Volunteer English Teachers Needed in Ladakh, High in the Himalayas of Northern India -by Kelly Klein

Volunteer Ladakh, operating in the Himalayas of Northern India, is a non-profit voluntarily run organization, which works to meet the educational and environmental, needs of Ladakh. Adventurous volunteers who seek to share their skills and compassion in this unique and remote region are greatly needed. Projects supported include English language instruction to young Buddhist monks and nuns, teacher training, building school libraries, fundraising and sponsorship to insure that all children have access to education and books, environmental education and sustainable environmental projects, and others. Started in 2013 at the request of several Buddhist monks, Volunteer Ladakh works diligently to match qualified volunteers with appropriate service placement within the magical region of Ladakh.

Volunteers are accepted for two weeks to two months depending upon the project. Most monasteries seek a volunteer for one to two months minimum in order to provide educational continuity. Volunteers may live in the monasteries/nunneries or with local families. Orientation and training is provided at beginning of service to insure that volunteers are prepared for their work, and guided in how to practice responsible volunteerism and cultural sensitivity. The program includes airport pickup and drop-off, delivery to work site, two-day orientation and training, Volunteer Handbook (electronically), use of a Teacher's Resource Kit, food and lodging at work site, and ongoing support.

Volunteers in schools are expected to teach reading, writing, and conversational English from 2-5 hours a day depending on school schedule, five days a week. Other projects include afterschool activities (sports, drama, environmental projects, etc.) in lieu of daytime hours. Environmental projects vary greatly dependent upon project funds. Volunteers need to be aware of their impact in the communities as a foreigner, and do their utmost to respect the traditional cultural values, dress, and customs and be a role model for children.

More detailed information and application, photographs, and important links are available at www.volunteerladakh.org and questions may be sent directly to info@volunteerladakh.org 

Thank you for your commitment to helping others.

See you in the mountains!