Why Volunteer in India?

Raleigh International runs volunteering programmes in India – a country that witnesses a huge disparity between the urbanised wealthy and the rural poor. Although government initiatives are addressing this issue, India is a vast country with a population of over one billion and changes will take time. However, there are opportunities for Raleigh volunteers to make a real difference now.

  • Raleigh focuses its development efforts in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra where a large proportion of the scheduled caste and tribal communities do not have appropriate housing, sanitation or access to education.
  • An estimated 72% of Indians lack access to saniitation facilities.
  • Due to habitat destruction, fragmentation of migration corridors and poaching, the tiger and Asian elephant populations are depleting and are coming close to extinction

The impact of Raleigh’s work:

We have been working closely with local communities and NGOs in India since 2008. Here are some of the highlights of our volunteers’ achievements so far:

  • Our projects have benefited over 9,000 local Indians
  • Made 300 eco-sanitation units, giving 1,665 people somewhere clean and safe to use the toilet.
  • Built 29 tribal houses, giving shelter and somewhere safe to live for 165 individuals
  • Constructed 3 schools, providing 650 children with access to education
  • Installed 4 gravity feed water systems providing a clean fresh water supply to 250 people
  • Built a tribal community centre, benefitting 250 people

By working with local NGOs and government agencies, Raleigh has been able to address some core issues in India. We work in partnership to make sure the projects we run are worthwhile and sustainable. Find out more about our project partners.

But we still have a lot of work to do.

How can I get involved?

We have volunteering opportunities on the following programme in India: Raleigh ICS

Call us on +44 (0) 207 183 1286 to find out how you can get involved or

For volunteers who are resident in India, please contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. find out more details and to check if you are eligible.

Visas
You need to obtain a tourist visa before you enter the country. Please check with your local embassy that you are eligible for a visa.