I had the opportunity to spend 4 weeks with the association, working in two different settings. First, I worked in a school, where I provided academic support to teenagers. Then, I joined a beauty school where women were training for careers in aesthetics.
Personally, this experience was enriching. However, I’m not an English teacher but rather a business and marketing trainer, I was still able to share my expertise with some women
On the other hand, I want to highlight the quality of the association’s hospitality, as well as the weekend excursion offerings and the comfort of the guest house. These aspects undoubtedly contributed to making my stay enjoyable.

I chose the women’s empowerment programme because I wanted to come into contact with Indian girls and women – especially from the slums of Jaipur – and understand more about their world, their lives, their expectations, their difficulties and their dreams. The two weeks I worked in the programme were very enriching for me. The girls who attend the six-month course at the NGO Veeneta Society are trained to become dress makers and/or beauticians. I attended their practical lessons, helping where needed, and I was their teacher in the English lessons. With a great dedication the girls made me the beauty treatments they had learnt in their course. Despite the language barriers between us (there was always a Hindi-English language mediator with me, to help in case of any misunderstanding) we shared bits and pieces of our lives. I also had the honour of handing diplomas to the girls who had completed the six-month course. The festive moments were unforgettable for me, the girls performed traditional Rajasthan dances. All in all, I highly recommend this experience.

My volunteer program lasted 4 weeks in Jaipur, India. I spent 2 weeks in the women’s support program and 2 weeks in the hospital.
Both were very enriching experiences for me.
The girls and women were incredibly open-minded and inquisitive. They were interested in and implemented everything that was offered to them. First and foremost, they want to learn English. Any form of teaching is welcome, whether role-playing, singing and translating English songs or face-to-face at the blackboard.
It was a lot of fun to see how quickly they learn.
In return, I got traditional make-up, beautiful braided hairstyles or henna tattoos on my hands and feet. It was a very warm and unforgettable time.
The work in the hospital was very touching, as people came with problems and pain and needed help.
The doctor’s idealistic commitment means that even the poor population can receive very good treatment. They couldn’t afford a normal hospital.
So they only pay a small fee and only those who can afford it pay. The doctor works on a voluntary basis.
The treatments mostly consisted of infusions, acupuncture with electrotherapy, cupping treatments, stretching and the administration of medication. The doctor also makes his own Ayurvedic medicine.
I was very impressed by his efficiency and was able to learn a lot.
As a physiotherapist, I was able to alleviate the pain in some patients.
All of this left a lasting, deep impression on me.
Perhaps it was a start for me to further projects of this kind.
I would like to thank the organization again for making this possible for me. Sukret, my local coordinator, responded immediately when there were questions or problems. They were solved immediately.
Shekhar, my driver and “bodyguard”, drove me everywhere extremely reliably, picked me up again and showed me a bit of the area.
Perhaps it is still possible to get a small handout about the work in the projects beforehand so that you can prepare better.
However, I was integrated quickly.

My accommodation at Boby Mansion Homestay was a blessing because, as a woman travelling alone, I enjoyed family contact with all the care that comes with it. I felt very safe and secure in a foreign world.

During August I volunteered for three weeks with the Women’s Empowerment Program and the School Program. Volunteering for an extended period of time meant I was able to build strong relationships with the women and children. Most of the time was spent teaching English, however, the programs are flexible which means you can contribute knowledge and skills based upon your own background and strengths. I was able to draw upon my own resources (nutrition, yoga) and I would encourage this for future volunteers – if you have teaching resources/activities/games from your home country, bring them with you! The home stay accomodation was AMAZING. The family treated me as one of their own, sharing safe, local advice and including me in activities such as visiting the temple, the cinema and a theme park! My favourite part of the stay was playing with the children and helping cook meals. I recommend Volunteering with India for those who want to experience an authentic Indian lifestyle.

Volunteering with India is a really good organization. I applied for women empowerment project and I had my best time. The organization helps you a lot before and during your stay. Sukret is very patient and answers your questions quickly. The girls are very kind and sociable and welcomed me with enthusiasm. During the project, I talked with them taking part in sewing and beautician classes, as well as giving English lessons.
I lived for two weeks with an Indian family at the Prity guest house. They are really nice people, the food was great and the room very clean.
I am really happy to have done this experience with volunteering with india, and i will surely miss the girls so much!

This is such a fulfilling program and I recommend it to anyone looking to help equip disadvantaged women / children with the skills and information they need to get by in the world.
The females in the program very eager and excited to learn from the volunteers, which makes the experience all the more fun and uplifting! The staff / program coordinators also make you feel very welcome and comfortable.
Jaipur is a wonderful city and there was so much to see during my off time – it was a great experience!

This is unlike anything I have ever done before. I volunteered for one week with my adult daughter and we had a great time. India is so vibrant and colorful. The girls we met on the project were lovely and welcomed us into the group. Some of the things I really enjoyed were the henna, yoga, teaching a women’s health class (I was so surprised at what they didn’t know) and the meals at the guest house. The family at the guest house were so friendly and helpful as were the project organisers. They responded to WhatsApp messages quickly and answered any questions we had. Although the accommodation was basic, there were comfortable beds, clean sheets and air conditioning in the room. I would recommend this to anyone and encourage you to take every opportunity that is offered to allow yourself a truly immersive experience where you get to see the real India!

This experience was definitely worth it, as a person that lives in europe, the lifestyle is completely different but very interesting. Working with the women was awesome, they always wanted to learn new things and were really happy to spend some time with us. The other part of this experience was to discover a new culture and visit some temple or cities like Delhi or Agra with the Taj Mahal that was wonderful. I am really happy about this experience it definitely changed me as a person. I am really glad about it.

My wife and I volunteered for 1 week for the women empowerment program. As most of the women were learning to become tailors and / or beauticians / hairdressers, we took the opportunity to share with them our experiences working for product companies in the hair & beauty industry. The overall experience was positive and we really got the chance to interact deeply with the locals. I think having more hands on skills (like sewing, or hairdressing or skin therapy, massage or any other practical training) would have supported the group of women more. English and maths were some of the other areas, were we tried to support. The program gives you a chance to bring your own skills and knowledge to the table, which is great. However, I would have also liked to receive more direction from the organisation on how we could deliver most impact. Something to keep in mind and to ask prior to starting the program. All the staff at the organisation were very welcoming and made are stay enjoyable. However, we would have liked to learn more about how we could truly support the locals to deliver more impact. Our host family was great and really made us feel at home.

I had an amazing time with the association and the kids. The women were so happy about our presence and give us a really warm welcome. They were really happy to learn english and math but also to show us their beauty or stitching class. The city is beautiful and the culture is also very incredible. The hospitality of the people but also how nice they were with us was super nice. If you like to travel, discover a new culture and spend time with kids this program is perfect for you. You would not be disappointed.

I have visited India a few times as a tourist but now I wanted to feel and learn more about India’s every day.life. That is why I decided to work as a volunteer with „Volunteering with India“

Sukret, the manager welcomed me although I am already 73 years old and so I stayed in Jaipur from altogether six weeks.

For the first 2 weeks I joined the Medical Program and then 4 weeks the Project „Women’s Empowerment. And this was the project in which I was in the right place. I taught English and the contact with the young girls and women showed me so much about life in India, especially the life of women.

I had booked my own accomodation in Jaipur where I was picked up for the project and dropped off at the hotel again. Sometimes it was by Tuk Tuk and sometimes by car with the most reliable drivers, Totaram and Shekar. They took me safely through this incredible Jaipur traffic.

Rohit the coordinator was caring for me and the other volunteers, for our safety, for our well-being in the projects and for the sightseeing weekends. He was always helpful when I needed something. This could be an information any time or just 50 samosas and 50 sweets for my farewell party. Thank you Rohit.

In my opinion „Volunteering with India“ is a reliable organisation which looks after their volunteers. This was not only important for me, but it is even more important for teenagers and young adults, especially when they are away from home for the first time in a completely different culture like India.

All in all I can say, due to the good and careful organisation these 6 weeks have been a really precious experience for me.

Il progetto donne è estremamente valido e molto divertente. Anche se può essere difficile comunicare con chi ha un inglese limitato, questo può essere superato. Consiglio vivamente questo progetto a chiunque voglia fare davvero la differenza. Avevo programmato un viaggio a Jaipur con due miei amici. Abbiamo cercato molte agenzie online, ma VWI è stata la migliore nella zona. Il servizio di alloggio era buono e il cibo era molto buono. I membri dello staff del progetto sono molto disponibili e felici di essere al servizio. Darei 10 su 9.

Ero felice di poter essere prelevata dall'aeroporto e di non dover trovare la strada. Il coordinatore del progetto è arrivato poco dopo l'atterraggio del mio volo. L'alloggio, il cibo e la famiglia ospitante erano buoni e molto disponibili. Il servizio di trasporto è stato fantastico e l'autista è stato molto gentile e sempre puntuale. I membri dello staff sono sempre stati molto facili da contattare quando avevo delle domande. Vorrei dare 10 su 9 alla mia soddisfazione complessiva e alla mia esperienza. Sono stata a Jaipur per 1 settimana per il Progetto Elefanti e 1 settimana per il Progetto Donne, entrambi i progetti sono meravigliosi e rendono il mio tempo qui nella comunità significativo. Il progetto Elephant è stato molto divertente e mi è piaciuto lavorare con i mahout. Il programma per le donne è stato difficile nei primi due giorni, perché c'erano molte donne con livelli di abilità diversi, ma man mano che la classe procedeva è diventato più facile. I corsi per bambini sono stati fantastici. Sono adorabili e divertente lavorare con loro.

Il servizio di arrivo è stato perfetto! Sukret è venuto a prendermi e mi ha fatto sentire il benvenuto. L'alloggio e il cibo presso la famiglia ospitante sono stati fantastici! Mi hanno fatto sentire parte della famiglia non appena sono entrato. Soggiornare da loro è stato un punto culminante di tutta l'esperienza. Il cibo era sempre delizioso e non troppo piccante per me. Il servizio di trasporto è stato eccellente. Il tassista Toto è il mio eroe. I membri dello staff del progetto sono fantastici. Govind, il coordinatore del progetto, mi ha aiutato in tutte le fasi. Senza di lui l'insegnamento sarebbe molto più difficile. Mi sento molto fortunato ad essere stato qui per il festival di Diwali. Grazie a VWI per tutto.

Soggiornare con la famiglia è stato fantastico e partecipare ai progetti è stato fantastico perché stanno facendo un buon lavoro. Vorrei dare un voto di 10 su 9 a VWI. I membri dello staff del progetto sono stati molto utili con le traduzioni e le indicazioni. Il servizio di ritiro all'arrivo è stato eccellente; l'auto e il membro del team ci aspettavano al nostro arrivo. L'alloggio e il cibo erano deliziosi. Il Tuk-tuk è il miglior servizio di trasporto per andare ogni giorno al sito del progetto. Se si viaggia in Tuk-Tuk, si possono esplorare molte cose lungo la strada.

È stato bello vedere qualcuno dello staff VWI non appena sono sceso dall'autobus. La famiglia ospitante è stata davvero fantastica. Se avevamo bisogno di qualcosa, bastava chiedere. Il servizio di trasporto è stato il migliore. Il comportamento amichevole dei tassisti ha reso il viaggio migliore. I membri dello staff del progetto sono stati molto disponibili. Nel progetto è fantastico che il coordinatore del programma sia sempre presente per tradurre e aiutare. Ho deciso di fare volontariato con VWI perché Volunteering With India sembrava il programma migliore perché il sito web era chiaro. La comunicazione è stata ottima e non abbiamo dovuto pagare prima di arrivare qui. Vorrei dare 10 su 8. Il volontariato in India è stata una delle migliori esperienze che ho avuto. Ho conosciuto tante persone e ho vissuto l'India nel modo migliore possibile.

Il servizio di pick up all'arrivo è stato buono. La mia sistemazione in una famiglia indiana è stata fantastica! Il cibo era delizioso e la stanza era molto confortevole. I servizi di trasporto durante la mia settimana di programma erano ottimi e i tassisti guidavano con attenzione. Ho deciso di fare volontariato in India perché volevo fare volontariato all'estero durante le vacanze di primavera e questo programma aveva il maggior numero di opzioni e i prezzi migliori. Vorrei dare 10 su 10 a Volunteering With India. Siamo stati ben accolti. I membri dello staff ci hanno aiutato a pianificare le attività per il pomeriggio e il fine settimana. Questo programma ha molte opzioni e posso dire che la mia presenza nel centro donne è stata utile. Ho scelto solo una settimana, ma è un periodo breve per svolgere tutte le attività con loro; vorrei tornare presto e partecipare a un minimo di 4 settimane. Durante il mio weekend a Jaipur ho potuto vedere il Taj Mahal e molte altre belle località.