Volunteer in Jhalawar, India with the Kanjar Community
The Jhalawar district is located in the southern portion of India’s state of Rajasthan, and is home to the Kanjar community. Over time, the Kanjars' social class, or caste has, been ostracized by its surrounding communities, causing isolation and social, political, and economic discrimination. Due to a variety of socioeconomic causes dating back to the 19th century, the Kanjar community has had little to no access to legitimate sources of income, and has been forced to resort to illicit businesses, such as alcohol production. As a result, the community has become increasingly isolated and disparaged, and it faces a variety of formidable challenges—from illiteracy to alcoholism. Over the past several years, the Kanjar volunteer program has worked with the Kanjars—as well as the surrounding communities—in an effort to substantially improve the lives of the Kanjar.
Program Details
The goal of the Kanjar volunteer program is to improve the quality of life of the Kanjars, by educating them about the basic Indian and Human Rights to which they are entitled. The program emphasizes education, public health, women’s empowerment, human rights, and other initiatives that will better the lives of current and future generations of Kanjars. The program also aims to educate others about the Kanjar community, thereby helping to end the decades of isolation that the community has suffered.
Volunteer placements include:
Educational Projects:
- Leading activity-based learning in schools from Grade 1 to 3 (students aged 6 - 14)
- Providing basic English education
- Organizing and coordinating educational visits for children
- Assisting with beautification and maintenance of school facilities.
- Leading skill-development workshops based on singing, drawing, craft making, drama, role play, bicycle riding, etc.
Community Projects:
- Conducting community meetings for introduction and confidence building. This will include essential rapport-building with community members through interaction and ice-breaking sessions.
- Organizing regular surveys for updating data records regarding the number of households and family members for which the overall development program is being executed.
- Organizing hygiene and health awareness programs, discussing utilization of clean drinking water, cleanliness in household etc.
- Contributing to education awareness programs to enroll more children in schools. Duties include providing information to parents regarding importance of education, benefits, and progress of respective children.
- Assisting in health camps that provide regular medical check-ups
As a Volunteer with the Kanjar Community, you’ll receive:
- Pick-up at New Delhi airport and stay arrangement in hotel on triple-occupancy basis
- All transfers at start and end of program
- Transfer between Delhi and Jhalawar by overnight trains in sleeper class both ways
- 3-day orientation
- Housing and meals
- Availability of an English-speaking manager
- Recreational facilities
- ISE card - International Student & Youth Exchange Identification Card
Program Length
4, 8, or 12 weeks
Program Start Dates for 2010
November 22, December 20
Program Start Dates for 2011
| 4-Week Program | ||
| January 24 | February 21 | March 21 |
| June 13 | July 11 | August 8 |
| September 5 | October 3 & 24 | November 21 |
| December 19 | ||
| 8-Week Program | ||
| January 24 | February 21 | June 13 |
| July 11 | August 8 | September 5 |
| October 3 & 24 | November 21 | December 19 |
| 12-Week Program | ||
| January 24 | February 21 | June 13 |
| July 11 | August 8 | September 5 |
| October 3 & 24 | November 21 | December 19 |
Program Fee
- $1,095 for 4 weeks
- $1,395 for 8 weeks
- $1,695 for 12 weeks
Accommodation Type
Shared, basic housing with electricity and running water
Participant Requirements
To Volunteer with the Kanjar Community, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age with at least a high school diploma
- Be in good health
- Have an independent, flexible, open-minded attitude
- Be able to live and work in rural communities where conditions are basic
- Meet the India Visa requirements
Interested? Request Information
Ready to Get Started? Apply Now
