India’s population continues to grow at a rapid pace and its bustling cities and vibrant culture make it an intriguing destination for volunteer work.
However, within this dynamic society many Indians remain marginalised, and the disabled population in particular is given too little support. The 2001 census showed that there are over 20 million people with disabilities living in India, including those with visual, hearing, speech, locomotive and mental handicaps.
Yet only 49% of these were literate and just 34% were employed. Clearly there remain issues of discrimination and access and as a volunteer in India you can help to give wide-ranging care to those otherwise excluded from society.
Overview
Overview
With volunteer opportunities in forward-thinking disability organisations in Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Cochin, Inspire gives you the chance to contribute to some of the most challenging and rewarding causes in India. Through our partner charities and NGOs you can volunteer with children and adults with disabilities, helping them to gain new confidence and skills.
Your volunteer work could put you in contact with children suffering from cerebral palsy, autism or any other physical and mental disability, and your role will be as wonderfully diverse as the children you meet. You could be teaching English and Maths in a classroom, assisting in physiotherapy sessions or even using performing arts to inspire and entertain.
While helping disabled children can be a challenging experience, the holistic approach adopted by our partners means you can use your creativity and energy to engage children and brighten their lives. You are sure to find this volunteer work worthwhile and rewarding, making it a truly special way to spend your time as a volunteer in India.
Location
Location
Country
India is a country bursting with diversity. While its vibrant culture and contrasting landscapes can be a shock to the senses, they make it a truly inspiring destination for a career break or gap year abroad and many are drawn back to visit again and again.
Region
This volunteer work is available in Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi and each offers a unique travel experience. New Delhi’s combination of rich history and bustling streets make it an exciting place to volunteer abroad. Chennai’s location in the tropical south gives it a unique flavour, while Kolkata is a culturally vibrant city found in the far-eastern region of the Indian sub-continent.
Local attractions
New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai offer an abundance of attractions. As well as Red Fort and Qutab Minar, Delhi is the perfect base for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra. Volunteers in Kolkata should visit Victoria Memorial or the slums made famous by Mother Theresa. Formerly Madras, Chennai’s claim to fame is having the second largest beach in the world.
Getting there
Volunteers can fly direct to Delhi and transfer from there to their project location. Indirect and internal flights are available to Kolkata and Chennai but India’s comprehensive rail network provides a good alternative.
Cost
Cost
The cost of this volunteer project varies depending on your location and lasts a minimum of one month. To give you greatest flexibility in your volunteer experience we give you the option of extending your stay on a week-by-week basis.
Programme Price
Kolkata & Chennai
1 month = £890
Extra weeks = +£100 per week
New Delhi
1 month = £990
Extra weeks = +£110 per week
What’s Included
• Pre-departure briefing
• Twin-share accommodation in local homestay
• Breakfast & dinner at homestay
• Meet at airport and transfer to project
• In-country orientation & 24/7 support
What’s not included:
• International flights
• Visas, vaccinations and travel insurance
• Local transport
• Personal expenses
How to Book
How to Book
You can book this volunteer programme online by clicking on ‘Book Now’. After filling in our online booking form you will be asked to pay a sign-up fee of £150 via PayPal, which will confirm your place on the project. Alternatively you can book your place on the phone, by calling 08000 32 33 50 and speaking to one of our volunteer coordinators.
The £150 sign-up fee is not an additional cost and is taken from your total project cost. Your place is not confirmed until we receive this payment. Payments can be made online via PayPal, by phone or by bank transfer. If you have any queries regarding the booking process please get in touch.
Not ready to book?
If you’re not ready to book, but want to find out more about any of our volunteer opportunities, click on ‘Enquire about this trip’ and submit our online enquiry form, or phone us on 08000 32 33 50. Our volunteer coordinators will be happy to answer any questions you may have and advise you on what project best suits you.
What happens next?
Once we have confirmed your booking we will guide you through the application process and help you plan and prepare for your trip of a lifetime!











