered during english or maths. I spent the holi day at the school playing with the kids and the staff and it was an unforgettable experience! I Highly recommend this project.

I had an amazing experience volunteering with India. Those boys will hold a special place in my heart. Though I was only there for one week, it was an experience of a lifetime. I only wish that I had longer with them. I would certainly recommend staying for 2 weeks at least. Rohit is absolutely amazing and he made our experience one to remember. He is the programme co-ordinater and our main connection. We stayed in a hotel so I cannot comment on the guest house. Also our Tuc Tuc driver was a gent. I would come back in the morning without a doubt. As a woman you are completely safe going to work in the orphanage. Five stars from me xx

We got picked up at the airport with a welcome from Sukrit. Rohit was our program coordinator. He picked us up at 6:30 one morning to bring us to the Taj Mahal and also brought us to get sarees which we wore at the Taj Mahal. It was an unbelievable experience. Rohit also met us every morning at the orphanage. This programme was unreal, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The children were all so welcoming and very eager to learn. I felt so grateful that Rohit was taking care of us as he was very funny and good craic. He offered great advice throughout our time spent in India.

At the Airport We were met by Sukret and taken by car to our accommodation.. Rohit was our coordinator and from the bottom of my heart he was just fantastic, he made us feel so welcome. He took us on a day trip to the Taj Mahl,and then met with us every morning at the orphanage, Anything we requested, places to go or see, Rohit made sure our requests was met. Our experience at the orphanage was amazing.. On our first day I was anxious because i was not sure what to expect.. But after 5 minutes I loved it.. I was only here for 1 week and i must admit it was not enough.. The children are amazing and extremely happy where they are..

India is such a special place, revealing the best and worst aspects of humanity and human life. Certainly for me, India constantly provokes a personal question about ones values and strength of conviction. Can you put your money where your mouth is? Can you walk the walk? Volunteering in India is one of the most moving and rewarding experiences I have had in my life. The volunteering programmes offered by Volunteering with India (VWI) are safe and robust. There are many diverse opportunities here to make a difference, however big or small. The organisation was created with the pure and sincere intention of making a difference to those in need. VWI has offered countless opportunities for those in need to receive from those who are fortunate enough to be able to give. Volunteering experiences are made much more special by a generous and earnest welcome into the heart of the culture and the city of Jaipur, the community; the people and their families. Volunteers are looked after well, but most importantly included into a family and community for a true and real experience of India. An unforgettable experience - one I hope to repeat many times again.

This program was absolutely life changing!! I learned so much about the country and Jaipur and I got to know so many of the wonderful children and staff at the program! My living situation was perfect and the host family was so wonderful and caring!

Our time here has been amazing! I would do it again any day. Sweet kids and an exciting culture! A great experience!

We have had a very rewarding time with the children on the project. It has been a good experience to live with a local family and get to understand Indian life and culture better. We will definitely return to India and hopefully be able to work on the project again in the future.

My experience volunteering in India with VWI has been the most powerful and most meaningful experience I have ever had! The pick-up service upon arrival was good. I arrived in Jaipur earlier that expected because incoming flight from Delhi left early, and even if I arrived earlier I only had to wait for ten minutes before my pick-up service came to get me. It was a joy to stay with my host family and I couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. My accommodations was fairly comfortable, the food was FAULTLESS! My host mother probably serves the best chaise and chapatis in the area! The transport service is very efficient and the staff at the project were nice and sympathetic. I chose to volunteer with VWI for the reason that I wanted to help and volunteer with kids who are victims of abuse in India during the winter break. So I search for these types of volunteer programs in India and VWI is the best that I found. The flexibility and the variety of the projects offered are simply the best. It's a 10 out of 10! Thank you VWI!

I am so thankful for a volunteering week in India that has been so amazing. It is something that I could not have hoped for. It was fulfilling, colorful, and exciting! I took part in the street children project for a week where I taught English, Arts, Math, and played games with the kids who were once street children of Jaipur. I also was able to spend a day volunteering at the elephant project and made some big elephant sized chapati! Aside from volunteering, we also got to celebrate the holy day kite festival. The children made kites and ate sweets on the rooftops, visited the Krishna temple at night, ate Pani Puri, and Indian desserts. We also were able to celebrate an engagement and wedding party with the staff of VWI! When we were in Jaipur, we stayed with a homestead and had delicious meals as well as watched a lot of bollywood! Everything was well organized! Jaipur is totally incredible, beautiful, and a city that is colorful to be immersed in. Outside of our homestead were flower markets and stalls with a rainbow array of sari's. This experience has been my first teaching volunteer post and although it was intimidating, I felt I had a lot of support and had a great time! I would definitely love to return someday!