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Why volunteer Overseas?
Do you like to travel, but not like a typical tourist? Do you want to truly experience the country and live amongst the locals? Do you want to give your travels some purpose? If you want to fully experience another culture while making a difference in the world, then volunteering abroad is for you.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world." You can volunteer in Delhi and make a small, yet significant difference in a child's life. What is pocket change to you is truly a classroom full of supplies. What is a simple, caring gesture is a moment forever imprinted on a young mind. The women and children of Anusaran are grateful for what they have and will graciously accept any amount of care and attention you have to give. Come and share your time and energy with underprivileged women and children in India. You will be forever changed as you witness the growth in their lives under your gentle guidance.
Who Volunteers?
People of all ages and walks of life volunteer with Anusaran. There are no specific skills required to volunteer, just an open and friendly heart. Volunteers all share the desire to work with and learn from local women and children. Volunteers include, but are not limited to, families with children, undergraduate and graduate students, teachers on vacation, high school graduates, and retirees. Anyone at any age who has compassion, a sense of adventure, and wants a meaningful way to see India is perfect for volunteering with Anusaran.
India
India is one of the most diverse and passionate countries on earth. The dichotomies are endless: absolute joy and absolute sorrow, a place of peace amidst pandemonium. The sights, sounds, and smells are beyond measure. The core of your being will be rattled, yet your visit to India will leave you inspired and, above all, transformed.
Volunteer Programmes
When you volunteer with Anusaran, you can choose between three different programmes.
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Teaching
Women's Empowerment Programme
Health Care
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Our programmes are flexible, and any additional ideas for classes are welcomed. The main purpose is to give care and attention to the women and children.
Program Dates and Costs
Those who are interested please mails us at anusaran@anusaran.org for the details of programme and fees.
What the programme fees cover :
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Airport pickup and drop-off
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for duration of volunteer program. Food is provided on your free-time if you are at the hostel or host family's house.
Transportation to and from your volunteer site (if you're placed in a village school)
Accommodations
Tam leader
Program coordination (orientation materials, project management, volunteer preparation, administrative costs)
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What the programme fees do not cover :
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Airfare
Visa and immunization fees
Free-time expenses (transportation and food, if you're not at the hostel)
Travel insurance
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When and How to Pay (Step-by-step Application Process)
Your application must be received at least 3 months prior to your intended start date. Anusaran will send you an official invoice and some pre-departure information immediately upon receipt of your payment. This will confirm your enrollment. The program fees must be received at least 1 month prior to your intended start date. All fees must be paid by cheque or money order made payable to: Anusaran. Application and program fees can be mailed to Anusaran or @ anusaran@anusaran.org.
Many teams fill up early, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Early enrollment allows you extra time for obtaining a visa and purchasing the cheapest airfare possible.
The First Two Days
Anusaran's team leader will greet you at the airport and help you get settled at the hostel.
Day 1 will include an overview of the programme, an introduction to the Indian culture, and an orientation of the surrounding area (including how to use the metro and rickshaws).
On day 2, you will begin your volunteer assignment.
Accommodations
Depending on your volunteer assignment, you will be placed in a hostel or with a host family. The hostel and the host families live within walking distance to markets and shops. If you are placed in the hostel, you will share accommodations with other volunteers. The host families may speak some English and are experienced with overseas volunteers. All cooks are trained in safe food handling and prepare delicious vegetarian and nonvegetarian meals. The water is double purified using a reverse osmosis system that is safe for volunteers to drink. All accommodations have beds, toilets, running water, and electricity.
Free Time
You will have free time during the evenings and weekends. Either alone or with other volunteers, you can hire a driver to transport you around Delhi for the day. This is a comfortable, safe, and fairly inexpensive way to see the sights of Delhi. This option is especially nice if you are going to visit multiple places in one day. Alternatively, you can ride the metro. The metro is cheaper than hiring a driver, but it may not take you to your exact destination. If you remain local, you can walk or take a rickshaw to the markets.
There will be some optional games and activities involving the children in the evenings. Volunteers are always welcome to join in on the extra fun! Your program coordinator will discuss this with you during the 1st day orientation.
How to Prepare for your Volunteer Vacation
1. Documents
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Passport
Visa
Traveler's cheques (and receipt)
ATM card and/or credit card
Copies of Passport, Visa, Identification, credit cards, airline/bus/train tickets (leave a set with someone at home and keep a copy with you, separate from the originals)
Lonely Planet India (or any other travel book about India)
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2. Clothes
Women should always have their legs and shoulders covered. When visiting temples, men need to wear long pants. In the winter, it's very cold in Delhi, so pack warm clothes. In the summer, it's very hot, so pack breathable cotton clothes. Bring a pair of flip-flops to wear when inside your hostel or host family's house.
3. Miscellaneous Items
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Torch/flashlight (lots of power outages)
Basic first aid kit
Rehydration powder (Essential if you're in Delhi during the summer. You can purchase the packets of powder at a chemist in Delhi)
Mosquito repellent
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4. Items to donate (optional)
You may want to bring items to donate from home or purchase supplies in India.
"Anusaran is making an important contribution to Indian Society by giving these children a chance at education." Julia 17, U.S.A., 2 week volunteer
Volunteer/Internship Programmes
Anusaran, with the help of well-wishers all around the world who have a passion to support and serve the community, has established several programmes to provide basic education and encourage self-reliance for deprived women and children, no matter their cast or creed. When you volunteer with Anusaran, you can choose between three different programmes.
1. Teaching
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English
Music/dance
Arts and crafts
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2. Women's Empowerment Programme
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Sewing
Embroidery
Knitting
Crocheting
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3. Community Health Programme
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Check-ups
Hygiene/Healthy Living Tips
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Our programmes are flexible, and any additional ideas for classes are welcomed. The main purpose is to give care and attention to the women and children.
Teaching
The Anusaran Education Programme is dedicated to teaching underprivileged children both in Delhi and the surrounding area. Anusaran has three schools - one is in a rehabilitated colony (City School) and two are in poor villages. While parents are struggling to survive and feed their children, education and appropriate outlets for learning are often not available to the children. Due to financial constraints, many parents are unable to support their child's education and often find it necessary for them to enter the workforce. Anusaran has set up a Non-Formal Education Programme for children, which offers classes in English, Hindi, and character development. Anusaran teachers and volunteers serve as role models for children whose parents do not have the time or energy to encourage good manners, values and confidence in their children. Anusaran grants these disadvantaged children with an opportunity to learn, as well as develop good character and vocational skills, which allows them to take control of their lives and to become productive members of society.
Women's Empowerment Programme (link to ways to give)
The Anusaran Women's Empowerment Programme gives the opportunity for women to continue their studies, learn vocational skills, and build confidence and self-sufficiency. Due to financial constraints and traditional beliefs, many Indian women are denied an education and occupational training. Many of these women are dependent upon their husbands and lack the skills and assurance to survive on their own. Through the Anusaran Women's Empowerment Programme, women learn to sew and embroider cushion covers, wall hangings, blouses, bags, and bedspreads that are sold both in India and abroad. In addition to learning how to earn money, these women are taught how to save and invest their pay. Alongside the vocational programme, Anusaran also offers an adult literacy programme, which teaches underprivileged women how to read and write. Learning professional and self-improvement skills provides disadvantaged women with an opportunity to contribute to Indian society and give optimism to future generations. Anusaran is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for women to discover and nurture their natural talents.
Community Health Programme
The Anusaran Community Health Programme strives to keep the women, children, their families, and even the surrounding community healthy. Volunteer health care professionals perform through medical check-ups and educate communities on hygiene, nutrition, women's health, and exercise. They also update medical charts with weight, height, blood pressure, and other pertinent medical history.
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