Top Volunteering Programs with International NGOs in India
If you are looking to work with NGOs that have a worldwide reach and reputation, you are at the right place. The following NGOs are internationally recognised and are connected by a single cause. Volunteering with these organisations and engaging in community service with them will be recognised across the globe. You should consider it, especially if you are applying to colleges abroad.
Save the Children is an international NGO that was founded in 1919. They are present in 120 countries. It is India’s leading child rights NGO. The organisation works towards providing a safer and brighter future for all children.
How they do it
The NGO runs programmes in the remotest corners of India and also in urban areas about Health & Nutrition, Education and Child Protection.
The NGO helps educate marginalized children by ensuring their enrollment and retention in school through their programs such as Project Bachpan.
If you consider yourself a changemaker or want to be one, they have volunteering programs for you.
Impact
As a result of their educational programs, 47,35,605 children now have access to quality education and support. This is one in which they have contributed towards one of the UN sustainability goals, namely, ‘quality education’.
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United Nations Development Program
UNDP is a branch of the United Nations and works in 170 countries, including India. Their aim is to help countries eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion or discrimination. They enable countries to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
How they do it
UNDP has worked across various sectors, ranging from democratic governance to sustainable environmental management.
Through programs like, Affordable Rural Housing for All and Together Against COVID-19, they have created positive change.
They have a variety of Summer Programs for highschool students, internships, volunteering programs and many other ways to engage with them in providing community service. UNDP programs are also well-known and could come in handy when making your college applications.
Impact
Supported 100,000 sanitation workers with safety kits and essential food items.
Distributed 300 kgs of essential rations to the needy during the pandemic.
60,000 gloves, 100,000 masks and 50 thermal scanners were distributed to frontline workers in Nagaland during the pandemic.
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HelpAge India aim to serve the elderly’s needs in a holistic manner by enabling them to live, an active, dignified and healthier life.
How they do it
They collect money and charitable donations. Using this, they offer free cataract surgeries, provide old age homes and offer livelihood support to the elderly.
They offer both internship opportunities and volunteering options for highschool students and others.
Their Impact
35,000 cataract surgeries have been conducted so far.
Supports 300 old age homes.
Oxfam India works with marginalised communities like Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims and women to ensure that they have equal opportunities to access a better discrimination free future.
How they do it:
Oxfam India conducts research to find lasting solutions to end inequalities that prevent the marginalised from securing decent jobs.
Oxfam focuses on ensuring essential services are available to communities to reduce inequalities. They do this by making financing available for the universal provision of essential services. They even campaign for the introduction of progressive tax reforms to demand corporates to pay fair and proportionate taxes.
Email them directly to get involved in community service programs and to volunteer with their branch in India.
Impact
Oxfam India has a proven track record of humanitarian relief in times of crisis. In the last ten years, Oxfam India has responded to disasters in Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Kashmir, Manipur, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Odisha.
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Greenpeace India is a global NGO with branches all around the world. Their objective is straightforward and singular. Greenpeace India works towards a greener and more sustainable India. They believe in taking collective action for the environment. This NGO contributes towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as ‘Climate Action’ and Responsible Consumption’.
How do they do it
Greenpeace is known for not accepting donations from corporates and governments. Instead it relies entirely on the donations of Indian citizens to fund their campaign work.
With campaigns such as Clean Energy and initiatives such as #renewables, Greenpeace India has spread awareness about using solar energy and enabling people to use solar power. They allow you to volunteer with local groups or participate in formal internships which allow you to engage in community service.
Their Impact
The NGO has enabled 1000s of households to install solar roof panels
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World Vision is an international organisation that has a branch in India. World Vision India focuses on children and humanitarian issues. They serve all vulnerable children and enable them to become self-sufficient.
How they do it
They do it by employing proven, effective development, public engagement and relief practices.
Their work is facilitated through Area Development Programmes, which is a model of development that involves long-term engagement in a geographical area that enables transformation of lives. They assess the needs of a community and create collaborative plans and use funds raised from donations towards the wellbeing of a community.
They provide some of the best community service programs in India. To contribute personally towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, get involved with them!
Impact
They have impacted around 26 lakh children by educating them, advocating for them and providing food for them. They have benefitted 6200 communities spread across 23 states and 3 union territories by partnering with governments, civil societies, donors and corporates.
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