VOLONTARIAT INDIA

The aim is to allow people to get involved in a humanitarian work, thinking that the short time they spend in Pondicherry should be followed by testimony when they return home, taking part in the activities of the European committees, such as helping at the sale of the products Shanti and other handicraft, research of sponsors, etc, according to their possibilities.

The applicants must have the will to “give” to the children or adults, according to their abilities. But above all, they should be aware that they will also “receive” much more than they give: a different way of life, the human qualities of the great country of India or the smile of a child.

The volunteers’ applications seem to fall into two categories. Some wish to come as trainees for a few months to have a humanitarian experience in their degree course; others wish only to be involved in humanitarian work. Until 2007, volunteers from both these categories have been here.

Trainee Candidates: Volontariat receives many applications from High School students in different fields of activities: social work, health, economics, agriculture, communications, etc. In the past we used to welcome them. But, there were several problems we encountered, such as: difficulty for the trainees to adjust to the Indian way of life, our inability to guide them and to follow their work, language problems, difficulty to help them with the writing and the assessment of their final report. The responsibility became too heavy for the staff members of Volontariat, who are not well versed in written French, except Madeleine and Arnaud de Blic who are already handling a great deal of work, to take on this extra load. The time investment did not seem positive.

Other volunteer candidates: Applicants are requested, BEFORE APPLYING TO VOLONTARIAT PONDICHERRY, to contact and , when possible, meet the nearest committee from their home [find addresses on the website]. The committee will give its opinion, then the persons in charge at Volontariat Pondicherry will decide to accept them or not.

Volontariat, with a few exceptions, will not make any commitment or propose any activities before the arrival of the candidate.

On arrival, the candidate will visit the different centres and activities. Then a common meeting with this person will decide if, yes or not, the applicant will be given some activity, first on a trial basis for a short time and later, by mutual agreement, the duties will be extended and explained. The volunteer will be involved in one of the ongoing programs and will not be solely responsible for the concerned program.

Volontariat will make sure that the number of volunteers coming at the same time to the different sites of activities will be limited. This is also in the interest of the volunteers as a too large number of them goes against their integration in the Indian environment. Foreign volunteers tend to work and enjoy together, while the original reason for their coming is to meet Indians and to learn about their culture.

Volontariat may help finding accommodation outside or provide accommodation within its premises, in that case the volunteer will contribute. Volontariat has a few rooms available, with a priority for the use of godparents visiting their godchildren. It may give a room to a non-sponsor volunteer, but only as a temporary measure, until the volunteer finds accommodation elsewhere.

It is possible for the volunteer to have his/her meals at Volontariat Head Office. But he/she should keep the person in charge informed  well in advance.

  Breakfast (continental), 7.30 to 9.00 am (should be finished by 9 a.m.); 

  Lunch: the same meal served to the children (Parrainage) 

  Evening meal: No Service

Drinking alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden on all sites, bedrooms included. Volunteers may receive friends in their rooms, but with the prior permission of the person in charge. Parties with friends in the city will not be allowed inside Volontariat. There are many small restaurants in town. As is well known, the cost of living in Pondicherry is quite moderate, compared with European standards, and there are budget hotels and guest houses available in the city.

The habits in India is very different from that in Europe. There is an expectation that women will be modestly dressed: we suggest that they wear long skirts or trousers and to avoid wearing suggestive or skimpy clothes. Men must wear proper clothes.

Activities timing are different in different sections. For example,  in the crèche it starts at 8 a.m. A volunteer may be asked to help on Sundays or other official holidays (i.e. activities with Nila Illam children take place on Saturdays, Sundays, Festivals and school Holidays). In lieu, the day off may be taken during the week.
 Means of transport: the volunteer may use a cycle that can be hired from Volontariat or in town.

  - Before the arrival of the volunteer: to give information about the country or the city. (All the necessary information can be found on the internet). 

  - On the spot: to organize tours, hire a taxi, book a hotel room, reserve a seat on a plane, during or following a volunteer’s stay at Volontariat.

  -  Volontariat does not provide health or accident insurance in India. All sickness or accident expenses should be paid by the volunteer. This is the reason why it is highly recommended that all visitors have health and accident insurance during their stay in India and that the air ticket includes a health repatriation clause.

 

We sincerely hope that whoever comes to Volontariat will become a friend of the organization and, more especially, a friend of the young people who has put their future in our hands.

The Management
Pondicherry
1st March 2018