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Volunteer Childcare Program in Palampur - India

Childcare Volunteer program in Palampur - Dharamsala - IndiaVolunteers in this program work in local day care centers or “Anganwadis” as they are locally called, located in and around Palampur. Since the area is a rural area, there are not many qualified and well trained caretakers for the children. Our volunteers play a significant role by providing the children with the much needed attention , love and care. Volunteers provide one on one attention to each and every child and help in the overall holistic development of the children. Volunteers also help the day care center staff by helping in daily jobs, such as feeding , cleaning, clothing, teaching and playing games with the children.
 
Since the inception of this volunteer program , we have seen a gradual change and development in the working of the day care centers in the area of Palampur. Volunteers have played a big role in their development by lending a helping and caring hand. 
 
Typical volunteer activities include :-
  1. Ensuring attendance by the children of the area to these centers. 
  2. Keeping the parents informed about the activities their children are doing at the centre.
  3. Help, prepare and, serve nutritious meals for the children every day with the help of a local worker.
  4. Create a fun, colorful, “Play Way” environment for the children through games, stories and other  creative  activities.
  5. Decorating and painting the day care center with charts, colors , papers to make it look attractive and inviting for more children to join these centers.
Volunteers are welcome to bring any resources which can be useful for them and help them in their work with the children. The day care centers do not have adequate materials and supplies and any supplies that you can bring would be welcome.

The project is suitable for volunteers looking to work for a shorter period and for those on a gap year, summer placement or volunteering with their family. This project is very much recommended for family volunteering in India wherein the family members can volunteer together. The accommodations are located in close proximity to the projects which would also be convenient for any children joining their parents on their volunteer program.
 
Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and team for any kind of help they need in their work. 
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Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
 

Project Location

Volunteer Projects are located in and around the city of Palampur located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India.Palampur is the tea capital of north India and is famous for the beautiful views of the Himalayas, the flowing streams and the lush green tea gardens.The area is well connected by road and air from Delhi. Volunteers have the option of taking a direct flight from Delhi to Dharamshala, from they are picked up by the local staff. The other option is to take an overnight bus from Delhi to Palampur. Our local staff in Delhi assists the volunteers in booking the ticket.   
 

Language & Cultural Orientation Week in Delhi

You have the option to start your volunteering with Language & Culture Orientation week in New Delhi. (Starts 1st and 3rd Monday of every month). The week aims to provide important Language instructions, safety tips, and cultural knowledge before volunteers start their work. Volunteers would also be given a 2 day tour around Delhi to see the beautiful sights it has to offer. 
 
Volunteers joining the program in Palampur are recommended to join the Orientation week in Delhi as it gives you a good head start where you can learn some basic Hindi and also get to see the historical sites in Delhi before leaving for Palampur.
 

During Your Free Time 

Volunteers can go and explore the market in Palampur and take long pleasant walks. The area in and around Palampur is very safe and volunteers generally prefer to walk to all the areas. You can also visit the beautiful tea gardens, temples and Tashi Jong monastery which is located in Palampur.

What We Provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer:  Volunteers are picked up from the airport (in Dharamshala) or the bus terminal in Palampur and are transferred to their home stay accommodations.
 
Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by our staff. We cover areas like, culture, safety, locations, transportation etc. Volunteers also have the option to start their program by joining the 1 week language & culture orientation week in Delhi.
 
Lodging:  Accommodation is provided in a safe and comfortable homestay. Accommodation is shared along with other volunteers. The home stay has all the modern facilities available to ensure a comfortable stay for our volunteers. 
 
Food: 3 Indian Vegetarian meals will be provided in this project. Typical lunch and dinner meals include Dal, Rice, Vegetables, Salad, Yoghurt, Roti (Indian Bread). Breakfast includes Bread, butter, jam, cornflakes, tea, and different Indian dishes. The meals will be tasty and healthy. 
 
Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here
 
Local Market and Tea Garden Tour: Volunteers are given a local Palampur market , Tea Garden and Tea Factory tour.
 
In–country travel assistance:  Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements. Volunteers plan trekking trips to Dharamshala on weekends and the coordinators provide full support.
 
In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.
 
Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

Start Date

Volunteers can begin their project placement on any Monday of the month (Unless you join the Language and Culture week in Delhi, which starts on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month throughout the year, followed by volunteer program of your choice in Nepal.) Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

USD GBP
1 Week2 Weeks3 Weeks4 Weeks5 Weeks6 Weeks7 Weeks8 WeeksExtra Weeks
$275$415$515$615$715$815$915$1015$120
Language and Culture week in Delhi starts every 1st & 3rd Monday of every Month. - $250
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week2 Weeks3 Weeks4 Weeks5 Weeks6 Weeks7 Weeks8 WeeksExtra Weeks
£193£291£361£431£501£571£641£711£84
Language and Culture week in Delhi starts every 1st & 3rd Monday of every Month. - $250
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    • Pre departure information and support
    • Airport Pickup and drop from Dharamsala airport
    • Orientation 
    • Three meals a day
    • Welcome dinner
    • Accommodation in a home stay 
    • Local market tour
    • Visit to Tea garden and Tea factory
    • Visit to nearby tourist attractions within 20 kms
    • Yoga and meditation class once a week 
    • 24*7 staff support

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Airfare 
    • Visa and Visa extension fee 
    • Airport drop, airport taxes and local transportation 
    • Vaccinations
    • Any personal expenses (You would need around $30 per week for your personal expenses)

What are the project locations in India ?

Our volunteer programs are located in and around Delhi , South India, Palampur/Dharamsala in Himalayas and in Kolkata.

People from which country can join the Volunteering Solutions program ?

We welcome people from any part of the world to join our program regardless of which country he or she may belong too.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for India. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in India?

We are able to offer placements from any Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 4-7 working days.

When do I need to arrive in India for my program? What will happen once I arrive in India?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Our local coordinator or representative will pick volunteers from the respective Airport/Railway Station/Bus Station depending upon the arrival details provided by the volunteers. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in India will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in the volunteer’s home or with a host family. Accommodation is shared along with other volunteers. You need to bring your own toiletries, mosquito net and sleeping bag.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the India-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -
  1. Hepatitis A and B
  2. Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in India?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. However you should carry around $40 - $50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

Is there phone and internet available on projects?

Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. You’ll have easy access to e-mail, telephone etc. Public telephone booths & cyber cafes are located practically everywhere. You can choose to carry your mobile phone if you want better connectivity with people back home.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in India? Are there ATM’s in India?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the city (Delhi, Palampur, Kolkata and South India).

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

The host family provides two or three meals per day which consists of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. The meals consist of Chicken, Rice, Beans, Fish, Salads and Fruits. Traditional Indian food will be provided to volunteers.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for India?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

What should I do in case of an emergency during my trip?

You’ll be provided with a pre-departure manual after you’ve signed up with us for our program. It’ll have the entire phone no’s and addresses of our country coordinators whom you may contact in case of any emergency.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into India?

We would recommend you to visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com to have more details on cheap airlines to India.

Joselis Padilla (USA)
Joselis Padilla-Volunteer Childcare Program I worked at the Day Care Center of Palampur ,where the kids received me with a huge smile. That let me know that they are happy and very well taken care of. They are very smart and eager to learn. ..... read more
Judy Breakstone (USA)
Judy Breakstone-Childcare Program I have done 3 volunteering trips with two other organizations before this one. I hope to do one or two more every year and will definitely go with Volunteering Solutions. You are doing a great job. I look forward to more trips with you...... read more
Emily Bradley (USA)
Emily Bradley-Volunteer Teaching Program I loved the tea plantation and hope it continues to grow as a program. The childcare was great too though I was surprised with the amount of responsibility at the day care, since the teachers followed my lead...... read more
Susie Hart (United Kingdom)
Susie Hart-Volunteer Childcare Program Accommodation was really comfortable homely and the meals were really good. The highlight was Trekking trip, amazing views were really enjoyable...... read more
Peggy Bodayon (Beirut,Lebanon)
Peggy Bodayon-Childcare program Palampur was breathtaking and the people so warm and friendly. The volunteers house so welcoming and warm . I cannot imagine anything that would have given me more inner peace and delight than being able to wake up everyday and go to the project placement to work with the kids..... read more
Sarin Djeghelian (Beirut,Lebanon)
Sarin Djeghelian-Childcare Volunteer Programs Accommodation was great, people hosting us were very nice and very humble family, they provided us with all the necessities and the food was good...... read more