About the Program
Due to the pandemic this program can't get the assistance it needs right now.
Sadly, there are an estimated 100 million or more homeless children in India who do not have access to even the most basic of education and spend most of their time roaming the streets in search for food or anything valuable to sell. In the city of Delhi alone, India’s sprawling and crowded capital, it is estimated that there are close to 175,000 street children, of which 7-10 % are runaways who have fled their poverty-stricken families, many of whom simply could not afford to feed them. Forced to fend for themselves, these children are the worst affected by the cycle of poverty that has gripped this great nation. For this reason the help and assistance received from international volunteers is invaluable, not only in the provision of basic education, guidance and support, but in the simple act of giving love and attention – something that every child desires and deserves. Through this wonderful program volunteers can help to bring smile to the faces of these severely disadvantaged children by helping to create an environment conducive to their holistic development, which in turn enables them become a part of mainstream society and onward toward living a long and happy life.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide a safe place for street children and youth to come to for support
- Educate and empower vulnerable children and youth through various programs and initiatives
- Improve the health and long term well being of the street children of Delhi
- Provide an opportunity for cross cultural exchange between volunteers and locals
How You Can Help
Volunteers who choose to join this amazing project will work hands on, usually in small groups, at various shelter homes for street children in and around New Delhi. They can assist in providing essential life-skills including basic literacy, teaching general knowledge, etiquette/norms and manners while talking, sitting, moving, eating, reading, speaking etc. Sports, games and other recreational activities are conducted to develop their motor skills and physical stamina, and also helps them to feel part of a team. Volunteers also raise awareness of the importance of health, hygiene and nutrition, which is helpful in working towards a better living standard for the children. On this project the need for improvisation and creativity in teaching methods is paramount and can challenge even the most experienced volunteer, but the rewards are amazing and in many cases, instantly life-changing! Volunteers on this project will work 5-6 hours per day, 5 days a week, and are welcome to bring along pens, pencils, books and other teaching material which will help them with teaching their subject/topic of choice.
Volunteers will be kept busy on a variety of tasks on this wonderful program and can expect to;
- Help provide basic care to children
- Teach basic life skills and educate children
- Plan and participate in recreational activities - playing with and organizing fun activities for children
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of India. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this incredible program have the pleasure of experiencing a stay in India's capital city. Delhi is a sprawling metropolis absolutely crammed full of everything you can possibly imagine. From the walled city of Old Delhi, where visitors can be forgiven for thinking they have been transported back in time, to modern architecture and commerce in New Delhi. An absolute assault on the senses and a wonderful introduction to India, this is a must visit destination for travellers and volunteers alike.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year round and starts the 1st and 3rd week of each month with arrivals on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Delhi airport and taken to the volunteer house where they can meet with their hosts and fellow volunteers. The following day (Monday) an orientation session is held to introduce volunteers to the programs and their new environment. The session will cover safety, transportation, basic culture and history and is a chance to get to know other volunteers and the local team and ask any questions you may have.
Volunteers in Delhi also have the option of joining the one week orientation program before starting their placement (details are provided in the Additional Info. section).
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY 6:30AM - 10PM
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, India (DEL)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this incredible program are primarily accommodated in one of two fully equipped and comfortable Volunteer Houses (adjacent to one another) in the pleasant residential area of Greater Kailash-1 (colloquially known as ‘GK-1’) in South Delhi. A safe neighbourhood popular amongst local Delhites and visitors alike for its markets and restaurants.
Not far away, in Siri Fort area, is a third volunteer house for projects located in this vicinity.
Rooms are shared by up to 4 volunteers in dormitory style (bunk) or single beds. Bathrooms have western-style facilities with hot showers and air-conditioning is provided for comfort in the summer months. Bed linen is provided so volunteers need only bring personal toiletries and towels. A laundry pick-up service is available from the Volunteer House for very reasonable rates. Super easy!
WiFi is available in the house so keeping in touch with friends and families is both free and easy.
The volunteer house is conveniently located close to metro and bus stations as well as great local markets and shops so exploring the locality and city is easy and recommended! Volunteers may also stay on-site at the project if preferred and available.
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner daily at the volunteer house throughout their placement and lunch can be purchased from the many local eateries near to the placement (the local team will show you their favourites during the orientation). All food served in the volunteer house is vegetarian
Indian food is not restricted to the ubiquitous ‘take-aways’ Westerners might be used to and there will be something for every palate from delectable street food to rice based dishes and curries, naans and kebabs and so much more. Dishes are often vegetarian with lentils (known locally as dal) a common ingredient.
Delhi is an extremely cosmopolitan city and international cuisine is readily available as well.
Fees
That’s just USD 54 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Orientation Week (Optional Extra – US$250):
This one week program allows new arrivals to gain knowledge about the culture, traditions, customs and language of India. Participants are given Hindi language and history lessons, introduced to the famous Indian cuisine and also get to experience a Bollywood movie!
Below is an sample itinerary.
Day 1 - Welcome to India, introduction to the program in Delhi, safety briefing, basic culture and history about India. In the afternoon, volunteers can explore the local market with their new friends. Welcome dinner at a local Indian restaurant is a perfect chance to interact with each other and the local team.
Day 2 - Start to explore Delhi by visiting Birla Mandir and get a street view of India Gate, President Estate and Parliament house. Lunch at a local restaurant and go on to see Akshardham Temple – the world’s largest Hindu temple.
Day 3 – In-House Session: Volunteers have an interactive session with the local coordinator on cultural topics such as the arranged marriage and joint family systems. In the afternoon volunteers are given a Hindi Language session in which they can learn the basic Hindi words.
Day 4 – Second Hindi language class for 3 hours, covering more words and vocabulary to help you in daily use. In the evening watch a Bollywood movie – in Hindi!
Day 5 - Discover Delhi - Go on a guided tour to Delhi's most visited tourist spots. This would be a full day tour of New Delhi including a lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 6 – (Optional – US$100) - Visit India’s most famous landmark – the Taj Mahal!
This program is highly recommended for volunteers planning on joining us in Delhi and provides a perfect start to a volunteering placement!