Info

Volunteer in India with iSPiiCE (Integrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education)have been set up to assist local schools, children's Day Care Centres and Women's Empowerment groups.

We endeavour to directly contribute to genuine community development in the project areas we operate and offer after school English lessons and IT skills training to teenagers.

Increasingly, westerners with the available time and desire to travel to India, are looking beyond traditional circuits in search of meaningful and socially responsible opportunities for travel, service and cultural exchange. At the same time, institutions and organizations throughout India suffer from staffing and funding shortages, poor administration and a general lack of accountability.

iSPiiCE sits in between these groups of people and offers a real opportunity for personal connection and the possibility for volunteers to honor their desire to give service to the less fortunate and interact in meaningful ways with people from a different cultural setting; whilst helping local institutions supplement staffing, build self reliance and increased accountability and exposure to members of different cultures.

Program Information

iSPiiCE constantly monitor Program content to ensure the local community and volunteers derive maximum benefit. International Volunteers are vital to the work we carry out and program partners are selected to make sure volunteers get a quality experience.

Duration

iSPiiCE volunteer programs (2009-2010) are available for 2-12 week durations. We welcome volunteers who wish to extend the volunteer period beyond the pre-determined 2 weeks to 12 weeks options. The program starts on fixed dates, which are joined by participants from many countries

Skills & Educational Requirement

There is no educational requirement for this program; anyone with a heart to help is welcome on this program! However proficiency in English is required. People should be patient, committed and willing to learn.

Volunteer Activities

The activities done by volunteers in our programs primarily relate to education, social work, care and empowerment, carried out in various partner institutions identified as appropriate for iSPiiCE intervention. We constantly seek expansion of our programs by developing new initiatives and volunteer activities which meet the needs of the local population. While the requirements of each community group differ there are some common activities that we offer in the areas of education, childcare, women's empowerment and health care.

Education Related

Education volunteers play an important role in raising awareness about the need for regular schooling and offer much needed support to local teachers. Working in local schools gives volunteers a chance to meet regularly with local children and their families and for those volunteers with a professional interest in education, teaching gives them a chance to hone their skills in a very different environment. The most commonly requested subject of teaching is English, however you are also invited to teach math, science, geography or other subjects covered by the curriculum. We encourage volunteers to create their own lesson plans and teaching materials are available for this purpose. You may also bring your own teaching materials such as reading and picture books and flash cards. . For teaching English it is not necessary for volunteers to have past experience and in-depth knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The children having experience working with fluent English speakers is invaluable on its own. This is a brilliant opportunity to teach school children in Himachal Pradesh and children in shelter homes and orphanages. Interacting with them is extremely valuable for children’s confidence and also for your learning of the local culture.

Childcare Related

The concept of "preschool" childcare is new in India, where the joint family system has long provided ample childcare providers. Unlike western countries, where child care facilities exist primarily to free woman to work, the Indian Day Care Center's main purpose is to provide a safe, healthy and hygienic space for young children who would not be able to receive proper care at home. Day Care Centres also serve pregnant women. While often extremely effective at improving the health of the children and mothers they serve, these Centres suffer from under funding and miss management, thus making the contributions of the volunteers extremely important. Child care volunteers share the workload with regular staff and help bring a level of professionalism and dedication by meeting regularly with children and their families and ensuring maximum attendance by awareness building in the community. You will introduce the children to the English alphabet and create a colorful and enjoyable environment for the children by playing games, and developing arts activities to enhance their motor skills and encourage creativity.
You will provide personal care to the children each day and assist the local worker in the maintenance of healthcare records including vaccinations, growth and nutritional status.

Women's Empowerment

With the introduction of the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women in 2001 the Indian Government has said ‘Our vision in the new century of a nation where women are equal partners with men’ but in reality Indian women struggle to gain empowerment through society. Education is the most influential tool to raise the status of women and at iSPiiCE we run a variety of educational and confidence building activities to benefit women and adolescent girls in the local community. English teaching and computer classes impart much needed skills to the ladies, increase their self worth and offer a platform for social interaction, ultimately increasing their social status and employability prospects. One good technique for building rapport and empowering the local women is to ask them to teach you basic Hindi at the same time as you are teaching them. You’ll come back with fond memories of an unforgettable experience.


Extra-Curricular Activities
Whatever extra-curricular activity you may do with the kids- be it, playing games, story telling, singing or giving knowledge about your own culture, it involves talking in English and provides practice for the students. Most of the children are at a very basic require learning more about things in their daily life like body parts ,names of birds and animals ,opposites etc. and some conversation used in their daily life.

Community Visit
We recommend that all iSPiiCE volunteers participate in a visit to the local community, to gain an insight into how the local families live and to give feedback to the families of the children being taught. This is an invaluable experience for all volunteers and enhances the relationship between the communities and the volunteers. Through your positive contribution intercultural understanding and tolerance develops.

Community Involvements
Volunteer life involves daily exposure to Indian Cultural rules, customs and traditions. In order to gain the support and trust of the local people, volunteers will do well to make every possible effort to understand and abide by local sensitivities. Indian hospitality is legendary, and the fact you are coming to offer assistance only improves your chances of being welcomed warmly. At the same time, volunteers that fail to follow the appropriate codes of conduct risk giving unintended offense that undermines their own good standing.

iSPiiCE volunteers participate in a visit to the local community, to gain an insight into how the local families live and to give feedback to the families of the children being taught. This is an invaluable experience for all volunteers and enhances the relationship between the communities and the volunteers.

Program Cost
Cost of Package (NOT INCLUDING FLIGHTS & INSURANCE)

iSPiiCE Volunteer Programs strive hard to keep costs low and at the same time offer you competitive pricing with professional services for your volunteer abroad experience. A market place comparison of our prices and services offered will surprise.


Program Fee India Volunteer Program-

Duration Cost
2 Weeks US $490
3 Weeks US $640
4 Weeks US $790
5 Weeks US $940
6 Weeks US $1090
7 Weeks US $1240
8 Weeks US $1390
9 Weeks US $1540
10 Weeks US $1690
11 Weeks US $1840
12 Weeks US $1990
Extra Week US $150

What's included?
"We endeavor to take the 'worry' out of your volunteer placement by including all of the main arrangements within the cost of the Program Fee."

Your Indian Volunteering program includes:

Meet & Greet at New Delhi Airport & transfer to the Hotel in Delhi.
Pre Departure Info Kit, which would have all information regarding your program, work area information, city, things to bring, immunizations along with your 100% comprehensive Insurance details and welcome details in Delhi Airport.
All excursions/trips are included in a program fee.
Himalaya trek and McLeod Ganj visit including one night's camping, Transfer, meals.
Visit Taj Mahal - regarding one of the eight wonders of the world. One night stay
Visit the Golden Temple at Amritsar, one night stay Transfer, accommodation, meals.
* Volunteer programs of 2 and 3 weeks inculde two excursions only, a Himalayan trek and trip to Taj Mahal.
All transportations are included in a program fee.
Volunteer work with community in rural areas.
Emergency support.
All meals are included in program fee. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
All accommodation for the duration of your placement is included in program fee.
English speaking Guides for the duration of your placement.
Basic teaching materials and use of Computer/Internet.
All material required for various activities during the volunteer work like color, pens papers, sports equipment etc.
Workshops Program to include yoga teaching.
Basic sporting equipment for volunteer activities in the Camp.
Popular workshop subjects include Hindi class, Indian cooking, Yoga and decorative Henna painting.
Delhi airport drop at the end of your project.
Other facilities provided by Indian Volunteering program for comfort and recreation of volunteers include:

Amenities like refrigerator, DVD player, television etc.
Video and books library; Board Games.
Information and assistance for independent excursions during the weekends.
What's NOT included?
Airfare, Insurance, Visa and Visa extension fee.
Application fee.
Any personal expenses.
Mineral water and soft drinks.
Laundry, telephone, immunizations.

Volunteer and Travel India with iSPiiCE

Trips Included

iSPiiCE Volunteer Programs provide you with the chance to combine your volunteering activities with travel in India. We offer excursions to world famous sites, including a Himalayan trek, the Taj Mahal Experience and a trip to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, all of which are included in the program fee.

* Volunteer programs of 2 and 3 weeks inculde two excursions only, a Himalayan trek and trip to Taj Mahal.

Himalayan Trek

The Himalayan mountain trek starts from McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. Trek 2,800 metres for fantastic views of the snow peaks (weather dependant) and the dramatic landscape. Includes one night tenting or 'guest house' accommodation, food and English speaking professional trekking guide. Following day includes some free time in McLeod Ganj or Bhagsu Nag.

During other 'free time' transport may be arranged to allow volunteers to explore the local area including important cultural sights such as the Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj Township.

Golden Temple at Amritsar

Amritsar - this beautiful town in the State of Punjab is home to the amazing Golden Temple, and the India/ Pakistan border ceremony is a real 'must see' for any itinerary.

" The beautiful state of the Punjab borders Himachal Pradesh and is renowned for its Holy City of Amritsar, according to the Sikh Religion. The spectacular Golden Temple is a breathtaking sight and definitely worth a visit! The waters surrounding the temple, known as 'The Pool of Nectar', gave the town its name (Amrit-sarovar). Amritsar is 200km from Dharamsala. Amritsar is only 30 km from Pakistan border. In the early evening the 'Wagha Border' crossing is the venue for the guard ceremony of the India and Pakistan Army. Crowds gather to witness the 'theatrics' and it is an amazing spectacle not to be missed!

" An Amritsar trip including a visit to the Golden Temple and the Indian/ Pakistan Wagha Border Ceremony.

Golden Temple : During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate : hence its new name, the Golden Temple. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions.

The Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

iSPiiCE is able to arrange an escorted tour of Agra to include transfer, overnight accommodation, meals and a visit to the amazing Taj Mahal. Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is 710km from Dharamsala and 195km from Delhi and home to India's most famous site, the Taj Mahal (Symbol of Love), which is situated on the bank of river Jamuna. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mugal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaj. It is an awe inspiring sight at anytime, however during sunrise and sunset illumination of the white marble transforms it to a 'magical' pinkish hue.

Following your visit to Taj Mahal you will be taken to Delhi for your return flight home or continuation of your travels in India.

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and Queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of Queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen's real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Duration

2 -12 weeks

Start Dates

Start dates are available through out the year.

Costs / Benefits

Starting Cost - $490
Extra week - $150

Requirements

There is no educational requirement for this program; anyone with a heart to help is welcome on this program! However proficiency in English is required. People should be patient, committed and willing to learn.