Volunteer

Asha welcomes volunteers from all over the world, regardless of their skills or the length of time that they have to spare. So far, over 270 volunteers have visited Asha's projects and got involved with our work; nearly all say that it has been a life-changing experience. Many of them find their time with Asha so challenging and rewarding that they come back, often bringing others with them. It's a great opportunity for people to immerse themselves in a different culture while making a practical contribution to a very worthy cause.

Comments from past volunteers

"Whilst we have been here, we have been moved, challenged and inspired not only by all the staff, but also by the slum people themselves. Through the work of Asha, so many of their lives have been completely transformed; they have become more equipped to serve their community, better educated to improve their situation and mainly and most strikingly, the people have a new sense of pride and dignity that shines through their life." (Julia & Laura, July 2006)

"I come away amazed at these resilient people who cope with slum life, see birth and death there, and all of the joys or struggles in between. They believe that change is possible and are working, with Asha's help, to improve their conditions. I really admire that and feel the richer for having had my life touched by those who live in slum communities in Delhi." (Gareth Williams, Ballymena)

A typical visit

After application, volunteers are provided with a preparation pack. It includes contact information, policies, travel information, a culture and shopping guide, and information on health and security. The pack is extremely comprehensive, catering for those who have never visited a country like India before. On arrival, visitors can go on local sightseeing trips and advised on possible weekend excursions. This helps them get acquainted with the country, its people and its culture. Asha can suggest some options for safe and affordable accommodation for volunteers, and health advice is always available from Asha doctors.

Types of voluntary work

You can apply to volunteer for a few days, a few weeks, a few months or even longer. The Asha programme presents different opportunities for volunteers according to their length of stay, interests and skill sets.

Many volunteers wonder what type of work they will be doing. In assigning work to volunteers, Asha takes into account cultural and language differences. Here are a few examples of ways that non-Hindi speaking volunteers can contribute to Asha:

If you are volunteering a few days or a few weeks:

• Conduct training workshops for community members groups or project staff on a practical topic related to healthcare, empowerment, education, environment or financial inclusion (e.g. good local business practices, good studying habits for college students)

• Beautify an Asha slum Community Centre (e.g. bringing a team effort to paint a centre)

• Fundraise and organise an environmental initiative (e.g. work with a community group to clean up a particular slum area)

If you are looking to volunteer for one month or more:

• Teach English to children and young people in one of our slum projects

• Conduct activities for youth and women’s groups that encourage learning and empowerment (e.g. form a study group with students preparing for college, hold self-defense training for young women)

• Spend some days observing medical practices at Asha clinics and gain exposure to Indian public health scenarios

If you want to conduct a research study or project:

Please send the details of your request and a brief of your proposed research, including details of your institution or organisation, along with your volunteer application form.

Applying is easy

If you're interested in volunteering for Asha, just click here to download a copy of our application form and then send the completed version to our headquarters in Delhi. If you are able to add a photo electronically, then you can email the form to info@asha-india.org.

Funding for your trip

We're happy to help you find suitable accommodation during your stay, and ask that you contact us with any queries or concerns you might have during the planning stage or the stay itself. We ask that you try and raise some money towards Asha's projects by whatever methods suit you best; our Fundraising page may give you some ideas.