New Delhi

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Volunteer Work in New Delhi

CCS started in New Delhi, India in 1995 with the support of long-time community organizer, Bela Singh. Her work helped to lay the foundation for future volunteers. Today, many of our partners in the community have been welcoming CCS volunteers for almost 15 years to work in:

• Caregiving : Volunteers care for infants and children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Since the needs of many households require both parents to work, and many families cannot afford daycare, many children and other people needing care may be left along during the day. In the local organizations that provide caregiving services, there are usually not enough qualified caregivers. Volunteers provide human support and give the one-on-one attention and care that many would not otherwise receive in daycares and community centers.
• Teaching : CCS volunteers help to teach at organizations that offer education and empowerment to socially disadvantaged people including working children, drop-outs, and people with physical and mental disabilities. There are 40 to 80 million people with disabilities in India, and because of social stigmas, this population can be neglected. Volunteers help to teach basic life skills, English, recreational activities, and provide therapy to build self esteem and support for people with disabilities and at-risk children.
• Community Development : Volunteers can work with women’s groups and community centers for youth teaching conversational English, sharing skills, and discussing family planning or hygiene. Many of the women in these groups may be illiterate, or unskilled in a specific trade, so the goal is to help women attain better employment opportunities to help support their families.
• Healthcare : Volunteers observe and assist local health professionals at community organizations that serve children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. In addition, volunteers provide basic medical check-ups and hygiene education within underserved communities.

Volunteer Abroad and Intern Abroad programs are offered in New Delhi. 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 New Delhi

Building on your volunteer work in New Delhi, India, Cultural & Learning Activities include excursions to places of interest in and around New Delhi, and lively discussions with local experts on topics such as local history, Indian customs, and relevant community development issues. Hindi language classes are also provided. Examples of activities include a discussion with a government official on India's social system, a visit to Dilli Haat, a market selling all kinds of goods made by artisans from around the country, or a trip to local Hindu and Sikh temples. There are also lessons available in Indian cooking and opportunities to participate in the preparations for one of the many holidays. During national holidays such as Diwali, the Festival of Lights, CCS staff involves volunteers in local celebrations and festivities. Cultural activities provide a fun and interesting way to learn about the complex social issues and day-to-day life of people in New Delhi.

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Free Time in New Delhi

During Free Time volunteers in New Delhi enjoy all that the city has to offer, including bustling markets, Internet cafes, Bollywood films, and more. Volunteers can also stay close to the Home-Base, joining in yoga classes, shopping in artisan markets, and enjoying tea with new neighbors. During weekends, most volunteers travel outside of New Delhi, visiting national sites such as the Taj Mahal or the deserts of Rajisthan.

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Home-Base in New Delhi

The Home-Base in New Delhi consists of several apartments in close proximity to each other, so you will have a chance to meet with other volunteers in the evenings and on weekends, and discuss your experiences with them. The apartments are safe and comfortable, and are equipped with basic western amenities.

The CCS New Delhi staff will make you feel at home during your stay and help you make the most of your experience. CCS staff cooks prepare traditional meals, including many vegetarian options, and transportation to and from your volunteer placement and any Cultural & Learning Activities in New Delhi is provided by licensed staff drivers.

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In-Country Staff in New Delhi

Local CCS staff in New Delhi 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 New Delhi staff below.

Country Director: Bela Singh
Bela’s extensive background in social services and education, along with her strong desire to serve her community, led her to become a founding member of Project India, the organization which later evolved to be CCS. As a founding member and the first Country Director for CCS, Bela has been hugely influential in the development and overall operations of the organization.

Born in India, Bela Singh has over 20 years of experience in international development and social services. Her graduate studies were spent at Rajasthan University where she earned a master’s degree in psychology. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Udaipur. Long before becoming a founding member of CCS, Bela was a volunteer herself, working as both a worker of extension services at the Agriculture College within the University of Udaipur and as a counselor in a mental hospital in Jaipur, India.

Bela began her long and varied career as a Consultant Psychologist in the Delhi Poly Clinic. After four years she moved on to become an Educational and Vocational Guidance Counselor at the Blue Bells School in New Delhi. She continued her career in education by working as a Special Educator and Psychologist at the Sahan School in Delhi where she eventually became the Vice Principal. Bela has led countless workshops and given numerous lectures on social issues such as special education in the department of teachers training and non-formal education, nutrition and rural populations, refresher courses for teachers of the handicapped and orientation programs in guidance and counseling for tribal women.

Bela also has an established relationship with the YMCA of New Delhi where she has been a counselor and course coordinator at the Institute of Behavioral Sciences. After her work at the YMCA, she was afforded the rare opportunity to work with Afghan refugees as a consultant psychologist. Bela came to CCS with over ten years experience facilitating counseling and extensive therapeutic work in her private practice.

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 for all volunteers.

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.