Volunteer Work at Prime Trust

Kana

Hello everybody,

When looking for some volunteeropportunities in South India I found the organisation Prime Trust. Their website (www.primetrust.org) looks very nice, but I was wondering whether there are people around here who have experience with this organisation. I am especially interested in doing the social awareness campaigns (either on HIV/AIDS or domestic violence).

I hope to hear from you !

laura.smith123

Hi,

I'm currently volunteering with Prime Trust. I don't know if you are still looking to do some volunteering with them, but they are doing some fantastic work in Pondicherry in all sorts of areas.

They're also really flexible about what work you do and they like to let people choose what volunteer work they want to do. Also, even if for some reason you weren't happy with the work you are doing they are very accommodating and would let you try volunteering in a different area of their work.

If you (or anyone else) wants to know more about Prime Trust please feel free to ask

clivington

Hi Laura,
I'm interested in hearing a little more about your experiences of volunteering with Prime Trust. Such as: How long have you been with them and what is it you're doing? What is your age (approx)? Have you volunteered elsewhere before? Are you working with other volunteers and are you able to have decent conversations in English with anybody? Do you feel that the monthly fees, the registration fee, the non-refundable deposit and the accommodation costs are justifiable? Do you have any connection with them other than as a volunteer?
Thanks!
Clive

__________________
Bring me sunshine, in your smile

laura.smith123

Hi Clive,

I'm 21 and I'm studying International Development in the UK. This placement is mostly for one of my modules, but it's also a chance to finally visit India! This is my first time volunteering, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I think you get a great experience here for the money you pay! I know there are other volunteer organisations that charge much more.

Also, I think the charges for volunteering are completely reasonable. The money volunteers pay is desperately needed for staff salaries and in order for them to expand and improve the organisation (for example they are currently saving to purchasing a generator). Accommodation wise, I think the costs are very cheap since we have 24 hour internet access (and can use Skype to phone home which is very useful!), the bathrooms have western toilets and they provide bottled water. The kitchen is also very useful if you don't want to spend too much money on eating out.

I've been here for nearly 3 weeks now, teaching English at a school nearby in the mornings. There are other volunteers staying with Prime Trust at the moment, but we are working on different things. We do see each other in the afternoons and evenings though and it's nice having other people here so you can explore Pondicherry together. We've also met other people living/travelling in Pondicherry and I don't really feel like language is a major issue. Although it might be useful to learn a few Tamil words for speaking to Auto drivers!

With regards to people speaking English, I think the other volunteers normally speak English and the staff do as well. At the school the teachers speak some English also, so I can ask them questions if I need to.

Prime Trust is quite a small NGO and their work is in and around Pondicherry. I'm not largely involved in the women's SHGs, but they are very good at letting you come along to the awareness meetings if you want to. If you are looking for a placement with a school or orphanage, or if you have a specific skill which you may be able to train people in, then it's worth looking at India Volunteer Care which is also run by Arasu.

My only connection with Prime Trust is as a volunteer but the way that Arasu values our suggestions makes me feel more involved in the organisation and helping them to improve.

Sorry this is a bit of an essay! If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Laura

clivington

Good reply, Laura. Thanks! I'm glad it's all working out for you. There are charlatans in this business and it's never easy to sort the good guys from the bad.
Have fun!
Clive