Gender Issues Volunteering in India

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

I'm extremely satisfied to have been part of this great program helping children, their future and the future of the country. Accommodation - I was very happy and comfortable in a clean and pleasant environment. Food was always delicious, transport was always good, and cleaning was perfect. Staff were very kind and friendly with very good support; I was always able to reach them. I enjoyed every experience. Thank you so much for everything.

I thought the project was wonderful. All of the ladies were so nice to me and made me feel welcomed. I liked that I got the opportunity to plan lessons myself and lead the group. The homestead was always kept clean and lights and fan switches were clearly labeled. There was always tea and fruit and I liked the location of the building too. Everything was always clean in the house! The kitchen staff were so friendly and even paid attention to the portions of what I normally eat and adjusted it accordingly. Everything was delicious. My driver to the airport was on time and friendly. The driver for Munnar trip was so well-informed, and great at knowing the good spots as well as making me feel safe while traveling. The staff support was the best part about the program. I ended up alone in the program and they were always telling me the best spots to go and even helped plan my time here! Munnar was SO fun! Highly recommend to anyone who comes here. The Spite garden was the best. i liked the yoga classes and shopping around town. The tuktuk drivers were a little annoying to me and drive me places I didn't want to go but the Holi celebration was so enjoyable!

I enjoyed being part of the teaching program very much. Teaching English to year 3&4 was challenging at times but also a lot of fun. Receiving an email 2 weeks before arriving regarding school, classes would have been good. Emphasising the need for a laptop for lesson planning would have helped. I was very satisfied with accommodation; beds and pillows were comfortable, though upgrading to aircon was needed. Having 2 people in hot climate was better than three. Food was excellent and fresh with a great selection of meals all prepared by lovely, helpful staff. Having the occasional chicken meal was welcomed. Enjoyed experiencing Kerala food. We didn't need transport and the room was cleaned once a week & bathroom a few times each week. No complaints. All the staff were incredibly helpful, answering many questions. Working with Reshma was great both in and out of the classroom. She was extermely supportive when doing lesson planning & her help in the classroom with translation & classroom management was fantastic. Staff knew where various yoga places were always willing to suggest places to visit. Great suggestion by Shamla for cooking lesson and Kathkali.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

My friend and I were doing the woman empowerment program for ten days and we had a great time staying with Manu and her family. We were taken care of and had a nice place to stay. We were picked up by Sukret who told us a lot about our stay and showed us where we could go in our free time. Our guide Pradeep was so welcoming and funny and he knew a lot about Jaipur and Rajasthan in general. The volunteering was not exactly what we thought it would be, as we found out that they had their own beauty class and we were there as support and motivation, and not as teachers. They taught us more about henna. But overall the experience was amazing. We were welcomed by everyone and felt very safe with everyone. It will be something we never forget.

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

I had the most amazing 2 weeks volunteering at a women's centre in Jaipur. Stayed at a guest house close to the city centre. Volunteering was from 12-4pm each day and Rohit the coordinator would come with me each day. I felt incredibly safe and supported. Often after volunteering we would stop for chai or other indian treats on the way back to the guest house. The women at the centre were welcoming and as a volunteer you can incorporate your own skills. I work in a school in Australia so I ran some different art/self identity activities. On arrival to the centre the women would be practicing Mehendi (henna). The guest house rooftop spot was my favourite, Jaipur is a special place. Hope I can return one day soon!

Volunteering With India responded to this reviewMarch 03, 2025

Thank you Kelly for the review.

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

I chose the women's empowerment programme because I wanted to come into contact with Indian girls and women - especially from the slums of Jaipur - and understand more about their world, their lives, their expectations, their difficulties and their dreams. The two weeks I worked in the programme were very enriching for me. The girls who attend the six-month course at the NGO Veeneta Society are trained to become dress makers and/or beauticians. I attended their practical lessons, helping where needed, and I was their teacher in the English lessons. With a great dedication the girls made me the beauty treatments they had learnt in their course. Despite the language barriers between us (there was always a Hindi-English language mediator with me, to help in case of any misunderstanding) we shared bits and pieces of our lives. I also had the honour of handing diplomas to the girls who had completed the six-month course. The festive moments were unforgettable for me, the girls performed traditional Rajasthan dances. All in all, I highly recommend this experience.

Volunteering With India responded to this reviewOctober 07, 2024

Thank you Anna for the review

Spending each day in the womens programm gave me an amazing opportunity to learn about the indian culture as well as the womens needs and situation. Teaching english and math was so much fun thanks to the womens enthusiasm and strong will to study and move forward. We were also able to put together a First aid Box with them and play the guitar. So great to see how strong and open they are and how important this program it is for them.

Volunteering With India responded to this reviewSeptember 03, 2024

Thank you for the review.

My volunteer program lasted 4 weeks in Jaipur, India. I spent 2 weeks in the women's support program and 2 weeks in the hospital. Both were very enriching experiences for me. The girls and women were incredibly open-minded and inquisitive. They were interested in and implemented everything that was offered to them. First and foremost, they want to learn English. Any form of teaching is welcome, whether role-playing, singing and translating English songs or face-to-face at the blackboard. It was a lot of fun to see how quickly they learn. In return, I got traditional make-up, beautiful braided hairstyles or henna tattoos on my hands and feet. It was a very warm and unforgettable time. The work in the hospital was very touching, as people came with problems and pain and needed help. The doctor's idealistic commitment means that even the poor population can receive very good treatment. They couldn't afford a normal hospital. So they only pay a small fee and only those who can afford it pay. The doctor works on a voluntary basis. The treatments mostly consisted of infusions, acupuncture with electrotherapy, cupping treatments, stretching and the administration of medication. The doctor also makes his own Ayurvedic medicine. I was very impressed by his efficiency and was able to learn a lot. As a physiotherapist, I was able to alleviate the pain in some patients. All of this left a lasting, deep impression on me. Perhaps it was a start for me to further projects of this kind. I would like to thank the organization again for making this possible for me. Sukret, my local coordinator, responded immediately when there were questions or problems. They were solved immediately. Shekhar, my driver and "bodyguard", drove me everywhere extremely reliably, picked me up again and showed me a bit of the area. Perhaps it is still possible to get a small handout about the work in the projects beforehand so that you can prepare better. However, I was integrated quickly. My accommodation at Boby Mansion Homestay was a blessing because, as a woman travelling alone, I enjoyed family contact with all the care that comes with it. I felt very safe and secure in a foreign world.

Volunteering With India responded to this reviewAugust 21, 2024

Thank you Ina for the review.

I’m very satisfied with the program and would love to volunteer again but next stay longer. The accommodation was spacious. Very humble and quiet. All my expectations have been met. The food was exceptional and was very pleased with the staff.

I have loved volunteering on this programme. Honey has been an excellent and supportive teacher. The students have been wonderful to teach. I would not improve anything on the programme as it has been great. Accommodation has been comfortable and clean. I have enjoyed staying here. Food has been excellent and have been provided with lots of different things. The ladies who work here have been very friendly and always ensuring we have eaten :). All transport has been great

The women’s programme is a fantastic project evident by the women’s enthusiasm and love of the attendings. The accommodation was lovely and clean. At times very hot if lots of people in one flat. The food was incredible. Some of the best food I have eaten in Kerala was made here at the volunteer house. The Transportation was fine.

Such a great work within the community to help, provide women with the opportunity to connect and develop skills for employment. The food was incredible! Thank you for all the lovely dishes and the care from the team to look after us.

I couldn’t be more satisfied! Had 0 expectations before coming and they were exceeded in every way. If I could stay longer I would have. Everything was perfect and it now feels like home for me. Let me stay forever, please! Highlight was all the women passing their exams, couldn’t be prouder of them, and seeing their confidence increase over the weeks was the entire reason I came ? The accommodations were better than expected, felt super safe at all times, room was spacious and surprisingly cool - shred space was comfortable and I found the beds comfy too. The hangers weren’t really usable but the rails are perfect for storage. The food was PERFECT! So grateful to Renuka and Baby for always making delicious tasty meals. Accommodating our needs and giving us a proper taste of Kerala. I’m a little bad with textures so it took me some time to get used to not just eating toast and pasta, but so many dishes blew me away. Prawn roast and chicken biriyani specifically <3 I didn’t need any transport for my project but walked most places easily and got cheap tuk-tuks from Junchan. Ubers also very easy to get from here and Shamla was really helpful in arranging airport pick-ups and drop-offs without any hassle.

Very satisfied. I loved the women’s staff, and time in Kochi. It was absolutely amazing. Having a syllabus of vocab, grammar and literature to follow could be helpful to add continuing. The accommodation was fantastic! Staff was able to accommodate upgrading me to AC, kept my room clean, and it was overall very comfortable. Location is perfect. The cooks are incredible. The food was delicious. I loved every meal I had. They are so talented and accommodating. They were able to make my changes and take requests. Only thing that could possibly add some extra magic would be offering fresh vegetables in addition to fruit!