IVCS amarpukashi - great volunteer project - anybody going or been before?

drew_k

Hey all,

I am going to India in November and starting off in Uttar Pradesh (about 3 hours east of delhi), with a volunteer group called IVCS (indian volunteers for community service). It's a great project that focuses on sustainable development in rural areas. They have a sort of 'cultural introduction to india' scheme going on, letting you experience everything that goes on in a rural village environment, whilst helping out with all sorts of things that go on such as teaching, art, gardening, health etc. They also do some morning yoga, basic hindi classes and talks on indian culture and history.

It would be great to hear from anybody that might be going, or has been before?

Feel free to get in touch if you want to find out more, or post some of your experiences on here for others to read about.

ele

Hi Drew, I'm going to India in November too (my first visit), and I've read about the IVCS project, and I'm considering it along with some other options. There seems to be so many opportunities out there its hard to choose, but the IVCS one does seem to encompass alot and seems like a good starting point for volunteering in India. How long ago did you book your place, and do you know if there is a deadline for applying? Also have you booked or arranged everything else - flights, visa, insurance etc..? I haven't yet, but will do soon.

drew_k

Hi Ele,
I would really recommend going with IVCS. i had an interview with Jyoti, the lady that organises it, last month and have my orientation at the end of september. the application deadline for the november date is 30th september (i think). thats what the website says anyway, but if your interested you can give Jyoti a call and she will tell you all about it,a lovely lady :-)

ive worked with other volunteer projects before, and ivcs really has a different feel. firstly, they don't 'expect' you to volunteer as such. they want you to be able to integrate and join in with everything thats going on and learn from them as much as they learn from you. thats why its more of a cultural 'exchange' way of doing things. plus, they understand that people have different skills and needs so dont force you to do anything you dont want. you can take from the programme as little or as much as you like. they have said to me that i can use the project as a base after my intitial 3 weeks if i decide to go off travelling, which as a solo traveller (and as a first timer in india) thats great to have! :-) the initial 3 weeks is 250 pounds, which is really good value for a volunteer project, and all the money goes to to the project (unlike a lot of others). and if you decide to stay on after the first 3 weeks or go to see one of their other projects in india then its only 2 or 3 pounds a night! so like 15 pounds a week, and that money just goes straight to the host family that provides your accomodation and food, crazy! :-)

well i could ramble on for ages, but if you want to chat about anything feel free to post on here, or you can email me
drew_kidger@hotmail.co.uk

oh, and don't worry bout not having booked anything yet. im in the same boat as you :-) ive paid for my vaccinations and thats about it so far, although ive found a good deal on flights so will probably book that fairly soon while its still going good :-)

Drew

ele

Thanks Drew, I'm definately interested, have to check with my other half - he's not as keen as me on volunteering, but as you said you can take as little or as much from it as you like, so it could be good for us. Also I just booked my flights - £328 return going for 3 months from opodo, good deal I thought. Good luck with everything. I'll let you know how I get on with my volunteering plans.
Ele