India: A Volunteer’s Unique Experience

By Author: Volunteer Abroad
Total Articles: 10
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India is a land of great contrast with different religions, languages and there is a lot of difference in the standard of living between the rich and poor. India is the most populated country in the world and about 40 % population live below the poverty line. Many among the poor in India are homeless, orphans and there is lots of gender discrimination. Being a very big country and with so much of population there is always the need for of voluntary organizations, NGOs and societies in many parts of the country. Begging and prostitution is rampant and these people need the most attention and uplifting.

Volunteers with experience will find India totally a different scenario. One may find the climate unsuitable, dirty smell in the air at some places, stray animals food very spicy, roads and traffic horrible. Fear of Naxalites, Maoists kidnapping always lingers in many areas. However, there is so much to see in India from Kashmir to down south. A volunteer can easily find some job or the other from teaching English, farming techniques, awareness against discrimination of women, improving facilities at orphanages, health ...
... projects and many more. The volunteer in India can take up work anywhere. In case the volunteer cannot visit the country in person, they could volunteer their services online by making donations or sponsoring a child’s fees for education.

Majority of the volunteers come from USA and UK based organizations and pay a huge sum of money. The fact is only a little amount from it goes to the project hosts and families. Only very few organizations are around who let the volunteer pay direct to the host family. The families living in poverty cannot afford to educate their children and instead encourage them to beg on the streets for food. So here is no way a child can earn a decent livelihood and as they grow older they resort to crimes and robberies. Volunteers have to teach English in India to both kids and adults as majority of the uneducated include adults too. The volunteer has to coordinate with an Indian volunteer as the people here speak their mother tongue or Hindi. They should also educate these people about social issues and the wrong treatment meted out in case of birth of a girl child, population control etc.

Volunteers share accommodation with other volunteers at hostels or with the hosts. They get three meals in a day. The food would be Indian food that includes Nan, curry, dal, rice and pickle. The organizations take the project fees in advance. The fees includes, stay, airport transfers, food, daily conveyance, orientation on arrival and many, more. Some organizations arrange 3 days holiday tours to nearby places. Mix work with fun.

The Article has been written by Kevin Lignell, associated with RCDP International Volunteer Program. RCDP International offers one of the best volunteer abroad programs all around the world. For more information about volunteering in abroad or volunteer India please visit: Rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org.