All ELI volunteer programs in India are in Southern India. These programs offer volunteers an incredible opportunity to learn about Indian life while giving back to the community.

Orphanages

Many children who end up in Indian orphanages face a grim future of menial labor and poverty, but more and more orphanages are placing an emphasis on education. ELI works with orphanages in and around Chennai, Bangalore, and Kanchipuran. These orphanges all work to send their children to school to give them an educational advantage. Volunteers working at an orphanage will have a wide range of tasks including leading activities, playing games, teaching remedial classes to children not yet able to attend schools, assisting with after school tutoring, feeding the children, and other tasks around the orphanage. Volunteers will stay in rooms provided by the orphanage and will eat with the children. This placement requires participants to be adaptable, resourceful, and prepared for challenging living conditions.

HIV Prevention

HIV is spreading quickly through the Indian population. The groups at risk include women, slum dwellers, sex workers, and truck drivers. Volunteers will work with an organization devoted to prevention education and empowerment activities for people living with HIV and AIDS. Participants in this program will assist with awareness campaigns, assist with documentation and evaluation of the campaigns, meet with support groups for people living with HIV, and gain an understanding of the huge impact HIV is making in India.

Teach in Kerala

Kerala is on the suthwest coast of the Indian Subcontinent, sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean. Volunteers can assist teaching English and other subjects in a school in rural Kerala. ELI works with schools near Munnar, Adimali, Varkala, and several other towns. Teaching in Kerala is a rare opportunity to experience the easy rhythm of community life in a stunningly beautiful setting. This placement requires at least a one month commitment in order to minimize classroom disruption. Also, please note that the schools in Kerala are on holiday April through June.

Women's Empowerment

ELI works with several organizations in Chennai devoted to empowering marginalized women. The organizations have evolved from emphasizing relief/welfare to emphasizing development and empowerment. Volunteers can get involved in a number of projects including prevention of trafficking, STD/HIV education and prevention, capacity building, adult literacy programs, and micro-credit programs. Volunteers with this program must be motivated, energetic self starters.

Artist's Village

The Cholamandal artists village was started by thirty artists with the goal of reviving modern creative arts and creating an independent, self sustaining community of artists. The village has become an important arts center in Sout India. Volunteers working at the arts center will have the opportunity to work side by side with Indian Artists, help improve the facilities, maintain displays, develop marketing strategies, and any other projects. Volunteers must be self motivated.

Conservation

Southern India is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The forests of the Western Ghats are classified as a biodiversity hotspot, but these ecosystems are under threat due to development, deforestation, introduction of exotic species, and poor wastewater management. Volunteers can work with an environmental group based in the hill station of Kodaikanal. Ongoing projects include environmental education outreach, reforestation, wildlife population monitoring, pollution prevention, and water quality monitoring.

Special Needs Children

In Indian society, children born with a mental or physical disability are often considered a burden or curse. These children are often abandoned and left for dead. ELI works with several organizations that provide care and a nurturing environment for children with disabilities. The centers also place an emphasis on educating the families of disabled children to prevent the children from being cast out of their families. Volunteers with this program will assist with the day to day tasks such as feeding the children, dressing the children, helping with clean up, spending time with the kids, and leading activities. Experienced volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist with physiotherapy exercises and occupational therapy activities. These children's homes also provide care for orphans without physical or mental disabilities. Volunteers are also welcome to work with these children, playing games, leading educational acitivities, and helping them with their homework.