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Fantastic 4.50rating (21)

Urban Organic Garden Assistant

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Bring extra oxygen to city dwellers
  • Helping Refugee Children in education
  • Volunteering to bring peace around

Highlights

  • Bring extra oxygen to city dwellers
  • Helping Refugee Children in education
  • Volunteering to bring peace around
  • Community Service
  • Visit Incredible India


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This program is for the youth group to help in organic farming in cities. International Volunteers of any age are most welcome .

    About the Program

    Organic farming in urban areas through Green House and alternative methods are the main target of this program. International youth have chance to work together with SMILE local volunteers in the program. A complete cultural exchange platform would be there while working in a family ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    Organic farming in urban areas through Green House and alternative methods are the main target of this program. International youth have chance to work together with SMILE local volunteers in the program. A complete cultural exchange platform would be there while working in a family type environment.

    It is a program to learn how one can grow organic vegetable and fruits in apartment, roof, lawn with the help of limited resources. Volunteers can be a big part of the project .Students group can learn the process and gather first hand knowledge from this program.This is one of unique project of recent days when urban population suffering from pollution and shortage of oxygen in Air . Every volunteer can learn and spread the knowledge around.

    SMILE volunteer would work inside of SMILE House with local coordinator. Volunteers will get all sorts of assistance during program hour and they are supposed to follow instruction of the program coordinator.Every volunteers are advised to bring a pair of farming gloves bring with them.Volunteer will have a chance to learn about organic farming in urban areas and it importance of this program for environmental control in cities.

    There would be local coordinator who lead the group ,so volunteers have a chance to learn and explore.Volunteers are requested to bring a pair of hand gloves for their use during farming activities.Other materials are avilable at project site.



    Typical day

    Work Schedule


    Example Daily Schedule

    Wake up early morning: 9 am

    Breakfast: 9:30 am ( self service)

    Work : 10 am-12 pm ( farming time)

    Late afternoon: 3pm - 5 pm working at farm

    Dinner : 7 pm ( volunteers required help themselves in serving ,washing )

    After 7:30 pm exit door would be closed.No one allowed ...

    Typical day

    Work Schedule


    Example Daily Schedule

    Wake up early morning: 9 am

    Breakfast: 9:30 am ( self service)

    Work : 10 am-12 pm ( farming time)

    Late afternoon: 3pm - 5 pm working at farm

    Dinner : 7 pm ( volunteers required help themselves in serving ,washing )

    After 7:30 pm exit door would be closed.No one allowed to go out or come in the accommodation after 7:30 pm everyday including weekends.

    9:30 bed time

    ** Please remember that  program schedule or program site can be changed or altered by the Program In-charge if required and all volunteers are requested to cooperate with our local members and partners. All schedule should be followed and mandatory for everyone to participate and contribute  **


    Free-time activities

    An amazing country with full of culture and tradition .Interesting people ! Explore the country with exciting diversity .Kolkata ,the city of joy was known before as Calcutta since the colonial time. This ancient city was used to be the capital of British colonial period. This city has full of heart ...

    Free-time activities

    An amazing country with full of culture and tradition .Interesting people ! Explore the country with exciting diversity .Kolkata ,the city of joy was known before as Calcutta since the colonial time. This ancient city was used to be the capital of British colonial period. This city has full of heart ,people are basically belongs to the middle class . There are also rich and poor people all around . City Kolkata is know for its busy traffic ,huge population ,warm welcome and poverty around the street corners! It is a great place to visit for every tourist coming to India. 

    More over if anyone get a chance to live with the local host family then that brings extra bonus to any traveller .It helps to learn the culture, tradition, language while staying within the normal people of the society.Living on any hotel can never give any traveller such wide scope to know the society and communities as a whole. Kolkata( itself is a great tourist place with its historical value ) is well connected with many famous and attractive tourist places in city during weekends .


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    N.A at N.A level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    N.A

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by SMILE Society, India

    3 times local food
    shared dorm room at local host family
    public transportation (train/bus ) to and from project and  accommodation
    airport pickup on arrival
    drinking water 
    local coordinator support at every project
    2 days orientation 
    work shop training ( Mon-Fri) 
    pre departure orientation 
    emergency support
    local language training

    Airport Pickup at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport

    On arrival between 6 am-6 pm  is available on same day. if any volunteer arrives after this time then she/he should wait inside the airport lounge for that night .All pickup arrangements are subject to prior confirmation.

    Accommodation

    Dormitory basis in host family/school building as per available on arrival ( on cot with mattress/on floor with mattress, 2-4 volunteers in one room) shared accommodation (normally male & female separate room). You will get accommodation till 6 pm on the last day of your camp.We are unable to provide you any accommodation before or after these dates. 
    Please arrange your own accommodation in case of early arrival or late departure .You are requested to meet our representative at the meeting place on exact time given above. If you arrive early then you can have your stay in any of the different hotels available nearby Airport, within 2 -3 km .on the road popularly called as V.I.P road. You are requested to take any cab to check in any of these hotels. If you arrive at earlier night then you are requested to stay inside the airport terminal and meet at the next morning with our representative at 12 noon. 
     

    Food & Beverages

    You will get 3 times local veg food from host family as per available on arrival. Please do not expect any kind of special dishes (veg/non veg) or cold drinks or special living room or air conditioned room during your term. You are requested to get ready for a simple and challenging life.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (CCU) in Kolkata. We assist you to find cheap flights to India. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    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. GET A QUOTE

    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. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Round the year

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 598€
    8 weeks 1,097€
    12 weeks 1,496€
    16 weeks 1,995€
    20 weeks 2,394€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 2,793€
    Average fees 133€/week

    Program fees

    133€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    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

    Your final payment will be agreed with SMILE Society, India during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    SMILE Society, India

    Fantastic 4.5 rating (21 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2003

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Kamala

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    SMILE NGO is one of the prestigious International Youth Volunteering organisation from India. SMILE is also member of various international Volunteer Exchange networks.

    Meet your organization

    SMILE Society ( Situational Management & Inter Learning Establishment Society) is a registered NGO / NPO working in the field of International voluntary Service ( IVS) . SMILE is a member of CCIVS (an international volunteer network under UNESCO), NVDA and WANGO. SMILE is also working with many international reputed voluntary organizations including members from European Alliance Network and other IVS networks from around the globe.

    Our foremost goal is to "Bring a Smile to Every Child." We ensure that all volunteers are provided with a safe and enriching experience. Our flexible approach means that you will be given a placement to suit your needs and time scale. There are many other attractions that SMILE volunteers can enjoy, including discounted rates for trekking, rafting, and various safari trips including the Ganges.  All international students are also welcome to take part in our Internship Programme. Our unique placements could become the trip of a lifetime.

    International workcamp for youth volunteers , students groups, and long & middle term volunteer participants are welcome in India.SmileNgo offers exciting volunteering opportunities like special group & Teen group projects in India and abroad. Be a Volunteer to help in different noble causes which can change other's life forever. There are many short,middle & long term and group volunteering opportunities available round the year. Inter cultural exchange youth & student exchange projects are also available to know each other's culture and tradition.

    Lets volunteer to bring smile around !

    Languages Spoken

    India is a big country with many local languages, hindi is the national language though there are many other languages spoken in the different states of India. There are local people in every city know English. Volunteers need to speak basic English as their Indian host families speak with them in English. 

    Wo are we looking for?

    We simply ask that volunteers are open-minded, flexible, and respectful of cultures and traditions, determined and motivated. Any special qualifications you may have are always useful. Volunteers can seek placement and/or accommodation with a friend/ friends. Please indicate in your application, and we will do our best to place you in the same accommodation and/or project. Please keep in mind that this is subject to availability.

    21 reviews · rating4.5

    Jerry Jennings rating5

    2024 at Urban Organic Garden Assistant

    I recently volunteered with Smile Society in Kolkata. Although I signed up to work in the urban agriculture program, I ended up primarily working with the kids that Smile Society helps. The kids live in the neighborhood in what is described as "near homeless". The kids live pretty challenging lives, ...
    Esteban Martinez rating5

    2020 at Urban Organic Garden Assistant

    It was a great experience.I learn a lot about the farming. I passed very good time playing with the kids.It was for the first time in my life ,I tried Yoga and I like it a lot ,I will continue it for sure.I have learnt a lot about the culture and the amazing food of the country. Most importantly I ...
    Andrea Montoya Garcia rating5

    2024 at Cultural Exchange and Community Work

    I came from Spain to Smile NGO to volunteer in the a Cultural exchange and Community work program, but in the end I have learned and participated in everything. I have done yoga, known the important work they do here in Smile and traveled around India also. But the time shared with the children ...
    Giuseppe De Vitis rating5

    2024 at Street Dogs Care Assistant

    it was a beautiful experience. the people who run the facility were really kind and welcoming. my personal experience was aimed at managing and caring for street dogs and cats (wonderful) but I also followed yoga lessons and participated in playtime with the children who came to the facility in the ...
    Remy Thomasson rating5

    2024 at Repainting and Renovation Of School

    I absolutely loved my experience at Smile Society! Living with the amazing host family was an enriching experience, and being able to contribute to helping underprivileged children was incredibly fulfilling. I urge others to join this program; not only will you make a difference in the lives of ...
    Anna Werner rating4.6

    2024 at Cultural Exchange and Community Work

    The two months I spent at the Smile Society (near Kolkata) were a special and great experience for me. Through my stay with a local family I was able to get to know the culture and traditions of India. Everyone was so lovely. During the Durga and Kali Puja Festival (October/November) the family was ...

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > India > Kolkata

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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