Around 40% of India’s population live on less than 1 US dollar a day. This statistic is much higher in the rural areas where most of our work is carried out; where the consequences of such low levels of income are evident. Not only do we need to create training options and avenues for income generation, but we also need to improve the living conditions and lives of those most affected.

Moreover, there are a vast number of sociological issues that arise within the Indian state. If attended to, these problems that can easily be mitigated. Issues such as alcohol abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and insubstantial youth development, to name but a few, are rife within India. It is imperative that we work towards overcoming social problems such as these, because in addition to causing misery and suffering, they stand directly in the way of economic and social development.   

IVC Projects

Below is a list of some of the projects you'll have access to through IVC. If you have any other skills/interests that you don't see listed here, don't hesitate to contact us about your ideas. We are more than happy to discuss any new projects or causes you don't see below.  (for more information on our projects, download our Volunteer Guide)

All projects are available as a volunteer, internship, or research opportunity.

Teaching English

​In India the English language is widely used, especially in relation to business and professional endeavours. By teaching underprivileged women and children this valuable skill this project is creating opportunities for them to become more financially independent, giving them the chance to improve their futures. English is taught in local schools, but children struggle with speaking, conversational English, and simple confidence in their language skills. Projects can always use volunteers as English teachers, and the experience can be very rewarding. Volunteers certainly do not need to have previous experience teaching, as any exposure to English increases an individual's ability to speak the language. There are also opportunities to help local NGO staff improve their English skills.

Teaching Computer Skills

These skills are important for securing potential job opportunities. The widespread use and availability of technology is still developing in India, therefore, any training underprivileged women and children have with computers will make them more desirable for future employers. The local staff of the NGO you work with will also likely appreciate training with computers. Volunteers can teach basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and e-mail, to individuals or in a group setting.

Women's Microfinance Groups (Self-Help Groups)

These groups are designed to help underprivileged women empower themselves by creating a system that allows them to take out loans they would not otherwise have access to. The amount and use of the loan is decided by each group, and they pay the loan back with the guiding support of Prime Trust. This project is best suited for volunteers staying for longer periods of time. Volunteers can train the local staff on how to use Excel to track the accounts of the over 250 microfinance groups. Additionally, many volunteers in the past have conducted research on this project concerning how it empowers women, the challenges of managing the debt, and how to effectively use the loan money to begin a business.

Vocational Training Centre

This centre was designed to teach women valuable skills related to various employment opportunities around Pondicherry, specifically self-employment. By allowing these women to earn money for themselves and their children, instead of relying solely on the men, they develop feelings of self-worth and confidence, allowing them to pursue additional opportunities for betterment. Volunteers can help with training women in nearly any handcraft that has the potential to be sold in Pondicherry. 

​Child Sponsorship Program

​Many of the families we serve have a very difficult time covering their costs each month, and a child's school fees each year can be a great burden. Providing Child Sponsorships supports and protects the education opportunities for children in these struggling families. This program is in constant need of donors as there are always more children to support. Volunteers can help by spreading the word about the sponsorship program and attract more sponsors locally and abroad.

Home for Girls

This home was established to create a safe and structured environment where underprivileged—and in many cases, traumatized—girls have the opportunity to focus on their studies and develop individually. Because girls are often neglected in Indian society, this Home is incredibly important for the improvement of their lives, creating more opportunities in their futures. It is very beneficial to have volunteers work with the girls extensively during their stay, especially female volunteers. Volunteers can improve the girls' sense of self worth, increase their English skills, and simply have fun with them and allow them to just be kids. (Below are some of the girls living in the Home)
The next challenge for the team at Janani is to build a new sustainable home for the girls. For more information you can visit the project page here on Prime Trust's website. 

Home for Boys

Servicing more than 100 orphan, underprivileged, and/or differentially-abled boys, this project is in constant need of support as the staff struggle to interact with all of the children to the extent they would like. Volunteers can socialize with the boys to increase their quality of life in the home, as well as assisting with day-to-day caretaking tasks. ​

Home for Disabled Women and Girls

Approximately 30 disabled women and girls stay in this home and are cared for by the limited staff. Many of the girls remain in their beds the entire day and do not have much human interaction. Volunteers can help by assisting staff with feeding and bathing, in addition to socializing with the girls to increase their responsiveness and overall quality of life.

Shelter for Women

This project benefits women coming from a variety of backgrounds, but all suffer being treated as the lowest of the low in society. Most of the women are referred to the home by the local police or are turned in by their families as unwanted. The women have few options in life. Volunteers can work to improve their quality of life through socializing, organizing field trips, and generally empowering the women so they feel good about themselves. (it should be noted that men are not allowed in the shelter, we can only accept women for this project)

Home for the Elderly

Some adults find they have no one willing to take care of them as they age, and many have nowhere to live. This home takes in the elderly (often from the streets) and cares for their daily needs. Volunteers can help with the basic running of the home such as feeding and bathing, or just simply socializing with the elderly persons as the staff don't always have time.

Children's Groups in Rural Communities

Aspects of education related to leadership, personal accountability, and general life skills are often overlooked in rural communities. These communities have fewer options for a better life, creating a need for children to take a stand. The children determine how their specific group operates, therefore, this project functions as a way for the children to gain valuable management skills, as well as important beliefs of self-worth and responsibility. Volunteers can help by organizing lessons for the groups and arranging activities or even field trips for the children.

Social Awareness Programs

Education on subjects such as health, human rights, and environmentalism is vitally important for the underprivileged in India. Many urban and rural poor don't know the rights afforded to them by the government or how to prevent HIV/AIDS. Additionally, environmental awareness is often a neglected cause in India, creating devastating side effects for the environment and the quality of life. Volunteers can research issues and prepare presentations to present to women's microfinance groups or the children's groups, with the assistance of a staff person to translate. Past volunteers have created awareness programs on: HIV/AIDS, nutrition, health and hygiene, diabetes treatment and prevention, cancer prevention, mental illness, women's rights, child rights, child labor laws, domestic violence, environmental issues, and many more. 

Fundraising

While fundraising work may not produce as many memorable stories as working directly with the women or children, it is the backbone of every project that serves the underprivileged in our area. Many volunteers find it rewarding to spend half of their time on fundraising efforts and half of their time in direct service projects. Volunteers can help with fundraising by brainstorming fundraising events, using online fundraising tools, soliciting funds from friends and families back home, researching and writing grants that match specific projects, and searching for organization in India  or in your home countries that are willing to support IVC's local programs. Even if you have never done fundraising work before, a creative mind can help raise funds that ultimately fuel our much needed projects.

Medical Projects

Doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff can find meaningful volunteer work in our area. Major hospitals in Pondicherry can always use the assistance of volunteers. IVC also partners with rural medical missions throughout the region, giving you more opportunities to help bridge the gap between the medical needs and realities of the rural poor. This program is new and continually evolving - contact us for up-to-date information!

Social Media & Marketing

Another way to help out IVC or our partner organizations is through marketing and social media. NGOs depend on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and organization websites to share stories and photos of the work they do to keep donors and volunteers informed. Volunteers can help us update and improve our marketing strategy as well as widen the reach of our organization through their own contacts.

Volunteer Recruitment

Volunteers are the backbone of IVC and we can always benefit from more volunteers year-round. Current volunteers can help by writing reviews of their time at IVC on various international volunteer websites, finding new platforms to market IVC, contacting universities back home to tell them about the intern and volunteer opportunities at IVC, and simply giving talks about your work through IVC once you return to your home. We encourage creative ideas on volunteer recruitment, as the more people that come through our doors, the more people our projects can help.

Organic Farming/Agriculture

Agricultural work is prominent and India, and the work is difficult. Unfortunately, many farmers and laborers are extremely poor due to inefficient agricultural techniques and a decline in government support. Volunteers can help to research/develop and teach sustainable agricultural techniques and help farmers to find new markets (such as organic farming). 

LGBT Population

The LGBT population faces many challenges in India, and Pondicherry is fortunate to have an organization working to advocate for and assist this population. There are a variety of fundraising, marketing, and advocacy projects volunteers can assist with and it will certainly be a project in which you learn a lot about local Indian culture and it's views on the LGBT population.

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Are you Professionally Qualified?
If you are professionally qualified then there may be a number of specific options with India Volunteer Care available to you. Skills in demand include: counseling, nursing, construction, IT/technology, teaching, agriculture, tailoring, and writing (grant writing/media). Please note any professional skills on you Volunteer Application.

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Choosing a Project

As a prospective volunteer, we ask you to think seriously about the project areas in which you wish to work. Remember, each project type generates different demands; each project type requires differing skills and abilities. When selecting an India Volunteer Care project, we ask you to consider the following points:

Do I have the necessary skills?
For example, if you want to give HIV/AIDS Awareness Programs, are you willing to stand up in front of groups of people and talk? Are you willing to discuss the sensitive issue of HIV transmission with others?

Can I fulfill the job demands asked of me?
If you would like to work on grants or marketing, can you commit to following deadlines and/or keeping information relevant? Who will take over the project when you leave, or are you willing to manage it once you return home?

Is the target group the correct group for me?
If you are working with children, do you really enjoy being surrounded by children and all the demands a group of kids can make on you? Do you have the patience to be with them?

Preparation
Whatever your project choice, you will be given full training and continuous support throughout your stay. Further, you will be given all the background information you require. Once you choose to apply for a specific project, we strongly advise you to begin your own background research on the topic or issue you will be working with.