×

Warning

The mail function has been disabled by an administrator.

Volunteering for Free in India

Johan Bichel Lindegaard

As Crystal finds out, very little in life is free.

Since I have been in India, I have been searching for volunteer opportunities. What I found is that there are few free volunteer opportunities. To me, volunteering is a powerful movement. It says, "I have nothing to give to you, but I can offer you my services." I didn’t come to India on vacation, I came here to live my dream. So needless to say, I do not have much to give except for my services. Regardless, I went on searching.

When asking locals about volunteer opportunities, they seemed as confused as I was. I received responses like: "Well what kind of volunteering? What do you want to do?"

"Anything," I replied.

I did a bit of online research and found many free or affordable opportunities (to my surprise) to volunteer in Delhi. Whether helping teach poor children English and other life skills, helping out on a farm, or volunteering in a community development project, there are plenty of opportunities to help as a budget traveller. (Please note that accommodation is not always available. Sometimes you will be provided food and a place to stay, but more likely than not, you will need to make your own arrangements or pay a small accommodation fee.)

I’m currently considering two opportunities:

1) Volunteering Solutions has a wide variety of projects in Delhi for 2014. This includes a program dedicated to women empowerment and education, spending time with and helping street children, volunteering at orphanages, a medical healthcare program and so much more.

2) Salaam Baalak Trust is focused on educating the poor and disadvantaged children of India. Options include opportunities in teaching life skills and non-formal education, creative expression & talent, multimedia, communication, healthcare, formal education (such as teaching English or Mathematics) and more.

I am still deciding which opportunity works best with my work schedule and budget, but I truly can't wait to get started! Since I am currently staying in a guesthouse, I won’t need to look for a volunteer opportunity that provides accommodation. With less than two months left until I depart for home, time is running short!

Add this article to your reading list
Published in Volunteer Abroad Blogs
Crystal Collins

When she knew she had a greater purpose, Crystal decided to upgrade her unfulfilling life by following her dreams and moving to India. Crystal spends time travelling, plotting to save the world and sharing her adventures through writing.

Website: myhindiheart.com/

Join the Verge Community

Verge Magazine Membership


Join our community of savvy travellers and put nearly two decades of inspiring articles, authoritative information and expert advice to work for you.

Show me more > Login >

 

Travel Intelligence Bulletin

Namibia

The latest openings overseas—direct to your inbox.

Subscriber Login

About

Travel with purpose; travel for good. Articles, resources and events for ethical and meaningful travel, volunteering, working and studying abroad.

Verge believes in travel for change. International experience creates global citizens, who can change our planet for the better. This belief is at the core of everything we do.

Like what you see?

Follow us on social media