Service-Learning: Summer Volunteer Program in Kolkata, India

Study Abroad integrated with Volunteer Service Volunter in India

Volunteer Service that Addresses Real Human Needs

Typically, students provide direct human care to the poor, to those who are ill or unable to care for themselves, and to premature infants and malnourished children who have been abandoned. In the past, students have served at:

Volunteer Service Examples

Following are examples of agencies where IPSL students have served in the past or may be able to serve. Other service placements may be available. Your placement will be determined by community and agency needs, as well as your interests, goals, and skills (including foreign language ability).

Read an article about two recent IPSL India program participants' service experience >>
Read an article from Abroad View magazine, written by a recent participant >>

Home for abandoned children

This is Mother Teresa's home for abandoned babies - children whose parents cannot care them, or whose parents have left them on the streets. Only female volunteers are allowed here.

Population Served: Abandoned babies
Areas of Service: Childcare / Children & Youth

Hospice

Established in 1952 by Mother Teresa at Kalighat, Nirmal Hriday (“Pure Heart”) serves the dying and destitute of Kolkata, providing them a place where they can get free basic medical attention and nutritious food, and be treated with dignity.

Population Served: Poor and destitute people who are dying
Areas of Service: Healthcare / Companionship

School for street children

Students work with children on a variety of things - literacy, hygiene, violence and crime-related issues (occasional). Training sessions held here also for so-called "barefoot teachers" to teach pedagogical methods using minimal resources. The school is run by Indian staff.

Population Served: Street children near one of the city railway terminals
Areas of Service: Education / Literacy / Teaching/tutoring

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