Teaching English in Rajasthan

Volunteers who join this programme will get the opportunity to spend their days teaching underprivileged children as well as learning about the local Indian culture through various workshops and classes.

The governmental and non governmental primary schools that you will be teaching in are massively understaffed. In some of the schools there is only one teacher for the entire school, making it difficult for the teachers to concentrate properly on every child. By volunteering you make it possible for all the children to be taught effectively and take the pressure off the teachers themselves. Amongst other things, you will be teaching basic English and Mathematics, as well as creating a fun and playful environment for these young people.

Volunteers must have a good knowledge of the English language. It is important that volunteers want to learn about India and its culture, enjoy working with young people, and be open-minded and flexible. This program takes place in Rajasthan which is located in the north-western part of India, and is famed for it`s palaces, maharajas and exotic colours. The state is bounded in the east by the pink city of Jaipur, the famous forts and deserts of Jaisalmer and Jodphur lie to the west and the beautiful lake city of Udaipur rests on the southern border. Volunteers will visit all these places and more as part of their program.

Volunteers are based in the town of Udaipur. The accommodation is basic but well located for access to the city and to the project sites. Volunteers will be sharing rooms and all meals will be prepared for you. The accommodation is comfortable and spacious. The house has electricity, hot water and volunteers will have access to internet and phone facilities. The first week of the program is the orientation period. During this week volunteers will get to explore Jodphur and will also experience living with a desert family. Most importantly, volunteers will take part in a teaching workshop, where you are introduced to the techniques of teaching English as well as elementary Maths in the schools. Within the schools the volunteer’s main responsibilities will be: Teaching English and maths skills, creating a fun and playful environment with games, working with teachers to create low cost materials, monitoring student attendance and monitoring student health and hygiene.

The project also operates in government-run Community Child Day Care Centres. Volunteers working in these centres will have the opportunity to care for children between the ages of 0-6 years, playing with them and teaching them some basic English words, as well as monitoring growth and general health. This unique programme also offers volunteers a chance to study the local Rajasthani culture. Included in your volunteer cost is the opportunity to take part in weekly workshops such as Hindi Classes, yoga, cookery, dance and arts and craft, which will give you a great insight into the local way of life. Volunteers work on the project from Monday to Friday and are free at weekends. Days start around 8am, with a relaxed morning having breakfast and planning your lessons for the day before you make the trip to school by rickshaw. Volunteers will teach at the schools in the morning covering mainly English and maths allowing the local teacher/s to cover the Hindi based syllabus in the afternoons.