Children's Activity Leader

Product Details

Introduction:

Help improve the quality of life for children in Bangalore. Whether you are playing sports, going on camping and canoeing trips, teaching English and computer skills, or using your creative skills in pottery and painting classes, you’ll always be kept busy on this exciting and innovative project.

Location:

Based in Bangalore, the project works with several children’s organisations, so there’s plenty of opportunity to fully explore the city. A real a mixture of old and new, Bangalore has ancient buildings and parks while also being described as India’s answer to Silicon Valley. It’s nothing unusual to see Bollywood stars visiting Bangalore to indulge in the vibrant nightlife and the progressive music scene.

Bangalore citizens also have a laidback attitude and are likely to invite you to their homes within minutes of meeting you. Being 1,000m above sea level, the climate is cooler and makes it a comfortable place to be year-round.

Project Life:

After arriving at Bangalore airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation, where your host family will ensure that you settle into your new home. Starting on Saturday evening, our local coordinator will host an induction for all recently arrived volunteers. You will also have an opportunity to tour the city and take in the sights and sounds of your new home. Regular social events are also held, giving you the opportunity to meet other volunteers and local people, including a free weekend trip on your second weekend.

Founded in 1999, this organisation works with many projects and has been a huge catalyst for social change. It provides activities for children in foster homes, slum schools, and an HIV hospice. The children develop important life skills, grow in confidence and of course have plenty of fun, making new friends in the process. Headquarters is a lively place, where you will spend most of your time when you’re not at the projects around the city.

This project relies heavily on the work of volunteers. By spending a lot of time with the children, you’ll see how your work has a direct and positive influence on their lives.

As a volunteer you have the freedom and flexibility to concentrate on any particular activity that inspires you - whether it be drama, teaching English, sports, arts and crafts or outdoor activities. Part of your time will be spent managing and developing activities alongside the fulltime staff, but there will be plenty of opportunity to deliver sessions and work with the children. There’s a lot of hard work for volunteers, but it’s enormous fun and the rewards are huge.

Accommodation & Food

• Wherever possible you will stay in an Indian home, otherwise share an apartment with other volunteers. Home-stay hosts are carefully selected and you would normally share a non air-conditioned room with another volunteer.
• Breakfast and evening meals are provided with your host family.

Dates & Duration:

• Minimum duration - 3 months.
  
• Maximum duration - 6 months.
  
• Programmes start on the 2nd Monday of every month.
• Please arrange your flight to arrive anytime between Thursday and midday Saturday on the weekend immediately before your project starts.
• Please be aware that projects often reduce or close their operations over Diwali, which is normally in October for approx 7-10 days, and the school holidays between mid May - end of June.
• The hottest months are May - June and we would recommend you take part outside of these months.

Flights & Transportation:

• International flights are not included.
• On arrival at Bangalore airport, our local coordinator will arrange transport to meet you in the arrivals lounge and take you to your accommodation.
• In the event that you need to use local transport around Bangalore, the local rickshaw service is very efficient and cheap (approx £0.40p for a journey within the city)
• A volunteer visa is required - we will provide you with an Invitation from the Project and a Sponsoring Organisation Letter. UK residents, please click here to download the Visa Application Form from the Indian High Commission in London (visa costs £30).

Safety & Insurance:

• All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence of working with reputable organisations.
• Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements.
• Our local partner provides 24-hour support.

Eligibility & Skills:

• There are no specific skills required to participate on this programme, other than a genuine desire to support children and help them reach their full potential.
• Volunteers need to be mature and confident and demonstrate initiative.
• Minimum age 18 yrs. No maximum age.
• Good spoken English is required.