Volunteering in India

To search for projects currently available in India please visit the VFP Open Projects Directory.

 Back to VFP Home Page

	December 2007: At a project in Orissa, India with FSL, a VFP partner. Photo Credit ~ Veronica Ng ~ 2008
	Pondicherry, one the former French Colonies, is located on the East Coast of India. Volunteers were involved in various activities ranging from physical work at the center, creative and entertainment activities at the local school and spread awareness on issues related to education, environment protection, health and hygiene. In this photo volunteer Hillary Schmutz shows the local children her camera. Photo Credit ~ B. Schmutz ~ 2008
	International volunteers plant trees for World Tanibata Action. Photo Credit ~ SMILE India ~ 2008
	"If I can go to one of the most underdeveloped places in the world, filled with children who have had some of the worst upbringings-if I can go there and find hope, then hopelessness simply does not exist in the universe.” Matthew Presto / India ~ 2007
	A street theater project to help prevent HIV/AIDS: "Being on the streets and at the truck stops performing this piece was quite exhilarating. I think much of it had to do with the positive response from the crowd. It was common for us to be approached after the performance and asked about condoms or safe sex. Every time we performed, the group got a little closer. I think we discovered working together is the only way were ever going to make it in this world. We have to stop thinking I and start thinking us. We are all in this together." Bradley Snow / India - 2006
	Dance to educate about protecting the Ganges River environment. This road trip was an incredible learning experience, where I not only gained knowledge about the environmental state of India and the Ganges River, but had the opportunity to talk to people I would never have otherwise have had a chance to talk to. I made connections with people from all over the world, gained experience in public speaking, practiced my French, and explored a country that is deeply a part of me. Gaining the opportunity to explore a country and her people without feeling too much of an outsider was great. I felt as though this trip has transformed me as an individual, but ultimately it was the change that we did (even though perhaps only a small change) has made me whole and feel confident that anything, really, is truly possible." Coleen MacPherson / India - 2005
	A street theater project "I learned so much about what skills I have and how I can harness them, what works for children of various ages and educational backgrounds and what doesn't, I learned to be ultra specific and simple with all my projects so even a 6 year old could explain the rules. I learned that the best thing I could offer them was love, tools for expressing themselves and expanding their creativity and imaginations, and boosting their confidence. These boys need to know that they are valuable citizens and have skills and ideas to offer the world. They are not social miscreants devoid of culture and education. They have incredible abilities and an eagerness to learn and create that I have not seen surpassed in all the American children groups I have worked with. It was a very difficult program to take on but I will be eternally grateful that I had and will return there someday to check out the program and offer my services once I have completed Grad school in Educational Theater." Monica Hunken/ India - 2004 Photo Credit: Don Pressnall
	Working with school children. "This is the first time I've seen a group of people so devoted to peace, through art, through entertainment, through hard work, and such a loving group of friends.  John is the biggest inspiration of all, he is the closest thing I know personally to Gandhi, John Lennon, or Martin Luthor King...everything he does has the motive of peace in some way or another.  He has built 17 monuments around Bangalore, many of them near lakes that were in danger, but are saved now because of his work.  He has found work for many of the Janothsova members, decent jobs, saving them from lives as working children.  In fact, two of the most sparkling members of Janothsova have mothers who sit and sell bananas on the street.  Because of John, they've had their worlds opened to the possibility that they can become anything, and one of them is a talented gymnast and is now studying ballet and contemporary dance.  Many of the members have been with Janothsova for years, and are now adults, having joined by meeting John when they were children. I have been so inspired by this that I have decided to stay in Bangalore and help with their projects for a couple weeks." Jessica Ostrov / India. Photo Credit: Jessica Ostrov ~ 2003
	A Volunteer paints murals at a playground for underprivileged children in India. "After two weeks of work, we completed our tasks and showed the children the place. They were all very excited and happy. Seeing their expressions made everything worthwhile. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to do something useful for a community that needs the most help." Mark Poh Leng - 2001. Photo Credit: Mark Poh Leng.

“Each day we walked the 10 minutes to Sealdah Station to take the train to the school site, Bishapara. The kids were amazing, always ready and eager to learn, AND they loved us! The school was really small and the materials for the children were old and outdated, but we did the best we could with what we had. We worked from 9-12:30 or 1 and then took the train back to Sealdah where we had lunch and then free time for the rest of the day. Overall, the program was very rewarding and gave me a chance to help kids get closer to their goals in life. I hope to do future volunteering projects with Volunteers for Peace!” Chelsea Stamer ~ 2009

“This was my first international volunteer trip and to say the least, my experience was just what I expected and more! Although Kolkata’s weather was the most despairing part of my volunteer trip, the many chances to interact with the people of Kolkata and India were quite special and helped override the difficulties of adjusting in another world. Also, the chance to interact with other volunteers from around the world was quite satisfying and nearly as interesting as the volunteer work.” Joseph Tingsanchali ~2009

“ This was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. The children were so appreciative of our time and attention. They all called us "auntie or uncle" and while walking through the city of Kolkata the locals would also call us "auntie or uncle" knowing we were there doing volunteer work.I would recommend this program to anyone and would do it again myself. Thank you VFP!!” Stephanie Matt ~ 2009

“It was the most rewarding and fulfilling experience of my life that I wish I could do over again tomorrow.  From the minute I met our group of volunteers from around the world (5 different countries), I knew it was going to be a once in a lifetime experience.  We had so much fun together traveling around Delhi, meeting so many warm and wonderful people and learning about India.  I also learned so much from the children everyday and was in awe of their enthusiasm, generous spirit and courage.  The whole trip surpassed my expectations in every way.” Susan Rieboldt / India ~ 2008

“This camp has introduced me to new friends from all across the globe. Being able to communicate and learn from each other as we worked together was a great experience. It is because of this cooperation that I love and will continue to love and enjoy work camps. Thank you so much for the experiences. I will never forget them.” Andrew Weiss / India ~ 2008

“My experience with FSL was something I will surely never forget.  The people and culture of India is absolutely amazing and something that can not be explained in words.  Joy and Dinesh went out of their way on many occasions to make our India experince the most it could be.  I would recommend FSL and VFP for anyone looking to explore India in a way that it off the beaten tourist path.  Thank you for helping me to achieve this experience.” Nick Wilson / India ~ 2007

"working together is the only way were ever going to make it in this world. We have to stop thinking "I" and start thinking "us". We are all in this together." Bradly Snow / India - 2005

"I don't think I have ever, in my entire life, had such a gratifying experience as I had in Kundapur, India in the FSL workcamp…it was not the kids that made me completely lose it twice a day and run outside to wipe my eyes and take a step back; it's the conditions in which they live. This house, the "school" looked straight out of the television commercials- "can you help this child?"- you know the ones. Dirty floors and unsanitary 'toilets.' The kids all have lice (and I got it, too) and terrible sores all over their bodies. There are four Indian women, the "caregivers," but they refuse to touch the kids, and so the ones that can't move, well, don't. No hugs, no smiles, they just bring the food out when it's time and then go back to chatting with each other. The last volunteers painted the walls and drew some murals, which really helped. They also gave them some clothes and toys yesterday, but they weren't there today- we think the caregivers stole them. You can't judge them, though, they are poor women with children of their own and they see it just as a way to make money for their family- in a way, there're just as miserable and merit having some volunteers at their houses, too! Still, though, they could TOUCH the children for the love of god. They're human!!…FSL is a budding organization with some excellent ideas. A promise was made to us that there would from now on be a volunteer at the Jahpti house, and I hope that promise is upheld. I wouldn't trade my time in Kundapur for anything, and I look forward to beginning my next camp in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in a month. Thank you for granting me this exceptional opportunity to make a difference." Lizzie Rushing / India - 2005

"Volunteering in India was absolutely amazing. I did the tsunami relief through FSL India in Tamil Nadu. I did not feel that two weeks was enough time for me to really make much of a difference, but I was able to experience many aspects if the tsunami relief in the villages surrounding Karaikal where we stayed. The first work that I did was to participate in meetings with women's groups, the language gap was frustrating - but I learned a lot from these meetings. I also participated in the Cash for Work Program where we helped dig irrigation canals in two different villages; this was probably my favorite work because not only did I enjoy the physical labor and the fact that it was clear that I was making a difference. Also we had a lot of contact with the villagers; in one village we danced and played games with the kids on our lunch break, and in another we were surrounded by children all day, and also made friends with a family who invited us to a function at their home - quite a great experience. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and despite the language barriers I felt like we had some interesting and at times amusing dialogues. I also helped out in childcare centers, with boat building, and with painting the temporary shelters. Some days were more productive than others, but overall it was a great experience, all of the volunteers were wonderful people and our group leaders were kind and very helpful." Samantha Goresh / India - 2005

"This was my first work camp experience, and it was unique, powerful, and incredibly rewarding. Not only were the projects that were available to the volunteers relevant and important, but the manner in which they were implemented were thoughtful and collaborative. At this particular camp, a volunteer could select from a range of options; from working at an orphanage, to construction and painting projects, to medical camps, to infrastructure development. One of the most compelling and impressive components of the experience was the incredible variety of volunteers from all over the world - I felt honored to be working with them. Some of the challenges of the work camp included learning to live with several other people in tight quarters, and overcoming unexpected obstacles in daily activities. Generally speaking, however, I think it was important to adopt a lifestyle that was similar to those of the communities we were trying to serve. I cannot stress enough what an integral and important role VFP played in my decision to participate and the effectiveness of the organization's approach to worldwide service. By partnering with local organizations rather than establishing on-the-ground operations of its own, VFP enables volunteers to participate at a considerably reduced cost, meanwhile maximizing the efficiency of the actual programs. I am grateful to have had this experience, and feel confident that it is something I will remember for the rest of my life as one of the most important things I've done." Kristy Milligan / India - 2005

"As this program continues to grow, they will need more and more volunteers. I cannot stress enough how effective this place is at directly appealing and education the children of the lowest social class. The struggle in this area of the country remains significant- Keshava has seen violence in the past, and his neighbor was murdered many years ago for being sympathetic. Fortunately, the area newspapers are aligned with Spoorthi, providing much needed assistance. Further support can come with more and more foreigners visiting this remarkable village. I was so taken at how righteous Spoorthi was that I made a significant financial contribution before saying goodbyes. It is my sincere hope to return to Kundapora, though next time with a video camera to record Keshava's struggle for a just homeland. I would heartily encourage more volunteers to spend at least two weeks in this exceptional camp- an effective and encouraging use of one's time." Neil Routman / India - 2005

"As I write today, I've been back home for almost a week now; butI still smell the spices in the air, hear the kids laugh, see the rickshaws run all over the place... India has entered my heart and I feel it won't leave any time soon. As far as the teachingexperience with the children, that wasa life-changing one for me. Again, I got so much more than what I gave, and I'm already planning on doing another camp during my next vacation time from work. " Tullia Calcagnille / India - 2005

"This road trip was an incredible learning experience, where I not only gained knowledge about the environmental state of India and the Ganges River, but had the opportunity to talk to people I would never have otherwise have had a chance to talk to. I made connections with people from all over the world, gained experience in public speaking, practiced my French, and explored a country that is deeply a part of me. Gaining the opportunity to explore a country and her people without feeling too much of an outsider was great. I felt as though this trip has transformed me as an individual, but ultimately it was the change that we did (even though perhaps only a small change) has made me whole and feel confident that anything, really, is truly possible." Colleen MacPherson / India - 2005

Back to top