VOLUNTEER IN INDIA

Amazing, chaotic, beautiful, intoxicating, crazy, squalid, daunting, fascinating, exasperating, exhausting. India has been described as all of these things and many, many more. “Cradle of civilization,” India is home to centuries of history, tradition, myth, and magic. With over a billion people (and almost as many cows and elephants roaming the streets!), at least 20 different languages spoken, almost all of the major religious traditions practiced, and some of the world’s most striking geography, wildlife, and architecture, India simply has no shortage of stimulus to capture the imagination.

Unfortunately, despite rapid growth and development, much of India remains highly impoverished. Rapid urbanization has pushed many of India’s young people into unsavory slums where the struggle to get by everyday impedes any hopes of staying in school and finding a way out. And conditions in rural communities are no easier as families struggle daily with a lack of food, clean water, electricity, and basic healthcare. Our projects in India are focused in the northern states of Himalchal Pradesh and Rajasthan where there is a strong tradition and warm, lively people, and our efforts center around education and community development. There is no shortage of need and no lack of magic in this mystical land.

In addition to volunteering, you will have time to travel and explore some of the many highlights the country has to offer.

Beautiful textiles from the northern provinces

Making friends in Ambedkar Nagar

Festival-ready elephants in Rajasthan

Trying out Indian henna tattoos

Learning to make chapatis