
Teaching in Slums – Varanasi, India
COME TO INDIA AS A VOLUNTEER AND HELP EDUCATE STREET CHILDREN
Los volunteers who take part in teaching activities make a direct, long-term contribution al desarrollo de these children to aumentar su confidence and prospects future.
The project takes place in slums or marginalized neighborhoods, where most families migrated here over 30 years ago and survive by collecting rags and scrap metal, work in which it’s common to see children and women. The slum faces challenges such as displacement by district authorities, since the land belongs to the government, and families struggle with meager incomes that limit their children’s access to education. The Non-Formal Education Centers give children the chance to receive an education and improve their living conditions, including basic reading and writing skills that let them read textbooks, discipline, and hygiene habits. Study materials are also provided.
Activities
You can work as an assistant or teacher and teach many subjects: English, Math, Drawing, vocal or instrumental Music, Dance…
You can help the children with their homework and give them guidance, teach about your culture, organize games, etc.
You can strengthen and empower girls’ education, create extracurricular activities, take part in awareness days for parents, etc.
A volunteer’s day to day
The volunteers you’ll live with come from all over the world and are very different people. But sharing such a profound experience gives the volunteer house a warm atmosphere of 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 Varanasi Volunteer House is located in the old town center, very close to the Ghats, surrounded by little streets with shops, restaurants, etc. It has several floors with all the amenities.
It’s a basic hostel, but with everything you need: rooms for 1 to 4 people with a cooler or AC, private bathrooms, a shared lounge and dining room, TV, free Wi-Fi, a washing machine with drying rack, etc.
As for meals, 3 meals a day are included 7 days a week, so you won’t have to worry about anything other than your volunteer work and having a good time. The staff are very attentive and welcoming, and they always have a smile for you.
EXCURSIONS
VARANASI AND THE GHATS The Ghats are a main attraction in Varanasi: the riverbank, the temples, and the Aarti. We start early in the morning (at 5:30) with a visit to the Ghat and a boat ride on the Ganges River. Then we head back to the office. In the evening, we’ll visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Manikarnika cremation Ghat, and finally the nighttime Aarti ceremony.
SARNATH An important site for Buddhism and a national museum. In the afternoon, we’ll take the volunteer to the Buddha stupa, then visit the Tibetan temples, and finally the museum.
- Classes and activities in slums (usually outdoors).
- The program starts and ends in the city of Varanasi.
- Project duration: from 2 weeks to 1 year.
- Arrival date: your choice.
- Working days: Monday to Friday. Typical working hours: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The program includes.
- Personalized pickup at Varanasi airport (or Delhi if you book the excursion) and transfer to your accommodation.
- Orientation and training about India, local customs, and the project you’ll be working on.
- Accommodation in the Volunteer Hostel.
- Three meals a day / seven days a week.
- Daily transportation to the project.
- In-country support in India, available 24/7, every day.
- Administrative costs.
- Transfer to Varanasi 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.
- Flights, which each volunteer must arrange.
- India visa, easily obtained online before the trip.
- Mandatory travel and health insurance, essential to guarantee medical care if needed.
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Program base (2 weeks) | 520 € |
| Solidarity contribution to the CiENViDAS project | 200 € |
| Additional week (Optional) | 240 € |
| Additional day (Optional) | 35 € |
| Excursion to Sarnath (Optional) | 90 € |
| Excursion and tour of the Varanasi Ghats (Benares) (Optional) | 90 € |
You can deduct 100% of the program cost on your next tax return (in Spain).
Spots are limited, so don’t miss this chance to take a trip with real impact.
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.
- Language skills: A basic level of English is required to make communication easier during the program.
- Required documents:
- Résumé (CV).
- Completed pre-registration form.
- Criminal background check up to date.
- Attitude: An adventurous, caring spirit and a real desire to learn, help, and make the most of this unique experience.
This program is designed for people who want to transform lives while immersing themselves in an enriching culture.
Or fill out the pre-registration now
Volunteer application
We will contact you to confirm your place
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