Shanti Bhavan Children's Project

Why choose Shanti Bhavan Children's Project?

Shanti Bhavan is the only school in the world that commits to 17 years of complete care for each of its students. From the age of 4, until they finish their college degrees, we provide for our children so that they can permanently break the cycle of poverty and go on to fulfill their dreams.

Our mission is to develop the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children of India’s “lowest caste” by providing them world class education and instilling globally shared values to enable them to aspire to careers and professions of their choice.

Founded

1997

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Reviews

Volunteering at Shanthi Bhavan was not simply service — it was a life-changing journey of the heart. From the very first day, I felt that I was stepping into something sacred: a place where hope is carefully nurtured and where children, despite coming from the most challenging circumstances, radiate joy, resilience, and boundless love.

My days were filled with teaching English literature and grammar, introducing computer theory and typing, and guiding little kindergarteners through phonics and numbers.

What touched me most was the children’s overwhelming affection and curiosity. During PT, at dinner, or simply walking down the hall, they warmly gather around you. Bright eyes would look up and ask endless questions about the world beyond their campus. They wanted to know everything — not just facts, but stories, feelings, experiences. They explored the world through my words, and in return, they expanded my own understanding of gratitude, perseverance, and love.

At Shanthi Bhavan, you may arrive thinking you are there to give — but you leave having received far more. The children teach you about courage. They teach you about joy without conditions. And they remind you that education, when rooted in compassion and belief, can truly transform anyone's lives.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

If anyone is considering traveling to volunteer at Shanthi Bhavan, my advice is simple: go — just go. It is an experience that will stay with you long after you return home.

The campus itself feels like a peaceful retreat. The air is fresh and free from the pollution of city life. The landscape is breathtaking, dotted with local blooms and open skies that invite you to slow down and breathe deeply. Meals are prepared fresh each day, and life on campus is a welcome contrast to the noise and rush of urban living.

Your days quickly fill with purpose: morning PT activities, teaching full classes or working one-on-one with students who need extra support, and ending the evening reading bedtime stories to eager listeners.

The staff are warm, supportive, and deeply committed to the children and the volunteers alike. Whenever you need guidance, encouragement, or simply a helping hand, someone is always there.

At Shanthi Bhavan, you don’t just volunteer — you become part of a community

Pros

Amazing children
Beautiful Campus
heartful experience

Cons

Internet even with a local phone in dorms is spotty - internet at school building is best

The opportunity to document life at Shanti Bhavan was one of the most joyful, challenging, and satisfying projects I have ever undertaken as a photographer. It is impossible to spend time on the SB campus and not be changed by your interactions with the students, and by witnessing their resilience, determination, humor, and character. The depth of dedication shown by the staff and administration is truly impressive. Not everything about your time on campus will be easy, there are real challenges to navigating a different culture and working in a sensitive way that respects the situations you'll find yourself in. But the staff, and your fellow volunteers, are there to offer support. If you are looking for a fascinating experience that will give you real room to grow personally and creatively - and be great fun too! - I could not recommend more highly that you go and spend time at Shanti Bhavan.

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Shanti Bhavan Children's Project

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India

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Shanti Bhavan is looking for a creative, experienced photographer or...

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Jessica Ruiz

Program

Make a Difference That Lasts—Volunteer in India

Job Title

Volunteer Services Coordinator

Jessica began her work with Shanti Bhavan in 2022 as part of the on-site campus administration team, where she led three volunteer cohorts and supported student programs and initiatives. Following her tenure, she became the Volunteer Services Coordinator, overseeing recruitment, training, and engagement, a role she values deeply, believing that volunteers play a vital role in instilling values like curiosity and cross-cultural empathy in the children.

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica

What is your favorite travel memory?

Visiting Marrakech and Fez. I decided to go during peak summer months, and it was my first time experiencing over 100-degree weather. Morocco was one of the countries on my bucket list, and it was an absolute privilege to have had a chance to visit. I walked a ton through the aromatic souks, enjoyed the best meals from a tagine, and fell in love with the warm hospitality of the Berber communities I visited.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have grown in many ways, though two stand out the most. First, I've learned to trust my instincts and be creative. Our small but mighty team emphasizes empowerment, and I feel free to devise new ways to accomplish initiatives. Second, I've improved my ability to communicate in ways that reach a broader set of people and during one-to-one conversations. There are a myriad of opportunities I get to represent our organization, which has opened the door to learning new strategies.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I remember one volunteer who joined us during their gap year before starting university. Though they had some tutoring experience, leading a classroom felt daunting. With support from our training and on-site team, they grew into a confident teacher, despite the challenge of working with our spirited 4th graders! It was incredibly rewarding to watch them gain confidence, develop a stronger sense of self, and embrace new experiences.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would volunteer as a teacher in a heartbeat! It's such a beautiful experience to give back to a community that needs it, spend time with children, and enjoy the serenity of our campus. As a volunteer, your focus is on supporting the school's programs and activities, and you learn so much about yourself; it also grows your empathy, patience, and resilience!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our organization is unique in that, at its core, it's about developing the whole person, the whole child. It's hard to say that we simply "help people out," because we do so much more. The organization understands that eradicating poverty is not an overnight project; it's a lifelong investment. Our mission is education, but our vision is bringing people out of poverty, one child at a time.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

You have to trust your people. Your mission and achievements stem from the strength of your collaborators. When you bring people on board who care, who are committed to the cause, and who are dedicated to making it work every day, you have to believe they are doing that. When you do, they can create magic!