Volunteer work at an Orphanage in Kolkata - India

Volunteering Solutions provides an incredible opportunity to volunteer in an orphanage in India's second largest city - Kolkata.

The city has a large population of children living in slums and in streets. There are many orphan children who are given shelter in orphanages and shelter homes being run by various non government organizations in Kolkata.

Volunteers working in the Orphanage Program in Kolkata have an important role to play in the day to day running of the orphanage centers. Volunteers play the role of mentors for the children , help them in their studies, play games with them and most importantly bring smiles to their faces.

Orphans are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. Your little help at an orphanage can be of great significance for these children, helping to make their present secure and future promising. Spend time with them. Receive their warmth and affection. Tell them stories. share their dreams.

While volunteering at the orphanage, volunteers can help out in daily chores at the center in the morning when the children go to schools. You can also help out in any administrative task at the placement. After the children return from their school, volunteers help them in their homework and play with them. On the weekends you take the children out for a picnic or play any outdoor game with them such as football.

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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 ,flexible attitude for working in a new environment and most importantly love for children.

Project Location

The project placements are located in the city of Kolkata (formerly called as Calcutta). Kolkata is India’s second largest city and has been long known as the Culture Capital of India.

During your Free Time

During the free time volunteers can visit the local markets and different places of Tourist interest in Kolkata. You can visit Victoria Memorial, the famous China Town , Kali temples and the Hooghly River.On the weekends, you can take a trip up to the hills of Darjeeling which is famous all over the world for its tea and excellent Himalayan mountain views.

Language & Orientation Week in Delhi

You have the option to start your program in India 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.

What we provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer: Volunteers are picked up from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata by the local staff or coordinator. Those volunteers who will be already in Kolkata will be met by the staff at the bus/railway station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by our staff. We cover areas like, culture, greetings, locations, transportation etc. You can also choose to start your program by joining the 1 week language & culture orientation week in Delhi.

Lodging: Volunteer accommodation is provided within the Orphanage premises itself in a separate room for volunteers.

Food: 3 Indian meals will be provided in this project to the volunteers. Typical meals provided include Dal (Lentils) Curry, Rice, Vegetables, and Roti (Indian Bread). Volunteers can purchase bottled water from the local markets.

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

In-country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements.

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).
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 EUR

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
$250	$350	$450	$550	$650	$750	$850	$950	$110

Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
£175	£245	£315	£385	£455	£525	£595	£665	£77

Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
€200	€280	€360	€440	€520	€600	€680	€760	€88

Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For ?

24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Pick up from the airport
Orientation
Food (2-3 times a day)
Accommodation
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

What's NOT Included ?

Airfare
Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at extra cost)
Local Transportation
Visa Fees
Vaccinations

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: -

Hepatitis A and B
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 ATMâ€™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.

Suzanne Ennis (Canada)

Suzanne Ennis-Volunteer Orphanage Program

I cannot pick just ONE experience, the kids were amazing ,the coordinator and his family so welcoming, and Kolkata itself is such a dynamic, interesting city with so much to see...... read more

Tanya Sheehan (United Kingdom)

Tanya Sheehan-Volunteer Work At An Orphanage

I loved Working with the children, they were very good and did their homework, and really enjoyed playing games etc. They were the highlight of my trip and I shall miss them all a-lot!..... read more

James Statham (United Kingdom)

James Statham-Volunteer Work At An Orphanage

Working and interacting with the children was an amazing and rewarding experience. The food provided at the orphanage was far greater than ever expected and allowed me to experience and taste different traditional Indian dishes, all very enjoyable...... read more

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