Teach English at an all-girls school in rural India

I volunteered for PPES for a year back in 2009, and then again for a month at a time in 2011, 2013, and 2017. I can say with certainty that my work there made a positive impact on the lives of my students, and also that the school made a huge impact on me and my life.

PPES is transforming society from the ground up, improving education, women’s empowerment, health, and the environment. Over the time I volunteered with PPES, I saw firsthand our impact on the lives of individual students as well as on the village. Growing up in a society where women’s education is not valued, and where many students’ mothers cannot read or write, PPES students are taught all of the basics but also empowered with self-esteem, sports, creative arts, and numerous other programs.

To anyone considering working with Pardada Pardadi, I say, do it. Not only is this an unbelievably important initiative, it provides volunteers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a world totally unfamiliar to them. This works on multiple levels, including a chance to make lifelong connections with incredible students and teachers. This experience opened me up, reframed my preconceived notions, and allowed me to come away with such a greater sense of what it really means to help each other. I honestly cannot say enough good things about the staff at the school and the students who call it a second home. There's a familial warmth surrounding the campus that extends into town. You'll get to explore and learn about Indian culture first-hand. Attend the daily prayers on the edge of the Ganges (take a boat ride too), eat some of the freshest and most authentic Indian food you'll ever have, and the best part, spend your time elevating (and inversely learning from) the girls at PPES. Easily one of the top three things I've done in my life.

I first went to PPES in 2010 for several months. Since that time, I became totally committed to the school and have returned 14 times, taking groups of volunteers with me.

I founded a health and hygiene program and was able to build a health clinic, hire medical staff, organize medical camps, immunization programs and a number of other projects.

You will not be disappointed in the unique and amazing experience, where the lives of thousands of girls and women have been changed through education, empowerment and employment opportunities.

I loved my time in Anupshahar and it changed my life! While the school is remote, I felt safe living within school grounds. Everyday I got to spend it with the most amazing group of girls and teachers. This school is quite literally transforming this town and the surrounding villages by educating and uplifting girls. The school is involved in so many programs for the girls and also with the self-help groups within the communities. They allowed me to help where I felt my strengths were. I spent most of my time in the English lab helping older girls become more comfortable speaking English, because most of these girls were going on to higher education in the big cities, like Bangalore and Delhi, where English would be necessary.