Rural School Teaching and Development

Non-profit
·
founded in 1989
Lauren
Ask A Question
Coordinator | Lauren
Coordinator | Lauren
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Genuine Humanitarian Work. Bihar, India is one of the poorest regions in India with genuine needs
Incredible local staff and amazing support
Life changing experience! The culture of India is incredible
Provide opportunity to underprivileged kids
Bodhgaya radiates the culture and spirit of compassion and enlightenment. Volunteers seeking a truly unique and real Indian experience are encouraged to apply. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Background Information

Bodhgaya, the most fascinating and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the world is the site where Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One in approx 525 BC. Bodhgaya, is famous for Mahabodhi temple which stands above the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is mesmerizing.Inside the temple, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his righthand.  Within the temple grounds you will be witness to thousands of devout Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world in colourful burgundy and saffron robes, congregated to worship at the feet of Buddha.

Outside the temple, you will see a crazy, buzzing mish mash of diversity, colours, culture, food stalls, rick-shaws, wild dogs and of course, severe poverty.   Venture further out from the city centre, into the local villages, and this is where you will experience the true heart of India.  This is where the IVI placement operates.

Overview

This placement is centered around a rural school just outside of Bodghaya.   The school is an educational institution that truly caters to the most vulnerable communities.

The students come from the surrounding villages (approx 600 population) which lack basic infrastructure and without this school, would have virtually no access to education.  For these agricultural driven communities, the reality of unjust social hierarchy simply does not allow children of poor families to receive an education.

The school is the first of it’s kind in this area as such it has faced incredible resistance from the village elites with a lack of understanding of the community benefits associated with ‘new’ knowledge systems and formal education opportunities.

Slowly but surely, the pupil base has grown exponentially over the years harnessing a powerful spirit of pride, acceptance and opportunity.

As a volunteer guest you will receive truly incredible Indian hospitality, as you are welcomed by hundreds of intrigued and appreciative smiling faces.   There are a myriad of inspiring activities you can get involved with that will make a lasting difference to the school and community.

School Projects
-Teaching English & Other Subjects
-Essential Children’s Nutrition
-Maternal & Health Education
-Safe Birthing Kits
-Community Gardening
-Basic Vocational Training
-Develop Fundraising strategies
-Draft grant applications
-Resume Development
Tribal Community Projects
-Primary skills development
-Inter-cultural Dialogue program
-Basic nutritional care
-Ground water provisioning
-Vocational training such as computer training, carpentry, plumbing, sewing and clothing, diesel engine repair, organic gardening etc

Who Can Participate

Anyone seeking to experience first hand the richness of Indian community spirit while offering services to those in need.  Knowledge of the Hindi language is a major advantage.  Many do speak some English, however it is very scarce in the rural areas.

Yoga
We immensely appreciate yoga as one of our intrinsic approaches to inculcate internal faculties of volunteers.   Yoga is provided for volunteers by a trained yoga instructors where possible.

Typical day

What to Expect in India

What you will experience is the most incredible welcome, warmth, friendliness, acceptance, and Indian hospitality.  Be prepared for a celebration where children shower you with flower petals and then performed a series of native hindu and Indian songs and greetings.

Day to day experience
You will travel to the rural school by bicycle daily from the volunteer center which is approx 10-15 min bike.   Depending on the project chosen you may be transferred by car to relevant project site.   You will be given an orientation during the first few days which you can use to help tailor your desired involvement in the various projects available.   This is a varied placement in which volunteers will have alot of options and opportunity to be creative and truly help make a difference in the lives of children and families living in poverty.   This area is very poor and so any assistance from volunteers is met with incredible gratitude from the local people.  

Free-time activities

Mahabodhi temple is the location where the Budha attained enlightenment.   This is the cultural backbone of this area and the main attraction for hundreds of thousands of monks and pilgrims from all over India, Bhutan and neighboring countries.   There are many cultural sites located within the area of Bodhgaya, so this is a mecca for Buddhists and those seeking to learn about Buddhist beliefs and cultures. 

Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (basic level)
Criminal Background Check
required
Education Requirements
at High School level
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 13:00

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI
  • Arrival  airport transfer
  • 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
  • Accommodation (Volunteer Centers – shared dorm style rooms)
  • Daily ground transportation (to/from project)
  • Training & supervision as required
  • Use of necessary equipment incl program materials
  • 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
  • Touring & excursions as per itinerary
  • Certificate of Completion 
Airport Pickup at Gaya Airport

Pickup from Gaya included

Accommodation

The volunteer center is safe, clean and comfortable.  We have eight rooms with living hall and separate kitchen. Each room has double beds and attached western toilets.  It is very close to world heritage Mahabodhi Temple.

Volunteers can choose from basic single, double or dorm style rooms depending on availability.  All standard amenities are included such as beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, towels, water purifier, fans & coolers, mosquito netting, western toilet, cleaning supplies, chairs and  tables.

Bedroom (Double) Bedroom (Single) Dorm Room
Food & Beverages
Three vegetarian meals a day.  We provide fruits, bread and butter with tea or coffee for breakfast.  For lunch, we offer non spicy or spicy Vegetarian meals (Rice pulses and green vegetables, Soup and Salad) for dinner, we again provide non spicy or spicy authentic Indian vegetarian food
Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Gaya Airport (GAY) in Gaya. We assist you to find cheap flights to India.
Travel Insurance
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for India provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in India you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for India.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

The project is available year round and is flexible for arrival times.   Preferably volunteers will arrive on either Saturday or Sunday, but we can accommodate other times within the same volunteers fees. 

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
4 - 16 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
4 weeks (min. stay)
$870
8 weeks
$1,270
12 weeks
$1,725
16 weeks (max. stay)
$2,265
Average fees
$180 /week

Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated. Involvement Volunteers IVI will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Involvement Volunteers IVI cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Involvement Volunteers IVI.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Rural School Teaching and Development

Bodhgaya radiates the culture and spirit of compassion and enlightenment. Volunteers seeking a truly unique and real Indian experience are encouraged to apply.

$180/week

You might be also interested in

Local Animal Rescue Center Escazu, Costa Rica Volunteer Now Costa Rica
As part of our local animal shelter, you'll be responsible for a variety of activities such as feeding, maintenance and engaging with animals!
Sea Turtle Conservation Ambassador Quepos, Costa Rica Tortugas de Pacuare
Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific CR!
Conservation of Whale & Dolphin Populations Tenerife, Spain GVI
Contribute to critical whale & dolphin conservation initiatives in the beautiful subtropical island archipelago - Canary Islands.
Migrants and Refugees Integration Support Napoli, Italy International Napoli Network
Help the refugee and migrant community to gain a foothold in Europe by supporting shelters, schools, health care and activities tailored to their long-term integration.
Kindergarten Teacher and Assistent Lovina, Bali, Indonesia Involvement Volunteers IVI
Work in local kindergartens in Bali's northern beaches and teach the children basic English words and phrases in an informal and fun way, such as songs & dancing.
Community Patient Healthcare Antigua, Guatemala Involvement Volunteers IVI
Work at assisted living-facilities, helping with people who are physically or mentally disabled, elderly patients, and children infected with HIV.
Brochure

Why am I seeing this?

You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.

Take Me Home