Care & Community - INDIA Project Information for Care and Community in India

Our Care and Community Placements in India

Projects Abroad sends volunteers to a number of orphanages in the areas of Tamil Nadu. Here they work with children between the ages of 2 and 18. On a typical day, the volunteer arrives at the orphanage as early as 6 a.m. to help the children wash, dress, eat and generally get ready for school.

From 8:30 until the afternoon, the volunteers are free to do as they please, but could choose to take part in some other social care activities, such as in a nursery for younger children, or helping with English classes at the local school.

When the children return from school at 4:30, the volunteer helps them with homework, practices their conversational English skills with them, and teaches them about hygiene. They also supervise art, crafts, gardening, and other fun activities. Schedules vary from one placement to another. For example, the adoption centre has hours that are more flexible.

Other placements include working with mentally challenged or deaf children. For those who are interested in conserving the environment, there is an Eco-development project under the conservation project in which volunteers aim to encourage conservation and promote environmental awareness in local villages.

All the care placements are designed to help children who have precious few others to whom they can turn. This work can be challenging, but it is also fun and enjoyable, and greatly appreciated by the children and staff. You will make an important contribution simply by being there, playing games, showing affection and providing some much needed love and attention.