Volunteering India Network

Volunteering India Network

Why choose Volunteering India Network?

Volunteering India Network (VIN), in association with Sankalp Volunteer Society (SVS), a registered non-profit organization (NGO) in India since 2006, organizes meaningful volunteer travel and community service programs across India, connecting passionate international volunteers with local communities.

We offer safe, structured, affordable, and flexible programs that allow volunteers to contribute their time and skills while experiencing Indian culture and creating lasting memories.

Our direct connection with local communities helps volunteers find the right project, avoid unnecessary intermediaries, and enjoy an authentic and rewarding experience. From community service and teaching to cultural activities and travel, we aim to make every volunteer's time in India meaningful, practical, and memorable.

Founded
2006

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

Reviews

Joe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Teaching Experience in Jaipur

I had an amazing three week experience with the Teaching Volunteer Program at Volunteering India Network in Jaipur. From the very beginning, the team was friendly, supportive, and well organized. Teaching children in a local school was incredibly rewarding. The students were enthusiastic, curious, and full of energy, and it was wonderful to see their smiles and progress each day. The program gave me a genuine opportunity to connect with the local community and make a small but meaningful contribution. The accomodation, transportation, orientation, and overall support were excellent. The VIN team was always there whenever I needed help or guidance, which made the entire experience comfortable and enjoyable. I would highly recommend Volunteering India Network to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer experience in India. My three weeks in Jaipur were unforgettable, and I would love to come back again!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future volunteers is to come with an open mind and realistic expectations. This is a genuine grassroots volunteer program, not a hotel or a traditional holiday experience. You are coming as a volunteer, so the main focus should be on the social cause, the children, and the contribution you can make to the community.

Also, do not expect to be surrounded by a large group of international volunteers. Depending on the season, you may be the only volunteer or one of just a few, and you may stay at the program organizer’s home rather than in a large volunteer house. The organization is relatively small and has faced many challenges since COVID19, but the team is doing a great job continuing their work.

What I appreciated most is that this is a real grassroots program. Volunteering India Network is a small organization, but it has been working with children and local communities for around 20 year. If you focus less on comfort and expectations and more on the people you are there to support, you can have a very meaningful and rewarding experience.
Pros
  • Authentic grassroots experience – A genuine opportunity to work directly with children and the local community.
  • Personal support – The organizers are friendly, caring, and always available to help and guide volunteers.
  • Meaningful impact – The program allows you to focus on the social cause and see the real difference your time and effort can make.
What other participants should know
  • Small number of volunteers – Depending on the season, you may be the only volunteer or have very few other international volunteers, so it can feel a little quiet socially.
  • Simple accommodation – This is a grassroots program, so don’t expect hotel-style facilities or luxury. The accommodation is comfortable but basic.
  • Limited resources – Like many small NGOs, the organization has limited resources, especially after COVID19, so volunteers should be flexible and not expect everything to be highly structured or polished.
Mitu
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Commitment to Transparency

I recently involved in the Street to School Project in Jaipur, volunteering with three other international volunteers through this NGO. Prior to joining, I conducted a thorough check of their legal status and found it to be in good standing. The remarkable aspect of volunteering with this NGO is that it is entirely free; volunteers only cover expenses related to accommodation, meals, local transportation, and other services provided by a volunteer travel company and I directly paid to this company, not to NGO. The organization boasts a rich history dating back to 2006, with a diverse array of volunteers hailing from different nationalities, showcasing its widespread appeal. What's truly noteworthy is their commitment to transparency – they readily provide contact information, including emails and phone numbers, for past volunteers from one's own country, enabling potential volunteers to gain insights from authentic experiences. My involvement with the Street to School Project has been deeply rewarding, and I applaud the organization's dedication to creating a positive impact through such a well-structured and transparent volunteering experience.

Kate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Remarkable six-week Volunteer Journey

Last week, I successfully completed a remarkable six-week volunteer journey in the vibrant city of Jaipur, India. My heart is brimming with gratitude as I reflect upon my transformative experience with Sankap Volunteer Society. Throughout this time, I was fortunate to participate in two distinct yet equally impactful programs, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.

The first chapter of my adventure unfolded in the embrace of an orphanage, where I dedicated three weeks to nurturing and supporting these incredible children. The profound connection I formed with these young souls defies verbal expression; it's a sentiment that can only be fully comprehended through firsthand immersion. Every moment spent in their company was a revelation, and the lessons they imparted are beyond measure.

The second phase of my journey led me to the Street to School Project, where I had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable children who are a testament to resilience and determination. These weeks were an ode to growth, learning, and the human spirit's boundless potential. The bond we shared transcended words, and the memories etched in my mind are a constant reminder of the power of compassion and education.

As I reflect on these six weeks, I am filled with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond words. My commitment to this noble cause is unwavering, and I eagerly anticipate returning to this endeavor with Sankap Volunteer Society at least once or twice each year. The impact of this experience has forever enriched my life, and the memories created will forever be treasured in the depths of my heart.

Tayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Volunteer and Travel Experience

I joined sankalp volunteer organization (Dec 2019) for 6 weeks in Jaipur and it was perfect for me because I've never had volunteer before. So basically, I joined their 4-week Work and Travel program + 2 extra week volunteer in Jaipur. We worked half period in renovating at School for Street Children painting and drawing in some walls with the help of other volunteers! Teaching and working with these children were a very gratification job and made me realize that everyone can contribute someway, whatever it is. On late afternoon and on the weekends, we usually explore this beautiful city and around. It wasn’t just a lot of tourist attractions but a cultural immersion for real! Very interesting! On the weekends, we went to Agra, Pushkar, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur of just to chill. We spent a night under the open sky in desert, was a great experience. I wanted more! And now, I feel like it would make much more sense to do something about the world while I travel around. Thanks to Sankalp and team. I recommended to everyone Work & Travel program with extra weeks if you can !

Pros
  • Connects you to others
  • Brings fun and fulfillment to your life
  • Good for your mind and sole
What other participants should know
  • Lunch and dinner was not included during the weekend travel :)
  • I didn't get spice food because of other volunteers
  • Daily transport to project must be by AC car instead Tuk-Tuk!!
Jasmine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Real volunteering experience

I spent 4 weeks with Sankalp in the summer of 2018 and it was honestly one of THE BEST, THE MOST REWSRDING, THE MOST UNFORGETTABLY INCREDIBLE experience I have ever had ❤
I've done a lot of volunteering and travel in the past but would never have dreamed of how easy it could be to combined the 2!
I did the travel and volunteer package with Sankalp in Jaipur (the Pink city) and got to hike parts of the gorgeous Himalayas (involving a quite a few unforgettably funny stories), visit the hometown of the Dalai Lama and his temple, visit Delhi and Pushkar (city of colour), see one of the 7 wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal, and the best part was THE PEOPLE!
The people you end up volunteering with are so like minded, you come from all around the world for the same purpose, you get on so well and make friends for life! Oh my gosh and then there were the kids 😍 I dont even know where to begin, they were the most beautiful, kind hearted, innocent, loving, talented, smart children I've ever had the pleasure to work with! They've not had the easiest of upbringings in an orphanage but my God they are still so full of love and just like every normal child they LOVE TO PLAY!
YOU get one of the most incredible chances to impact their lives by playing with them, showing them love and affection and attention where they otherwise wouldnt know what that felt like! It's unbelievably rewarding and I'm definitely planning on returning again in the future!! 💕🎉
Any questions about this place feel free to message me!
India is nowhere near as dangerous as the media make it out to seem, the people are so friendly, the food is AMAZING, I was fortunate enough to not experience any "delly belly" 😂 despite having dodgy streetfood! And everyday you finish at midday so you have all afternoon to explore the lovely city of Jaipur, all the scenery, forts, palaces and bazaars it has to offer!
I COULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE HIGHLY ENOUGH, PLEASE GO AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THESE WONDERFUL CHILDREN'S LIVES AND YOUR OWN ❤❤❤❤❤

What would you improve about this program?
Nothing!!! i loved this program and i don't find anything that needs to be improved or changed.

Programs

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Staff Interviews

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

Pranay

Pranay is the Director of Sankalp Volunteer. He has worked with kids from the street and orphans in many cities of Northern India. Pranay holds a Bachelors degree in Public Administration and Economics. He is an active social worker since 2001. In 2006, he was elected as the secretary in Sankalp Volunteer Society (Registered Non-Profits). He has done lots of hard work to run the projects for street kids, orphanages, and women's education in rural and urban areas.
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What position do you hold at Sankalp and why do you like working there?

Pranay: I am the founder of Sankalp. I do research work and am the volunteer coordinator (I work in the area first to feel it out and then place volunteers). I do this for my inner peace and so that I know what the volunteer should expect. I plan for my volunteer travel, so I have to travel a lot with different people and it helps me to understand different cultures and lets me make new friends. I would like to work in other communities and help.

What is one thing you would tell any future volunteer?

Pranay: You don't need any special skill, education or knowledge to make a difference. If you have passion, you have everything you need to change your world.

What does the future hold for Sankalp - any exciting new programs to share?

Pranay: In near future we want to start our program branch in Udaipur (Rajasthan). We want to work with tribal communities (education and health) as they have fewer possibilities to acquire them. I would also like to start projects in some Asian countries.

How does your organization differ from other ones in the industry?

Pranay: I am proud of being able to work with a non-government Organization and this will help me to closely look at the good impacts of the work which the volunteers do for society. Sankalp is really working hard to make positive changes. It is one of the least expensive organizations and always provides full attention to our volunteer safety and security. We also make sure that the volunteer will experience the real situation and won’t take their work lightly.