Latika is a voluntary organization in India working with developmentally disabled children and young adults, and their families. We provide direct services in early intervention, education and vocational training through centers which kids attend daily and we engage in a wide range of activities to promote inclusion and social justice through advocacy, awareness, training, networking, research and sensitization.
Website: http://latikaroy.org/
We welcome volunteers at all our centers and guide them in how to work directly with our children and young adults. As we are currently building our own campus, we are particularly keen on volunteers with an interest in universal design, architecture, disability and the built environment.
Opportunities to work directly with children and young adults include story-telling, facilitating games, leading song sessions, teaching reading, science and math using an activity-based approach, teaching computer skills, etc. Vocational activities include gardening, cooking, housekeeping, office work, sewing and craft. Volunteers are always useful in such endeavours.
More creative pursuits include staging plays or musicals in our after school activity center, painting murals on our walls with the children, orchestrating neighborhood clean-up drives, designing sensory gardens or playgrounds or launching a read-a-thon through our library. We always need help with photo documentation and making short films, proposal writing, research and fund-raising ideas.
All volunteers must sign Latika’s Code of Conduct which includes a strong Child/Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy. This is legally binding on all adults working with children and vulnerable adults in India and is closely monitored by Latika staff. We take our policy extremely seriously.
See Testimonials for feedback from recent volunteers.
Enthusiasm, creativity, commitment, integrity a sense of humour and love for children are essentials. As we’re in the process of constructing our new building, we could use assistance with running online fundraising campaigns online, helping us with “change management” as we move into a new facility, mapping efficiencies in staff time and amplifying our online through our website and social media. Skills in sports, writing, drama, photography, research, data analysis, film-making, music, dance, painting . . . you name it: if you are passionate about something, we will find a way to channel it!
You should expect to spend about £1500 for eight weeks - this covers costs for food and accommodation, as well as local travel. This includes the £200 programme fee payable for Camvol support.
In addition to these local costs, volunteers will need to book return flights to India (typically about £750 if booked early), and apply for an appropriate visa, as required by the Indian High Commission (for visa charges, please check the Indian visa facilitation service website for exact fees).
Vaccination and other medical costs have NOT been included in estimated costs, and applicants should take this into account while planning their budgets. If you intend to travel for recreation and tourism, these costs will be additional, so please budget accordingly.
Some financial support for summer charitable work, internships and volunteering is available via Colleges and from the University. If selected, the Camvol Director can advise about funding opportunities.