Below are some commonly asked questions about volunteering in India
Are there any requirements to volunteer?
Sambhali Trust requires all volunteers to speak English or Hindi and to be wholly committed to putting their time and energy into Sambhali Trust during their stay. Sambhali Trust urges volunteers to understand that this is not a vacation nor something to undertake as a tourist.
Where do volunteers for Sambhali Trust work?
Sambhali Trust helps women and children in the city of Jodhpur and in the desert village of Setrawa.
What do volunteers for Sambhali Trust do?
Volunteers often teach at one of the many Empowerment Centers and Primary Education Centers in either Jodhpur or Setrawa. Others work in the boarding homes in Jodhpur; support programs in the schools of Jodhpur; do communications, administrative or development work; or support the sewing centers and the Sambhali Boutique. Volunteers with special skills in sewing, fashion design, teaching, public health, arts, photography, program evaluation and many other areas have developed projects to put those skills to use at Sambhali Trust.
How long do volunteers stay?
To really make an impact and to also feel accomplished with your own personal goals, we recommend volunteers stay at least two months. This is because there is a significant learning curve and it will take some time for you to understand how to effectively volunteer. Volunteers are encouraged to stay for longer periods of time and there are numerous volunteers who have been helping for a year or more either in India or remotely. Volunteers with particular skills that lend themselves to specific projects have come for shorter periods.
Will I be volunteering for Sambhali Trust or Sambhali U.S.?
Volunteers in India will be volunteering for Sambhali Trust, an India nonprofit organization, not for Sambhali U.S., a U.S. nonprofit organization. Sambhali U.S. supports American volunteers in India by providing information before going to India and including past volunteers in Sambhali U.S. activities, but does not select or supervise volunteers in India and is not responsible for volunteers’ activities, health or safety while in India.
Are housing and meals included?
Because Sambhali Trust is a charitable organization that strives to put all funding into the programs and women and children served, volunteers are required to pay for their own lodging and meals. The Volunteer Coordinator at Sambhali Trust will assist volunteers in finding accommodations at a very reasonable price.
How do I prepare for this volunteer experience?
For starters, volunteers from America need to obtain a visa before coming to India. For your own peace of mind, we recommend you do this two months before your visit. You may also consider getting certain vaccinations as suggested by your doctor.
Once your application is accepted, you will receive a Sambhali Trust Volunteer Handbook. We recommend you read it carefully.
