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iSPiiCE take you to the very heart of India to take part in sustainable and insightful projects in education and care...

giving you the chance utilise your skills and talents to help rural Indian communities in need. International teams of volunteers work together to help marginalised communities gain a better standard of education and care for their children and to address women’s empowerment issues. Discover India’s geographical splendour with iSPiiCE on our all inclusive weekend excursions to the Taj Mahal (one of the eight wonders of the World), the Golden Temple and a spectacular trek in the Himalayas. Visit our website today and take the first step towards the rewarding journey of becoming an iSPiiCE volunteer, immersing yourself in Indian culture, making new friendships and seeing first hand the benefits of your service to the local community.

Education Volunteer

Education volunteers in India play an important role in raising awareness about the need for regular schooling and offer much needed support to local teachers. iSPiiCE work in partnership with local primary and secondary schools and education volunteers can work alongside local teachers or deliver their own lessons.

The most commonly requested subject of teaching is English and we encourage volunteers to create their own lesson plans, with teaching materials available for this purpose. Volunteers may also bring their own teaching materials such as reading and picture books and teaching flash cards.

For volunteers teaching English, it is not necessary to have past experience and in-depth knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The fact that the children have the chance working with fluent English speakers is invaluable on its own. For those volunteers with a professional interest in teaching, this is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your skills in a new and very different environment. Working with the children daily you will bring about a sense of professionalism and dedication and this is extremely valuable for children’s confidence and also for your own 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 employ-ability 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 of volunteering in India.

Childcare Volunteer

iSPiiCE offer support to the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Service) scheme, an initiative addressing both early childhood development, health and malnutrition in India.

The services provided by the scheme are made available through local child care centres (anganwari) and they offer nutritional food and health education to mother and child, as well as non formal preschool education. Although these centres do provide a valuable service in the community they suffer from a lack of funding and poor management affecting their ability to meet specified objectives, especially in the area of preschool education.

This is where iSPiiCE childcare volunteer assistance can make such a difference and along with local staff you will be responsible for providing a safe, hygienic environment for the children to play and learn. Play games and develop arts activities designed to enhance their motor skills and encourage creativity, also you will introduce the children to their ABC’s and nursery rhymes creating a colourful and enjoyable learning environment.

Extra-curricular activities

Whatever extra-curricular activity you may do with the kids, such as 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 level and require to learn 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 iSPiiCE 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, iSPiiCE volunteers that fail to follow the appropriate codes of conduct risk giving unintended offense that undermines their own good standing.

Volunteer 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 include two excursions only, a Himalayan trek and trip to the Taj Mahal.

Himalayan Trek

The Himalayan mountain trek starts from McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. It's a 9km trek of spectacular scenery and tea-houses along the way. The sumit at 2,800 metres offers fantastic views of the snow peaks and the dramatic landscapes below. The Himalayan excursion Includes one night tenting or guest house accommodation and an English speaking 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 iSPiiCE volunteers to explore the local area including important cultural sights such as the Dalai Lama Temple or Kangra fort.

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. Situated within the heart of Amritsar is the Golden Temple, the most important site for followers of the Sikh Religion. The serene waters surrounding the temple, known as 'The Pool of Nectar', gave Amritsar its name (Amrit-sarovar). The Golden Temple is a breathtaking sight and a must for any itinerary.

In the early evening the Wagha border crossing close to 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 world famous mausoleum - the Taj Mahal. 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.

Once you finished marveling over this spectacular structure you have some free time in Agra. You will be taken to Delhi for your return flight home or continuation of your travels in India.

Program Cost

iSPiiCE Volunteer Programs make every effort to keep costs low and at the same time offer you professional and comprehensive services for your volunteer abroad experience. A market place comparison of our prices and services offered will surprise.

Cost (USD) 2 Weeks $490
3 Weeks $640
4 Weeks $790
5 Weeks $940
6 Weeks $1090
7 Weeks $1240
8 Weeks $1390


Highlights
iSPiiCE Volunteer Projects - India provide the following excursions during your placement. All excursions are included in the Program fee.

1. Trekking in Himalayas - two days/one night camping, meals and transfer.
2. Taj Mahal experience one of the eight wonders of the world - two days/one night stay in Agra and transfers.
3. Amritsar - visit the Golden Temple and Wagah border ceremony - two days/one night stay and transfers.

Program Fee Includes

Your iSPiiCE programme includes:
• Airport pick up and transfer to hotel
• Pre Departure Info Kit and Introduction handbook
• All excursion/trips are included in a programme fee -Himalaya trek and McLeod Ganj, Visit Taj Mahal, Visit the Golden Temple at Amritsar, all transportations are included in a programme fee
• Volunteer work with community in rural areas
• Emergency support
• 3 meals per day at iSPiiCE base camp
• All accommodation for the duration of your placement
• Basic teaching materials and use of Computer/Internet
• Opportunities to learn Hindi, Indian cooking and decorative Henna
• Delhi airport drop at the end of your project

What the program fee does not cover:

• Airfare, insurance, visa
• Any personal expenses (water, drinks, restaurant meals)

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Start Dates

Costs / Benefits

Cost: Affordable prices starting at only $490.


Cost (USD) 2 Weeks $490
3 Weeks $640
4 Weeks $790
5 Weeks $940
6 Weeks $1090
7 Weeks $1240
8 Weeks $1390

Requirements

There are no educational requirements for this project; anyone with a heart to help is welcome on this project! Patience, commitment and a willingness to learn is essential. There is no maximum age restriction for their volunteer placements, but the minimum age requirement is 16 years unless accompanied by an adult