Volunteer Street Children India
The Street Children Volunteer Program offers you a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children living on the streets. These children are often victims of poverty, abandonment, or exploitation, and are found in public spaces like railway stations, traffic signals, and bus terminals. Through our rescue efforts and dedicated Bal Basera Shelter, we provide them with food, safety, education, and emotional care. As a volunteer, you become a part of their transformation—helping them reclaim their childhood and build a brighter future. Whether you are teaching, playing, or simply offering kindness, your presence brings hope to children who need it most.
Project Duration: Minimum 1 week stay up to 12 weeks. Coming for shorter period Join our 3 Days Volunteer Children + Jaipur Tour Program Project Dates: All year round – Dates are flexible you can choose your own start and finish date. However we recommend you to arrive on Sunday. To check the availability of the program dates click here :Start Dates Special Festival Dates: : Camel Festival Bikaner 12-14 Jan 2025, Kite Festival Jaipur 14 Jan 2025, Holi Festival of Colors 13-14 Mar 2025, Teej Festival 27 July 2025, Sister’s Festival 9 Aug 2025, Dusshera Festival 1 Oct 2025, Diwali Festival of Lights 20 Oct 2025, Pushkar Camel Fair 28 Oct - 30 Nov 2025. Requirements: We don’t need any qualification for this project. Volunteers must have lots of love & enthusiasm for the project. Location: Jaipur, India. Project Activities: Teach them Basic English & Mathematics, Organize Health Education and AIDS awareness program, help the local health program coordinator for the daily check-up of children, Organize fun games for them that involve drawing, singing, dancing, and other creative educational activities. Working Days: Monday-Friday. On Weekend we arrange sightseeing tours for volunteers to visit famous tourist spots in Jaipur. What is included: Arranging your Programme, Pre-departure information and support by email/phone, Arrival pickup from Jaipur, Program relevant materials, Accommodation with Indian Host Family, Bottled Water, Internet, 3 Meals ( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ), Transportation facility for project site, Weekend Sightseeing’s Tours and 24 hours of admin support. What is not included: Visa, Flights, Internet, Telephone Calls, Monuments/Sightseeing Entry Fees, Insurance Cover, and Airport Drop off. Flexible Accomodation: If requested you can book your own Hotel Accommodation before coming here if not comfortable with Indian Host Family. We will help you in booking it.
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact by volunteering with street children in India? Our Street Children Volunteer Program offers a safe, nurturing space for children rescued from extreme conditions such as child labor, begging, homelessness, and exploitation. Many of these children are found at railway stations, bus stands, and traffic signals — some abandoned due to poverty, others kidnapped by criminal gangs and forced into labor.
Our center, Bal Basera (Street Kids Shelter), provides rescued children with food, shelter, education, and emotional support. Since 2009, through partnerships with local NGOs and the police, we’ve rescued and reunited over 5,500 children with their families. Volunteers play a vital role in this transformative work, helping children heal and grow in a safe environment.
As a volunteer, you will be actively involved in the day-to-day support and education of the children. Tasks may include:
Note: As this project is part of an active rescue mission, the number of children at the center may fluctuate depending on current rescue operations.
You’ll work alongside our partner NGO team, which includes local staff dedicated to the children’s care. A VWI program coordinator will always be present to guide and support international volunteers. While some local staff may not speak fluent English, our coordinators ensure smooth communication and guidance at every step.
We expect volunteers to come with a sincere desire to help, not just as tourists. You'll be immersed in a culturally rich but underprivileged environment. Respect for local customs, a spirit of cooperation, and genuine compassion for the children are key. This experience calls for patience, cultural openness, and teamwork.
The volunteer accommodation is located in the heart of the city, with shops, pharmacies, and food outlets within walking distance. If you wish to visit branded shopping malls or explore further, our VWI taxi driver can take you for a small additional fee when not scheduled for your project commute.
Language is not a major barrier for international volunteers. Our host families, staff, and children can understand and communicate in basic English. For volunteers interested in deeper engagement or cultural exchange, we offer an optional Hindi language course (90 minutes daily, Monday–Friday) for $150/week. This can be selected during your online registration.
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation:
Day 2 to Friday – Volunteer Work:
Volunteers typically work Monday to Friday, allowing for structured, consistent interaction with the children.
Weekends – Explore & Relax: Volunteers are provided with clean, comfortable housing in an Indian host family home in central Jaipur. These families have over 10 years of experience hosting international volunteers. The home includes modern amenities such as filtered drinking water, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, Western-style bathrooms, and hot water. You’ll stay in a shared or private room depending on your preference. Couples, friends, and families are accommodated together. The house is located near major Jaipur landmarks and amenities like ATMs, cafes, and shops. Staying with a host family offers deep cultural immersion—you’ll experience Indian traditions, festivals, and daily life first-hand. Most volunteers describe their host families as the most memorable part of their stay. It’s not just accommodation—it’s your Indian home, filled with kindness, laughter, and real connection. You’ll enjoy three delicious, home-cooked meals each day prepared by your host family using traditional Indian recipes. Meals are vegetarian and include a mix of vegetables, chapatis, rice, yogurt, and local delicacies—balanced for nutrition and taste. Breakfast typically features tea or coffee with light Indian fare like poha or parathas. Meals are served with care and hospitality, giving you an authentic taste of daily Indian life. Volunteers often love mealtimes for the conversations, cultural learning, and bonding they create. From the moment you arrive in Jaipur, your journey is seamless. A team member will greet you at the airport for a safe and warm welcome. Daily transportation between your accommodation and the volunteer site—usually 20 to 30 minutes—is organized for you via tuk-tuk or car. This service is included in your program, so you never have to worry about navigating or negotiating transport. It’s efficient, safe, and gives you a fun taste of how locals commute in India. Your host home is located in a central, lively neighborhood of Jaipur. Everything you need—grocery stores, pharmacies, local bazaars, coffee shops, and ATMs—is within easy walking distance. For larger supermarkets or malls, you can rely on our trusted local drivers or use Uber or Ola for convenience. Many volunteers enjoy shopping for colorful Indian clothes, handmade crafts, and souvenirs during their free time. With so many options nearby, you’ll feel connected, independent, and fully at ease in your new environment. Details on Arrival & Flexible Start Dates July – 6, 13, 20, 27 January – 4, 11, 18, 25 Available Months: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec No matter when you arrive, we’ll be here to welcome and guide you through your unforgettable volunteer journey in India! Below is our program fees for all our volunteer programs. Note: A 5% transfer/bank charge will be added to each payment. Sometimes flights to Jaipur can be expensive. You can arrive in Delhi and we can pick you up from there on request — pickup/drop-off to Delhi airport can be arranged at extra cost. The Best Choice I Made – Volunteering with VWI Working with Volunteering With India (VWI) was truly one of the best choices I’ve ever made. This experience wasn’t just about teaching children — it was about deeply understanding the mission behind the organization. One highlight was visiting the Mobile Van Clinic, which gave me a whole new perspective on the kind of impactful grassroots work VWI is doing every day. Initially, I was a bit disappointed that I could only work 5 to 6 hours a day — I simply... Read More The Best Choice I Made – Volunteering with VWI Working with Volunteering With India (VWI) was truly one of the best choices I’ve ever made. This experience wasn’t just about teaching children — it was about deeply understanding the mission behind the organization. One highlight was visiting the Mobile Van Clinic, which gave me a whole new perspective on the kind of impactful grassroots work VWI is doing every day. Initially, I was a bit disappointed that I could only work 5 to 6 hours a day — I simply wanted more time with the children. I’m so grateful to VWI for being flexible and accommodating my wish to stay longer at the project site. It meant a lot! Exploring Jaipur during my free time was equally wonderful. From Chokhi Dhani to the Monkey Temple, every sightseeing trip was memorable. I especially cherished the moments spent with the families and friends of Sukret, Govind, Totaram ji, and the host family — these genuine personal connections made my trip truly special. The people of India were incredibly inclusive and welcoming. I felt honored to be invited to local events like the kite festival and wedding ceremonies. These were not just celebrations, but windows into Indian culture that I’ll carry with me forever. What stood out the most was how smoothly everything was arranged — from daily pickups and transportation to accommodation and meals. This allowed me to focus all my energy on the children and the community, which is what truly mattered. A special tip to future volunteers: Be open and take initiative! In India, building friendships starts with a simple hello. The project staff are extremely helpful, especially if you ask questions and show interest. I loved starting my day early so I could use my afternoons for more teaching, exploring, and meaningful connections. I even had the chance to visit the Elephant Project, even though it wasn’t part of my program. It was so exciting to get a glimpse of other VWI initiatives — and I’d definitely recommend future volunteers to explore multiple projects. I understand it’s not easy to accommodate every volunteer’s individual needs, but VWI has done an amazing job doing just that. Thank you for making my time in India so colorful, meaningful, and truly unforgettable. Highly recommended to anyone looking to volunteer with heart, authenticity, and purpose. A Life-Changing 3 Weeks in India with My Daughter – Thank You VWI! My daughter and I spent three unforgettable weeks volunteering for the Working with Children Project, organized by Volunteering With India (VWI). This experience has been nothing short of amazing, meaningful, and deeply rewarding. If you’re passionate about traveling, discovering Indian culture, and truly making a difference — this is the perfect opportunity. Our Experience with the Children The daily routine in the project was beautifully structured, with a blend of teaching, creativity, and joy. As volunteers, we... Read More A Life-Changing 3 Weeks in India with My Daughter – Thank You VWI! My daughter and I spent three unforgettable weeks volunteering for the Working with Children Project, organized by Volunteering With India (VWI). This experience has been nothing short of amazing, meaningful, and deeply rewarding. If you’re passionate about traveling, discovering Indian culture, and truly making a difference — this is the perfect opportunity. Our Experience with the Children We began each day by repeating the days of the week and moved on to basics like the alphabet, colors, numbers, months, seasons, fruits, vegetables, body parts, and rooms in a house. To keep learning interactive and fun, we connected academic topics with creative tasks like drawing and coloring. I brought some balloons and skipping ropes from home, which turned out to be a big hit! Seeing the children laugh and give their best to jump or play a game was absolutely heartwarming. We all had so much fun together. Adapting to Teaching Challenges But beyond teaching, what mattered most was being there for the children — celebrating their small successes, encouraging them with every step, and bringing smiles to their faces. We shared joy, laughter, love — and made memories that will last a lifetime. Incredible Support from VWI Totram, our wonderful driver, navigated Jaipur’s lively streets with confidence and care. Thanks to him, we even found the best chai spot after school! Govind was always helpful with translating English to Hindi and making sure we could communicate meaningfully with the children and local families. When my daughter fell ill and needed to visit the hospital, everyone stepped in to support us with genuine care and kindness. It felt like we were part of one big, loving family. A Cultural Connection That Touched Our Hearts From our incredible students to the dedicated VWI team and welcoming host family — we are filled with gratitude and love. Thank you for this truly colorful, vibrant, and emotional journey in your beautiful country. Now, as I walk in the garden of memories, I carry each child’s smile, each chai conversation, and every heartfelt moment with me. Thank you for this unforgettable experience — you are all in my heart forever. Unforgettable Time Volunteering with VWI in India I first heard about VWI and their volunteer projects through an old school friend, and since I had always dreamed of visiting India and immersing myself in its culture, I knew this was the perfect opportunity. Having volunteered with children before, I wanted to give more of my time to those in need, especially to kids in orphanages who have faced so many challenges in life. The VWI team, host family, accommodation, and food were all incredibly welcoming and supportive. I felt safe,... Read More Unforgettable Time Volunteering with VWI in India I first heard about VWI and their volunteer projects through an old school friend, and since I had always dreamed of visiting India and immersing myself in its culture, I knew this was the perfect opportunity. Having volunteered with children before, I wanted to give more of my time to those in need, especially to kids in orphanages who have faced so many challenges in life. The VWI team, host family, accommodation, and food were all incredibly welcoming and supportive. I felt safe, cared for, and part of a community from day one. If you’re looking to explore a new culture while making a real impact, this program is absolutely the right choice. My time here has been truly unforgettable, and leaving the children behind is harder than I imagined. I sincerely hope to return very soon and continue this beautiful journey. A Truly Unique and Heartfelt Experience in India Volunteering with VWI has been a truly unique and enriching experience. It gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in Indian culture, surrounded by kind-hearted people and involved in a meaningful project with children who gave me far more in return than I could have ever imagined. From the moment I arrived, everything was smooth and well-organized. The pickup service was punctual and professional, setting the tone for a great stay. My host family was warm and welcoming, and the home-cooked... Read More A Truly Unique and Heartfelt Experience in India Volunteering with VWI has been a truly unique and enriching experience. It gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in Indian culture, surrounded by kind-hearted people and involved in a meaningful project with children who gave me far more in return than I could have ever imagined. From the moment I arrived, everything was smooth and well-organized. The pickup service was punctual and professional, setting the tone for a great stay. My host family was warm and welcoming, and the home-cooked meals added to the authenticity of the experience. The transportation service was reliable, and the project staff were supportive and attentive throughout. I would happily rate VWI a 10 out of 10 for the overall experience. This journey has been eye-opening and deeply rewarding — one I will carry with me for a lifetime. A Heartwarming Father-Daughter Volunteering Experience in India As a father and daughter traveling together to explore India and give back through volunteering, we had an incredible and unforgettable experience with VWI. Our time spent on the Children’s Project was nothing short of brilliant. Every day, we dedicated around 5 hours at the center, helping to educate the children, play games, and share joyful dance sessions. The energy and smiles from the kids made every moment worthwhile. We’re both extremely satisfied with the program that VWI provided. From the delicious home-cooked... Read More A Heartwarming Father-Daughter Volunteering Experience in India As a father and daughter traveling together to explore India and give back through volunteering, we had an incredible and unforgettable experience with VWI. Our time spent on the Children’s Project was nothing short of brilliant. Every day, we dedicated around 5 hours at the center, helping to educate the children, play games, and share joyful dance sessions. The energy and smiles from the kids made every moment worthwhile. We’re both extremely satisfied with the program that VWI provided. From the delicious home-cooked food and clean accommodation to the reliable transportation and supportive project staff — everything was simply fantastic. We’re happy to give a 10 out of 10 for overall experience and satisfaction. We would highly recommend this volunteer project to anyone looking to combine meaningful service with cultural immersion. Thank you, VWI, for the memories and the impact! Thank you, VWI, for an unforgettable week of volunteering in India! I took part in the Street Children Project in Jaipur, teaching English, math, art, and playing games with children who once lived on the streets. It was incredibly rewarding to connect with them, see their smiles, and watch them engage with learning. I also got the chance to experience the amazing Mobile VAN project for slum children and even tried my hand at making chapatis in Elephant Village — such a fun and heartwarming moment! On top of the... Read More Thank you, VWI, for an unforgettable week of volunteering in India! I took part in the Street Children Project in Jaipur, teaching English, math, art, and playing games with children who once lived on the streets. It was incredibly rewarding to connect with them, see their smiles, and watch them engage with learning. I also got the chance to experience the amazing Mobile VAN project for slum children and even tried my hand at making chapatis in Elephant Village — such a fun and heartwarming moment! On top of the volunteer work, I got to truly experience Indian culture — from flying kites during the Holy Day Kite Festival, to visiting a Krishna temple at night, and even joining in on a wedding and engagement celebration with the VWI staff. Yeyyyy! 🎉 This week was everything — meaningful, joyful, and full of memories I’ll carry forever. I’d definitely love to come back again soon! 👶 Volunteer Work with Children 👩🦰 Women Empowerment Program 🚸 Street Children Volunteer Program 🐘 Elephant Volunteer Program 📘 Teaching Volunteer Program 🎭 Theatre Volunteer Program 💉 Medical Volunteer Program 🏠 Orphanage Volunteer Program
✨ You can also combine programs or extend your stay to gain a broader and more enriching volunteer experience in India.
About the Street Children Volunteer Program
Volunteer Responsibilities
Who You'll Work With
Volunteer Expectations
Shopping & Local Amenities
What You Will Gain from This Program
Language Barrier
Volunteer Week Details
Welcome to India! Upon your arrival in Jaipur, a member of the VWI team will greet you at the airport, railway station, or your pre-arranged location. You’ll then be transferred to your host family accommodation, where you'll be introduced to the family and shown around your new home and neighborhood. Later, we’ll conduct a comprehensive orientation covering your project details, daily schedule, cultural do’s and don’ts, safety guidelines, and useful travel tips to help you settle in comfortably.
Your project work begins! Each morning, you'll travel to the project site where you'll engage in daily activities such as:
Weekends are your time to unwind and explore the cultural treasures of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. Every weekend, VWI organizes guided sightseeing tours to famous historical landmarks, cultural sites, and local events. These outings are a great opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers from other projects, share experiences, and create lasting memories. You’ll also have the chance to join optional weekend trips to Rajasthan’s desert towns and heritage spots for a deeper travel experience.
Accommodation
Accommodation Options
Meals
Transportation
Shopping & Local Access
We offer flexible joining dates throughout the year. You can choose your own start and finish dates based on your travel plans. While you’re welcome to arrive any day, we recommend arriving on a Sunday so you can begin your volunteer work fresh on Monday.
August – 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September – 7, 14, 21, 28
October – 5, 12, 19, 26
November – 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
December – 7, 14, 21, 28
February – 1, 8, 15, 22
March – 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
April – 5, 12, 19, 26
May – 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
June – 7, 14, 21, 28
July – 5, 12, 19, 26
August – 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
September – 6, 13, 20, 27
October – 4, 11, 18, 25
November – 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December – 6, 13, 20, 27
Duration
USD $
Euro €
GBP £
AUD $
CAD $
1 Week
350
300
260
550
485
2 Week
600
525
460
950
830
3 Week
850
750
660
1350
1175
4 Week
1100
975
860
1750
1520
5 Week
1350
1200
1060
2150
1865
6 Week
1600
1425
1260
2550
2210
Extra Week
250
225
200
400
345
Our Program Fee Includes:
Program Fees Do Not Include:
The daily routine in the project was beautifully structured, with a blend of teaching, creativity, and joy. As volunteers, we primarily taught English and Mathematics, but the day included so much more — dance sessions before lunch, arts & crafts, and life skills activities in the afternoons. We were fortunate to be two volunteers together, which gave us the opportunity to divide the children into smaller groups and tailor our teaching based on their learning levels and needs.
Of course, teaching wasn’t without its challenges. The wide range of ages and education levels among the children meant we had to be flexible and creative. One suggestion for future volunteers: if possible, group the children by their learning level and design separate lessons for each group. Also, since classroom materials are limited (the children typically only have a pencil and a notebook), we recommend bringing basic supplies from home like glue sticks, scissors, and coloring materials.
The support from the VWI team was exceptional from start to finish. They made our volunteering journey smooth and stress-free by arranging daily transportation to and from the school, as well as weekend sightseeing trips, which were planned perfectly. A special thank you to Sukret, who handled every detail so efficiently and kindly.
Although our start with the host family was a bit challenging, over time we built a warm and real connection. Living in a local home gave us the chance to share daily life, interact closely with Indian culture, and appreciate the beauty of simplicity and hospitality.Related Volunteer Opportunities
Support underprivileged children through education, care, and fun learning activities in local schools and daycare centers.
Help rural women gain confidence and independence by teaching basic English, computer skills, and income-generating crafts.
Make a difference in the lives of homeless and working children by providing education, meals, and emotional support in day shelters.
Work closely with rescued elephants by helping with their daily care, feeding, bathing, and promoting ethical tourism practices.
Make a lasting impact by teaching basic English, math, and life skills to children in rural schools, helping them build a brighter future.
Engage children through drama and performing arts, encouraging creativity, confidence, and expression in a joyful learning environment.
Assist local medical staff in providing basic healthcare and education to underserved communities in clinics and outreach camps.
Care for orphaned and abandoned children by helping with daily routines, schoolwork, and creative play in a nurturing environment.
