Community Education in Himachal and Rajasthan (Ages 18+)
The poor education system in India affects many different groups in society. Children are often the most vulnerable since education is not provided at a most basic level allowing them to develop the building blocks of a more promising future. Women also suffer from lack of opportunity in the workforce and failing sense of self-worth. In both locations, there is a strong need for community education and development initiatives.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers are needed to help in many different areas. As a teacher in one of the rural communities, you will be instructing the children in Math and English, organizing recreational activities, working with kids who have previously dropped out and want to bridge the gap back in to their studies, assisting teachers in developing low cost academic activities, and helping to create basic hygiene awareness among the children.
Volunteers may also be helping in a local child-care and early education center to give personal care and attention to all children, helping to feed and bathe them, creating and playing colorful games, assist the staff with record upkeep on all child vaccinations and nutritional growth, and work with the children to develop basic motor skills.
In the afternoons, volunteers can have the option of also visiting some different community education and development project nearby. These can include helping to tutor children with learning disabilities, working with local women’s groups to help with computer training and English lessons, or helping with basic maintenance of all facilities.
Location
In Himachal, this project is located in the city of Palampur, which is known for its vast tea estates and intricate river system.
Orientation
Volunteers will be picked up from the airport in Delhi and stay the first night in a hotel arranged by Greenheart Travel. Participants will then be transported to Jaipur for the beginning of their orientation. During your four-day orientation you will dine one night with a local, English speaking family, learn about cultural differences, health and safety, local customs and language, as well as any additional information you will need to know for your project. You will also have a guided tour to the Amber Fort with an elephant ride.
Accommodation and Meals
In Himachal, accommodations are in the local volunteer house which is located 19 miles from Dharamsala, the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
In Rajasthan volunteers will stay at a "base camp." All meals are included at the “base-camps” and are prepared by project staff. There will be many vegetarian options available, and meat is generally prepared 2-3 times per week.
Transportation and Travel Arrangements
All travel arrangements must be booked according to Greenheart Travel instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed.
Transportation to and from the airport in Dehli is provided for the volunteers, as is all ground transportation to and from the volunteer “base camp” and the work site.
Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Your local coordinator and volunteer site supervisor are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program.
Additional Activities in Rajasthan
All programs include the following activities:
• Camel Safari
• One week yoga session
• Indian cooking class
• English interpreter nearby
Volunteers staying for 8 weeks or longer will also be able to go on a tiger safari. All transportation to/from the excursions is included.
Additional Himachal Activities
All programs include the following activities:
• 2 night trekking trip to Himalayas
• One week yoga session
• Indian cooking class
• English interpreter nearby
Volunteers staying for 8 weeks or longer will also be able to go on an excursion to Amritsar, the holy city of the Sikh religion. All transportation to/from the excursions is included.
Dates for Rajasthan 2010
4 week program | 8 week program |
March 22 | March 22 |
| August 9 | August 9 |
| September 9 | September 9 |
| October 4 | October 4 |
| November 1 | November 1 |
| November 29 | November 29 |
| December 27 | December 27 |
Dates for Himachal Pradesh 2009
4 or 8 week program |
March 15 |
April 12 |
May 10 |
| June 7 |
| July 5 |
| August 2 |
| August 30 |
| September 27 |
| October 25 |
| November 22 |
| December 20 |
Requirements
There is no language requirement to participate in this project. Skills in childcare or teaching are helpful but not necessary.
Program Costs
Included | Not Included |
Lodging/3 meals per day | Airfare |
Pre-departure and arrival Orientation | Phone cards |
Medical/Accident Insurance | Cell Phones |
In country transportation | Incidentals (Bottled Water, etc) |
24 Hour Emergency Staff | Spending Money |
Cultural Activities | |
Internet | |