A land of sensory overload, cultural extremes and extraordinary beauty and mystery, India has become one of the most desirable destinations to travel and volunteer. Its sheer size and dynamic, complex population combined with fascinating wildlife and a mystical and pervasive heritage filled with tales of ancient gods, kings and queens, makes it a place that will transform your perspectives and realign your priorities.
This program is located in Kerala – a state that stretches along almost 600 km of India’s southwest coast. Kerala’s is a popular destination and boasts pristine beaches, ancient ruins, banana groves, tea covered hills and relaxing network of backwaters.
Women in India face significant gender inequality, particularly in impoverished communities. This program aims to help women through economic empowerment and education by giving them the tools they need to build safe and independent livelihoods. Through this program we hope you will learn how different life is for these women and how hard it is for them to make ends meet. You will find the work deeply rewarding as you get a chance to build positive and lasting relationships with the women, and make a tangible difference to their lives.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
This program aims to help women through economic empowerment and education, by giving women of Kerala the tools they need to build safe, independent, and better lives for themselves. Women who join the program in country are struggling financially due to a lack of education and vocational skills and the program addresses this problem by teaching vocational skills that can be used to generate an income. Many of the women that join the program have been subjected to abuse – either at home or through the prostitution industry. The program therefore provides an important safe haven for women to support each other discuss personal issues.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Throughout this placement, you will make an active contribution to the support and empowerment of women within the local community. You will lead group and one-on-one classes as well as prepare and develop lesson plans for the sessions. There is high demand from women to learn spoken English and computer skills. However, you will also have the opportunity to start workshops based on your own skills and expertise. In the past volunteers have started a range of workshops from health and nutrition to painting classes.
In addition to promoting creativity and entrepreneurship, your classes will provide a safe haven for these women where they can develop their self-esteem and independence in a supportive environment. By joining this project you will gain valuable work experience, easily transferable to future careers and/or educational opportunities, whilst making a valuable, positive and lasting contribution to women’s empowerment in Kerala.
