Around 40% of India’s population live on less than 1 US dollar a day. This statistic is much higher in the rural areas where most of our work is carried out; where the consequences of such low levels of income are evident. Not only do we need to create training options and avenues for income generation, but we also need to improve the living conditions and lives of those most affected.
Moreover, there are a vast number of sociological issues that arise within the Indian state. If attended to, these problems that can easily be mitigated. Issues such as alcohol abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and insubstantial youth development, to name but a few, are rife within India. It is imperative that we work towards overcoming social problems such as these, because in addition to causing misery and suffering, they stand directly in the way of economic and social development.
Teaching English: In India the English language is widely used, especially in relation to business and professional endeavors. By teaching underprivileged women and children this valuable skill this project is creating opportunities for them to become more financially independent, giving them the chance to improve their futures. English is taught in local schools, but children struggle with speaking, conversational English, and simple confidence in their language skills. Projects can always use volunteers as English teachers, and the experience can be very rewarding. Volunteers certainly do not need to have previous experience teaching, as any exposure to English increases an individual's ability to speak the language. There are also opportunities to help local NGO staff improve their English skills.
Teaching Computer Skills: These skills are also important for securing potential job opportunities. Because the widespread use and availability of technology is still developing in India, any training underprivileged women and children have with computers will make them more desirable for future employers. The local staff of the NGO you work with will also likely appreciate training with computers. Volunteers can teach basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and e-mail, to individuals or in a group setting.
Women's Microfinance Groups (Self-Help Groups): These groups are designed to help underprivileged women empower themselves by creating a system that allows them to take out loans they would not otherwise have access to. The amount and use of the loan is decided on by each group, and they pay the loan back with the guiding support of Prime Trust. This project is best suited for volunteers staying for longer periods of time. Volunteers can train the local staff on how to use Excel to track the accounts of the over 250 microfinance groups. Additionally, many volunteers in the past have conducted research on this project concerning how it empowers women, the challenges of managing the debt, and how to effectively use the loan money to begin a business.
Vocational Training Center: This center is designed to teach women valuable skills related to various employment opportunities around Pondicherry, specifically self-employment. By allowing these women to earn money for themselves and their children, instead of relying solely on the men, they develop feelings of self-worth and confidence, allowing them to pursue additional opportunities for betterment. Volunteers can help with training women in nearly any handcraft that has the potential to be sold in Pondicherry.
Child Sponsorship Program: Many of the families we serve have a very difficult time covering their costs each month, and a child's school fees each year can be a great burden. Providing Child Sponsorships supports and protects the education opportunities for children in these struggling families. This program is in constant need of donors as there are always more children to support. Volunteers can help by spreading the word about the sponsorship program and attract more sponsors locally and abroad.
Boys' Home: Servicing more than 100 orphan, underprivileged, and/or differentially-abled boys, this project is in constant need of support as the staff struggle to interact with all of the children to the extent they would like. Volunteers can socialize with the boys to increase their quality of life in the home, as well as assisting with day-to-day caretaking tasks.
Home for Disabled Women and Girls: Approximately 30 disabled women and girls stay in this home and are cared for by the limited staff. Many of the girls remain in their beds the entire day and do not have much human interaction. Volunteers can help by assisting staff with feeding and bathing, in addition to socializing with the girls to increase their responsiveness and overall quality of life.
Home for the Elderly: Some older adults find they have no one willing to take care of them as they age, and many have nowhere to live. This home takes in the elderly (often from the streets) and cares for their daily needs. Volunteers can help with the basic running of the home such as feeding and bathing, or just simply socializing with the elderly persons as the staff don't always have time.
Children's Groups in Rural Communities: Aspects of education related to leadership, personal accountability, and general life skills are often overlooked in rural communities, where the options for a better life are fewer, creating a need for children to take a stance in their own life. And because the children determine how their specific group operates, this project functions as a way for the children to gain valuable management skills as well as important beliefs of self-worth and responsibility. Volunteers can help by organizing lessons for the groups and arranging activities or even field trips for the children.
Social Awareness Programs: Education on subjects such as health, human rights, and environmentalism is vitally important for the underprivileged in India. Many urban and rural poor don't know the rights afforded to them by the government or how to prevent HIV/AIDS. Additionally, environmental awareness is often a neglected cause in India that creates devastating side effects for the environment and the quality of life in India. Volunteers can research issues and prepare presentations to present to women's microfinance groups or the children's groups, with the assistance of a staff person to translate. Past volunteers have created awareness programs on: HIV/AIDS, nutrition, health and hygiene, diabetes treatment and prevention, cancer prevention, mental illness, women's rights, child rights, child labor laws, domestic violence, environmental issues, and many more.
Fundraising: While fundraising work may not produce as many memorable stories as working directly with the women or children, it is the backbone of every project that serves the underprivileged in our area. Many volunteers find it rewarding to spend half of their time on fundraising efforts and half of their time in direct service projects. Volunteers can help with fundraising by brainstorming fundraising events, using online fundraising tools, soliciting funds from friends and families back home, researching and writing grants that match specific projects, and searching for organization in India or in your home countries that are willing to support IVC's local programs. Even if you have never done fundraising work before, a creative mind can help raise funds that ultimately fuel our much needed projects.
Medical Projects: Doctors, nurses, and para-medical staff can find meaningful volunteer work in our area. Major hospitals in Pondicherry can always use the assistance of volunteers. IVC also partners with rural medical missions throughout the region, giving you more opportunities to help bridge the gap between the medical needs and realities of the rural poor. This program is new and continually evolving - contact us for more information!
Social Media & Marketing: Another way to help out IVC or our partner organizations is through marketing and social media. NGOs depend on platforms such as Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and organization websites to share stories and photos of the work they do to keep donors and volunteers informed. Volunteers can help us update and improve our marketing strategy as well as widen the reach of our organization through their own contacts.
Volunteer Recruitment: Volunteers are the backbone of IVC and we can always benefit from more volunteers year-round. Current volunteers can help by writing reviews of their time at IVC on various international volunteer websites, finding new platforms to market IVC, contacting universities back home to tell them about the intern and volunteer opportunities at IVC, and simply giving talks about your work through IVC once you return to your home. We encourage creative ideas on volunteer recruitment, as the more people that come through our doors, the more people our projects can help.
Organic Farming/Agriculture: Agricultural work is prominent and India, and the work is difficult. Unfortunately, many farmers and laborers are extremely poor do to inefficient agricultural techniques and a decline in government support. Volunteers can help to research/develop and teach sustainable agricultural techniques and help farmers find new markets (such as organic farming).
LGBT Population: The LGBT population faces many challenges in India, and Pondicherry is fortunate to have an organization in town working to advocate for and assist this population. There are a variety of fundraising, marketing, and advocacy projects volunteers can assist with and it will certainly be a project in which you learn a lot about local Indian culture and it's views on the LGBT population.
If you are professionally qualified then there may be a number of specific options with India Volunteer Care available to you. Skills in demand include: counseling, nursing, construction, IT/technology, teaching, agriculture, tailoring, and writing (grant writing/media). Please note any professional skills on you Volunteer Application.
For example, if you want to give HIV/AIDS Awareness Programs, are you willing to stand up in front of groups of people and talk? Are you willing to discuss the sensitive issue of HIV transmission with others?
Can I fulfill the job demands asked of me?
If you would like to work on grants or marketing, can you commit to following deadlines and/or keeping information relevant? Who will take over the project when you leave, or are you willing to manage it once you return home?
Is the target group the correct group for me?
If you are working with children, do you really enjoy being surrounded by children and all the demands a group of kids can make on you? Do you have the patience to be with them?
Whatever your project choice, you will be given full training and continuous support throughout your stay. Further, you will be given all the background information you require. Once you choose to apply for a specific project, we strongly advise you to begin your own background research on the topic or issue you will be working with.