Info

Gain an insight into Indian culture and get involved with community life; assist with repairing and decorating schools, day care centres and homes, clean up villages and enhance the lives of impoverished locals.

Your main aim will be to improve public village facilities and increase awareness of social and hygienic issues, giving locals a better overall standard of life. The work you get involved in will vary depending on your placement and the needs of your village.

If you’re involved in a labour project you may take part in the following activities:

• Restoration and decoration of day-care centres
• Restoration and decoration of village primary schools
• Repairing houses of poverty stricken families
• Restoration and decoration of community facilities alongside the villagers
• Getting together and motivating teams of village children to clear garbage, plant trees etc
• Construction of dustbins (intended to create hygiene awareness amongst children)

If you are involved in social development project, you might lend a hand with increasing awareness about the following issues:

• Hygiene and health care issues
• The importance of nutrition and balanced diet
• Precautionary measures against HIV infection
• Importance of breast feeding
• IDD (Iodine Deficiency Disorders) awareness campaign

What’s Included in the Programme

Brief orientation on work involved and important cultural considerations
Dedicated on-site assistance from English speaking guides
Most meals (breakfast only whilst on weekend excursion)
All relevant materials for improvement of community facilities
Visit to Taj Mahal, the most famous of Indian historical monuments including one night’s stay in Agra and local English speaking guide
All transport between projects, sightseeing, excursions and airport transfers within specified times
Personally met at Delhi airport
Accommodation for duration of project
Weekend excursions as per itinerary
Morning yoga sessions for one week
Free workshop lesson on Indian cooking.

What’s Not Included in the Programme

Flights
Tourist Visa
Personal travel insurance cover for the duration of your placement
Meals on day one and lunches and dinners during weekend excursions
All items of a personal nature such as gifts, clothes etc
E-mail and telephone calls made

Duration

2 - 3 weeks

Start Dates

Himachal 2011: Jul 28; Aug 25; Sep 22; Oct 20; Nov 17; Dec 15.
Rajasthan 2011: Aug 11, 25; Sep 22; Oct 20; Nov 17; Dec 15.

Costs / Benefits

Volunteering starts from £799 for 2 weeks and includes: accommodation, some food, transfers, support and back up in-country and 24/7 emergency contact numbers. Before you leave full comprehensive information is provided through an Online Accounts and our expert travel advisers are always available to give help and advice.

Requirements

There are no specific qualifications or requirements needed to take part on this trip. We do however require that all travellers have a sense responsibility for other travellers, project staff and local community and most importantly... a sense of fun and adventure!