Dharamsala

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Volunteer Work in Dharamsala

Volunteers in Dharamsala are encouraged to wear traditional garb as they work closely with the Indian community, and learn about the local customs and unique history of the region. CCS volunteers have been supporting grassroots initiatives in Dharamsala for almost 10 years. Partner Programs in Palampur are similar to those in Dharamsala.

• Caregiving : Volunteers care for infants, children, and people with disabilities. Because Dharamsala is a rural area, there are often not enough qualified caregivers. In addition, there are not many centers or schools for people with disabilities who may be excluded because of social stigmas. For this reason, there are many Anganwadis,or “daycare centers,” where volunteers can lend an extra pair of hands, and give children and people with disabilities the one-on-one attention that they are not always able to receive.
• Teaching : Volunteers teach children, teach conversational English, or assist teachers with special education. Our volunteers work with government primary and secondary schools, as well as local organizations teaching English and a variety of other subjects.Volunteers may also lead sports, hold discussions, and spread awareness about drug use and recycling. Within special education, volunteers can help with speech therapy and motor skills, hand and eye coordination, basic mathematics, English vocabulary, and recreational activities.
• Community Development : Volunteers work with women’s groups teaching conversational English, computer skills, and a variety of other subjects. Sometimes, these meetings will take place at the CCS Home-base in an informal setting sharing tea and snacks. Depending on experience, volunteers may also practice varying forms of therapy including recreational, psychological, yoga, and massage.
• Healthcare : In Palampur, volunteers observe and assist local health professionals and may assist with basic medical check-ups and hygiene education within underserved communities.

Volunteer Abroad and Intern Abroad programs are offered in Dharamsala. Placements are always designed to match your skills and interests to the needs identified by the community.

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Cultural & Learning Activities in Dharamsala

Building on the volunteer work in Dharamsala, India, Cultural & Learning Activities include historical, cultural, and many outdoor activities. CCS staff brings guest lecturers to discuss women's and health issues in the community, teaches conversational Hindi, and organizes hikes around the area. Trips to nearby temples reflecting the local Hindu and Sikh religions or excursions to the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan culture are also organized for volunteers.

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Free Time in Dharamsala

During your volunteer Free Time, the mountain setting provides endless opportunities for hiking and interacting with nature. Volunteers who are interested in learning more about the Tibetan culture enjoy the proximity of the Tibetan refugee community, just minutes away.

You can visit the temples and monasteries, and the Kangra museum which contains an overview of the rich history of the region. For those interested in seeing the natural beauty of the region, the waterfalls of Bhagsunath, the mountain lakes, and the holiday resorts are all within a short distance of Dharamsala.

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Home-Base in Dharamsala

We have three Home-Bases in the Dharamsala region. These Home-Bases consist of several rooms that are shared by two to three volunteers, with an office and common area adjacent to them. One Home-Base in Dharamsala is located on the mountainside overlooking the communities below. Volunteers walk down a path to visit the center of town, Internet cafés, and the Kotwali bazaar. Volunteers in Dharamsala may also stay in a large three-story house at the base of the hills about ten minutes from the other Home-Base. Over in Palampur, the new Home-Base is part of a new building that houses a convention center and a local institute.

Local CCS staff in Dharamsala will welcome you to the community, make you feel at home and help you better understand the culture. They help facilitate your volunteer experience and are always available to handle any questions that may arise. CCS staff is always from the region where we operate, so they can provide a local perspective, help you with learning the local language, and guide you in what to do in your free time.

CCS staff cooks prepare traditional Indian meals for the volunteers, and licensed drivers provide transportation to and from your volunteer placement and Cultural & Learning Activities.

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In-Country Staff in Dharamsala

Local CCS staff in Dharamsala will welcome you to the community, make you feel at home and help you better understand the culture. They help facilitate your volunteer experience and are always available to handle any questions that may arise. CCS staff is always from the region where we operate, so they can provide a local perspective, help you with learning the local language, and guide you in what to do in your free time.

All of our in-country staff members are warm, loving people who want you to feel at home and will make sure you are well cared for. Each CCS program site has a Country Director or Program Director and a full staff to take care of all programming, administrative, and logistical needs, as well as housekeepers, drivers, house guards, and cooks. Because the staff office is typically located at the CCS Home-Base, a helping hand is never far. Learn more about our Dharamsala staff below.

Country Director: Bela Singh
Born in India, Bela Singh is a founding member of the Association of Special Educators in New Delhi and has more than 20 years of experience in international development and social services. She has played an active role in a number of national and international organizations including Vatsalya, a counseling and guidance center for children in Jaipur, India. Bela is renowned in her field and has published several articles on special education in India. In addition to being the Country Director for India, she is a founding member of Cross-Cultural Solutions and is on its Board of Directors.

House Manager
The House Manager is responsible for logistical arrangements such as arranging transportation and food.

Program Officer
The Program Officer is in charge of day-to-day operations in the office and the program. You can always talk to this person when you have questions about your volunteer work.

Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator works directly with the Program Officer, assisting with the support and follow up of the volunteers. They can help and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your placement.

Cooks
The cooks are in charge of preparing traditional Indian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Housekeeper
The housekeeper is in charge of all of the housekeeping for the Home-Base. They will wash the linens and towels once a week and they are in charge of keeping the house clean and comfortable.

Drivers
Our drivers will pick you up and drop you off at the airport. They will also provide transportation to and from the worksites and when necessary for the field trips.

House Guards
The guards are in charge of the safety of the house and the volunteers.