Volunteering India Network

Volunteering India Network

Why choose Volunteering India Network?

Volunteering India Network, in association with Sankalp Volunteer Society - a registered non-profit organization (NGO) in India since 1994 - organizes impactful volunteer travel and community service programs across India. Our organization is founded on the mission of serving local communities by engaging passionate volunteers from around the world.

We offer safe, structured, and affordable volunteer and travel programs that provide flexibility and a meaningful experience. By volunteering with us, you gain the opportunity to make a real difference while creating lasting memories.

What sets us apart is our direct engagement with local communities. With no intermediaries, you save money, get placed in the right program, and enjoy an authentic and fulfilling volunteer experience.

Founded
1994

Reviews

Horton
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Unprofessional management and arbitrary termination of volunteer contracts

I cannot recommend volunteering with Sankalp Volunteer Society due to a severe lack of transparency and professionalism from their management team.

After committing time and effort to support their programs, my volunteer contract was abruptly terminated on entirely vague and nebulous grounds. When organizations operate in the volunteer sector, clear communication and mutual respect should be baseline expectations. Unfortunately, Sankalp failed to provide any concrete justification or constructive feedback regarding their decision, leaving the termination feeling arbitrary and highly unprofessional.

If you are looking to invest your time, energy, and skills into a volunteer organization that values its contributors and communicates transparently, I would strongly suggest looking elsewhere.

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
Cons
  • 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.