Volunteer in INDIA
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Hindi, English
POPULATION: 1.1 billion (2007)
GDP per CAPITA (PPP US$): India $2, 489 Canada $36,687 (2008)
% of Population BELOW POVERTY LINE: 28% (2008)
United Nations Human Development Index (HDI)
The HDI measures the average progress of a country in human development. It provides a ranking of 179 countries based on three dimensions of human developemnt: living a long and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living.
INDIA Country Ranking 132
WHY VOLUNTEER IN INDIA?
Though India is emerging as one of the world’s more powerful countries with an increasing middle class, the majority of its people still struggle within the context of endemic poverty. Large number of India's poorest people live in the country's semi-arid regions. Deforestation and poor land management, compounded by the harsh climate, has made it very difficult for many rural poor to eke out even a subsistence living. Drought and water shortages hinder the development of sustainable agriculture. Volunteers participate in projects that support sustainable farming and livelihoods. Working directly with subsistence farmers and their families, volunteers construct small sub-surface dams, water barriers and land partitions. Our long term commitment is to help improve the community members' life options and to increase their self sufficiency.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Volunteer abroad! Located in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan is one of India’s poorest states where the lack of water is a pervasive problem. You will work with subsistence farmers in the construction of water harvesting structures like small sub-service dams, water barriers, well and land partitions. No special skills are required. Volunteers work in the villages around Bhinder, a community on the outskirts of Udaipur, the “Venice of India”, or in a village north west of Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan. We invite people who cannot give the gift of time to donate to Indian projects and programs through Developing World Connections. Visit the Donate page or contact us for more ways to be of service.
WHAT CAN I SEE?
Upon completion of the volunteer experience, we encourage participants to spend ample time in Udaipur, known as the ‘Venice of India’. Udaipur is a beautiful lakeside city in the state of Rajasthan and one of India’s most romantic and picturesque destinations. Visit Jodphur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer and experience Rajasthan’s fascinating history, evident today by the numerous and impressive forts, palaces and castles that dot the landscape. Witness the stark beauty of the Thar Desert by taking a camel safari. A tour would be incomplete without visiting Agra to see its Red Fort and experiencing one of the world’s seven wonders – the Taj Mahal. To see another side of India, don’t miss the impressive organized chaos of Delhi. You can have shopping experiences never to be forgotten.
WHEN CAN I GO?
| 2011 - Scheduled Experiences |
| FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 5 (Short Term: Sikar) |
| MARCH 12 TO MARCH 26 (Short Term: Bhinder) |
| MAY 7 TO JUNE 4 (Student: Sikar) |
| MAY 7 TO JUNE 4 (Student: Bhinder) |
| DECEMBER 3 TO DECEMBER 17 (Short Term: Bhinder) |
Note: Schedule is subject to change depending on flight arrangements and suitability for host communities.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For one week, the Program Cost is $1,600 and for two weeks it’s $2,000. This includes in-country food, transportation, accommodation, project costs and a substantial direct donation to the host partner. It’s 100% tax deductible.
