Teaching English

Explore the majestic Indian Himalayas and local culture while helping the local children learn an increasingly important language.

India is a rapidly developing nation, and the best way for a person to get ahead is to study hard and get a good education. Unfortunately for millions of India’s children, good education is not a possibility. Schools in rural areas remain understaffed and lack resources, while most families endure extreme poverty. By teaching in RCDP’s Palampur or Dharamsala project, you will be giving needy children a chance for a better future. Volunteers will be in the classroom 5 days a week teaching English and helping students with their work.

Your activities as a volunteer

You will work with young at-risk children each day, sometimes teaching simple ideas like the alphabet or numbers, and sometimes caring for their physical needs. You may change diapers and feed milk to babies.

Skills required

Teaching skills are helpful for this volunteer position, but not required. You will be mostly teaching English, so sound communication skills in English are required. Outside of that, you should be flexible and come with willingness to learn.

Project Location

This project is located in rural schools in both Palampur and Dharamsala. Palampur is located on the slopes of Kangra Valley before they merge with the Dauladhar ranges. Abundance of water and proximity to the mountains has endowed Palampur with mild climate. It is known as tea capital of northwest India. Like Palampur, Dharamsala is also situated on the high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley (about 40 km from Palampur). With the Dhauladhar Mountains serving as its backdrop, the town presents a picturesque sight. Dharamsala is divided into two parts, the Upper Dharamsala and the Lower Dharamsala, differing by approximately 1000 m in altitude. The town serves as the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile.