Info

iSPiiCE (Integrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education)is a registered Charitable Trust set up primarily to assist children’s education in India.

We are also heavily involved with improving the lives of women in rural India and improving access to healthcare for all. Project growth opportunities are identified by taking counsel from locals who are the real experts when it comes to the communities' development needs. After discussion with local staff a project plan is drawn up and volunteers are invited to help meet mutual goals.
iSPiiCE aim to be flexible in its offerings to support the communities wide ranging needs and aid their holistic development and also to make the most of volunteers expansive and varying range of skills, experiences and abilities.

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.

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.

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.

Volunteer & Travel India with iSPiiCE

Trips Included

iSPiiCE Volunteer Programs give you 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, Agra 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 to 3,000 metres for fantastic views of the snow peaks and the dramatic landscape.The Himalayan excursion Includes one night tenting or 'guest house' accommodation and English spaeking professional trekking guide. The 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 or McLeod Ganj Township.

Golden Temple - Amritsar

Amritsar - in the State of Punjab is home to the amazing Golden Temple, and the India/ Pakistan border ceremony.

Punjab borders Himachal Pradesh and is renowned for its Holy City of Amritsar and the Golden Temple which is an important site for followers of the the Sikh Religion. The Golden Temple is a breathtaking sight and a must for any itinerary and the serene waters surrounding the temple, known as 'The Pool of Nectar', gave the town its name (Amrit-sarovar). In the early evening the 'Wagha Border' crossing in Amritsar is the venue for the guard ceremony of the Indian and Pakistan Army and crowds gather here to witness its theatrics . iSPiiCE Amritsar excursion includes a visit to the Golden Temple, the Wagha Border Ceremony, one nights accommodation and all transfers.

The Taj Mahal - Agra

iSPiiCE arrange an escorted tour of Agra to include transfer, overnight accommodation and a visit to the amazing Taj Mahal - regarded as one of the eight Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal, which is known worldwide as a symbol of love, is situated on the bank of river Jamuna and was built by the Mugal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj. It is a truly awe inspiring sight and an architectural beauty that is beyond adequate description; not to be missed by anyone making a trip to India.

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

Program Cost

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.

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

iSPiiCE welcomes any volunteer who wishes to extend the volunteer period beyond the pre-determined 2 weeks to 12 weeks options. This will incur an extra cost of 150 US$ per week.


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, and one night stay at the Hotel in Delhi.
Pre Departure Information Kit, which has all information regarding your program, work area information, things to bring, immunizations details and welcome details in Delhi Airport.
Three Weekend Excursions
Himalaya trek and McLeod Ganj visit including one night's camping and transfers.
Visit to Taj Mahal - (regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world) transfers and one night stay.
Visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, one night stay and transfers.
* Volunteer programs of 2 and 3 weeks inculde two excursions only, a Himalayan trek and trip to Taj Mahal.
All transportations

Volunteer work with community in rural areas.
Emergency support.
All meals at Base Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
All accommodation for the duration of your placement.

English speaking Guides for the duration of your placement.
Basic teaching materials and use of Computer/Internet.
All material required for various activities during your volunteer work like color, pens, books, paper and toys (you may also wish to bring some resources with you).

Basic sporting equipment for volunteer activities and use in the camp.
Cultural activities to include Hindi lessons, Indian cooking 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.
Outside Dining.
Laundry, telephone, immunizations.

Duration

2 weeks to 12 weeks

Start Dates

Through out the year 2009/10

Requirements

Skills & Educational Requirement
There are no educational requirements for our programs; anyone with a heart to help is welcome! However proficiency in English is required and volunteers should be patient, committed and willing to learn