Children with Disabilities – Kerala, India

Volunteers will work with the DISHA school in Mattancherry, which provides education, care, and support to children with different abilities. The project focuses on ensuring the physical, social, and emotional development of children with different abilities. DISHA currently supports and cares for children with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, locomotor disability, etc.

The school has trained professionals who provide academic and vocational support to the children. The children are grouped into several levels based on their performance and support needs, and receive training according to their individual abilities and learning level.

Volunteers with experience in special childcare, Psychology, Therapy, or Physiotherapy are highly valued.

Activities

• You’ll plan the work sessions together with the teacher.
• You’ll prepare the necessary, essential materials for delivery in the classroom.
• You’ll carry out an assessment and progress report.
• You’ll bring new ideas and creativity to improve the children’s vocational training.

A volunteer’s day to day

The volunteers sharing the experience with you come from all over the world and from many different backgrounds. Pero  el hecho de compartir esta experiencia tan profunda, imprime la casa de voluntarios con un cálido ambiente de companionship and friendship that you feel the moment you land. It’s something close, something special.

So, among friends, your day starts with breakfast in the dining room before heading to your project, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms, since volunteers are highly valued and respected in India. You’ll work roughly from 9:00 to 12:30 or 1:00. Lunch, some free time, and back to work — which is nothing but enormously rewarding time, where your help will give you more than it gives them.

In the afternoons, back at the volunteer house, you’ll have free time to explore the city or take part in the program’s cultural immersion activities.

And on weekends… free to rest, or to travel!

Accommodation and meals

The new Volunteer House is located in Fort Kochi, ideally situated for project participants, as it’s a very quiet tourist area full of shops, restaurants, a hospital, transportation, etc.

It has rooms for 2 to 4 people with a cooler and bathroom, shared lounges and dining room, TV, free Wi-Fi, a washing machine with drying rack, fridges, a bookcase, a kitchen… and a magnificent terrace with views, ideal for gatherings among friends. And always under the supervision and care of the coordinator. Everything so you feel at home.

As for the food, typical regional dishes are prepared that are, yes, a little spicy, but you’re sure to love them. Rice, legumes, wheat chapati, vegetables, chicken, lamb… 3 meals a day are included (except Sunday dinner).

“Colors of India” Package

“BACKWATERS” CRUISE
The Backwaters — freshwater lagoons connected to the sea by a thousand rivers and canals — are known as the “Venice of the East.” Alleppey is a true paradise adorned with perfect scenery, shimmering rivers, lush vegetation,
and beautiful freshwater lakes.
Cruise with an overnight stay aboard a traditional houseboat, transportation, and all meals.

MUNNAR
Munnar, at 1,600 m above sea level, is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala. Tea and spice plantations as far as the eye can see, crystal-clear waterfalls, and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
3-day, 2-night excursion. Includes hotel, guide, and transportation.
Optional camping and trekking in the tea plantations.

• Possibility of working in government schools,
• Groups of 5 to 20. Depending on your skills and level of English, you may teach classes or work in the kindergarten.
• The program starts and ends in the city of Cochin, Kerala.
• Project duration: from 2 weeks to 1 year.
• Arrival date: Saturday or Sunday preferred. Arrival airport: Cochin International Airport.
• Working days: de lunes a viernes. Horas típicas de trabajo: 9 am – 1:00 pm 
• Weekends: te proponemos nuestro paquete “Colores de la India”,  o simplemente, time for yourself, to explore the city and the culture…
• PROGRAM NOT AVAILABLE from April to May due to school holidayss

The program includes.

Our organized programs include everything (or almost everything), plus 24/7 supervision and support at the destination, so all you have to worry about is having a good time and living your experience.

• Personalized pickup at Cochin International Airport and transfer to your accommodation.
• Orientation and training about India and local customs.
• Coordination and planning for the project you’ll be working on.
• Accommodation in the new Volunteer House with all amenities.
• Three meals a day / seven days a week (except Sunday dinner).
• Cultural immersion activities: yoga session, traditional Kathakali dance show, vegetarian cooking demonstration…
• Daily transportation from the accommodation to the project (round trip).
• In-country support in India, available 24/7, every day.
• Administrative costs.
• Transfer to Cochin airport at the end of your volunteer program.
• Certified €200 contribution to the CiENViDAS project
• International Volunteering Certificate from the CiENViDAS Foundation

The program does not include.

• Flight
• India visa (easily processed online).
• Travel and medical insurance. (*)

  * TRAVEL INSURANCE: you must take out travel and medical insurance for your peace of mind. Or, if you prefer, we can offer our special insurance for volunteers, with cancellation coverage, for €80 (2 weeks).

You can deduct 100% of the program cost on your next tax return

Don’t wait — spots are limited.

• Prior training: No prior experience required — just enthusiasm and commitment!
• Minimum age: Be 18 years old at the start of the program. If you are a minor, you’ll need to present consent signed by your parents or guardians.
• Required documents:
  • Résumé (CV).
  • Completed pre-registration form.
  • Criminal background check up to date.
• Attitude: An adventurous, compassionate spirit and a certain inner strength.

This program is designed for people who want to transform lives while immersing themselves in an enriching culture.