In constant contact with the children and members of the Fort Cochin community, during this humanitarian mission in India you will enjoy unforgettable experiences in the tropical paradise of Kerala and total immersion in Indian culture. The help of the volunteers is crucial in raising the overall level of education and bringing about a lasting improvement in the life of the community. Our local NGO offers 3 projects where international volunteers work alongside teachers and educators. The programmes are flexible and personal initiatives are welcome! It is also possible to mix the different projects with the educational project and the construction project in India.
Educational support
You will provide invaluable support to teachers in a children’s centre or small local state school.
English courses
This voluntary mission involves leading activities to improve the children’s level of English. Volunteers organise games and help teachers with their daily tasks. You can be with young children aged between 3 and 6 or primary school children aged between 6 and 12.
Opening times are 10 am to midday and 2pm to 3pm.
Free time allows you to prepare for your lessons.
Centre for disabled children
The involvement of volunteers in this project makes a real difference, because the children come from disadvantaged families where the parents often have little education. The teachers are also often overwhelmed. You will be able to assist them and learn how to manage groups of students, as well as helping them with their training using new teaching tools. For more information, see the specialised teacher traineeship in India page.
Volunteering and Yoga
Yoga classes every morning before starting the day with the children. Supplement of €50 per week for the volunteering and yoga package. Classes from Monday to Friday from 7am to 9am.
Your daily activities will consist of helping children or teachers (tutoring) and organising artistic and sporting activities outside the classroom. At the end of the day, you’ll have time to relax and organise your schedule. During your free time, you’ll have the chance to discover the hinterland, with a large number of excursions organised to visit the country: cycle rides, cruises, spending a night in a national reserve to observe the animals, etc. You can also visit the temples of Mysore or enjoy the magnificent beaches of Kerala. If you’re feeling sporty, you can also go cycling, kayaking or trekking.
One of India’s most beautiful regions, Kerala is a thin expanse of land in the south-west surrounded by mountains and the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. The region is known for its breathtaking hinterland, impressive inland rivers and magnificent sandy beaches. For an unforgettable experience in the hinterland, the best option is to spend the night on a boat. Kerala’s palm-fringed beaches, where lush vegetation meets the fragrant waters of the sea, are no less impressive. The interior of the country offers exceptional landscapes of mountainous terrain cloaked in tea and spice plantations.
Arrivals every Saturday
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 1115 € |
3 weeks | 1335 € |
4 weeks | 1555 € |
5 weeks | 1725 € |
6 weeks | 1895 € |
7 weeks | 2065 € |
8 weeks | 2235 € |
9 weeks | 2455 € |
10 weeks | 2675 € |
11 weeks | 2895 € |
12 weeks | 3115 € |
A supplement of €200 applies to participants aged under 18. For more information, meet on the youth area.
Volunteers in Kerala are accommodated in a volunteer house shared with other volunteers (30 maximum). Living is comfortable and you will have access to electricity, WiFi and western style toilets. Your showers are cold but being a warm climate almost all year it’s never a problem. All bedding is provided and you can expect to be sharing a room with 1 to 4 other volunteers of the same gender. Mosquito netting is put on windows so you do not need to bring mosquito nets. You will be required to bring your own toiletries and towels. There is a 10pm curfew. Private room upgrades are available for $25 per night and you can inquire with your in country manager Geetha Raj prior to arrival. We have private rooms in the house and if this is booked out we will keep you in a private room at a guesthouse within walking distance to the volunteer house.
The volunteer house has tea and coffee facilities all day, fresh drinking water, a kitchen area (with a seperate fridge) for volunteers use, a lounge area and a resource area. There is also a balcony and rooftop that are for your use. The house is fitted with CCTV cameras, basic medical first aid box, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers for your safety. WiFi is available in common areas but please do not expect this to be the same speed as back home. During power cuts WiFi may be interrupted which is beyond our control.
We have our office area on the ground floor where staff are available daily from 8 am to 5pm. We also have a safe in our office if you want to keep any extra cash or passports with us.
– Up to date CV/ resume
– Copy of return flight itinerary
– Police clearance
– Intermediate level of English; understanding and speaking
– Acceptance subject to availability of position
