Volunteering

Got some free time?
Looking for something challenging and worthwhile to do?

Why not VOLUNTEER?

SlumAid is seeking to harness the energy and commitment of volunteers from the UK by enabling them to travel to Mumbai and work with our partner NGO on its various programmes. They will experience slum conditions at first hand in a manner that will broaden their horizons and give them wider experience by working in health clinics, providing additional education, participating in employment generation projects and generally helping to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers.

 

What will it cost ?

The cost to the volunteer is £650 plus cost of airfare (between £300-£450 depending on time of travel).  It covers:

• Insurance (via Campbell Irvine)
• Accommodation in Mumbai
• Subsistence while working
• NGO's costs/contribution

SlumAid is currently seeking sponsorship from local businesses and charities. Volunteers can pay the cost themselves or get their own sponsors.

 

While in Mumbai you will be working with our partner NGO Lok Seva Sangam (LSS)
 

Lok Seva Sangam (LSS) is a voluntary agency, dealing with health and community development.  It works in Mankhurd and Chunabhatti slums but its main programmes are in the Baiganwardi in the Govandi district.  It is based in Bandra.  It has about 50 staff members, most of them slum dwellers. 

 

Terms and Conditions of Volunteering

Please read the terms and conditions before completing the application.  You must understand and agree to everything written here before becoming a volunteer.

1.         You must complete the application form and submit it  to secure a placement. 

2.         Your acceptance onto the project is on the understanding that you realise that you will be living and working with a partner NGO in a developing country.  This could be at times uncomfortable.  You accept that services and facilities such as running water, electricity, air conditioning and other comforts that you are used to at home may not be available overseas.

3.         We will ensure that your living accommodation is of a reasonable condition by local standards but you must accept that it is impossible for us to guarantee that accommodation will be to the standards you are used to at home. 

4.         You must agree to abide by the laws of the country you are visiting. Possession of drugs carries a mandatory 10 year sentence in India. You should be aware of local currency regulations. You must also agree to abide by the terms and conditions of all carriers concerned. 

Liability

5.         SlumAid will not accept responsibility for any illness, accident or loss, weather conditions, fire, civil or military disturbance, criminal activity, industrial action, border closures, government intervention or force majeure.  These conditions are beyond the control of SlumAid. 

6.         Please note that there is no free health service in the locations in which SlumAid works and we cannot guarantee your personal safety or health.

7.         We would strongly advise you to take tablets for malaria.  

Insurance

8.         It is compulsory to obtain adequate travel insurance to cover personal accident, medical and hospital expenses and repatriation. We have arrangements with Campbell Irvine who are specialist insurers and details can be supplied upon request.     http://www.campbellirvine.com/travel_insurance.htm

You will need the following documentation

Passport	Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your return date.
Visas	EU passport holders require a visa obtainable from http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk.
	Cost:  Just under £40.

We recommend the following equipment

Sleeping bag	We would advise you to take with you a light sleeping bag, preferably one which is washable.  Mumbai is hot and you do not need a warm sleeping bag.  You will not require one if you are given accommodation through SlumAid.
Mosquito net	This is optional but you may want to keep mosquitoes away while you are sleeping.
Money belt	It is advisable to carry your cash, passport and valuables in a money belt.
Sun cream	Creams of various sorts are available locally but you may want to carry some with you.
Sun glasses	Again these are available locally.
Water bottle	Important in hot climates although plastic bottles are widely available and inexpensive.
Camera	We suggest you take an inexpensive digital camera.
Towel	A small hand towel is essential.
Trainers	Sturdy footwear is essential when working in slums.
Clothing	Four T-shirts or short sleeved shirts are probably sufficient. Two pairs of light weight trousers/jeans or long skirts.

Other essential information

Insurance	Travel insurance is complex these days.  Credit cards offer so-called free insurance however there are always difficulties when you make a claim.  You should insure with a reputable company covering loss of personal belongings and medical expenses.  We suggest you take out insurance with Campbell Irvine Travel Insurance and carry a copy of the policy with you.
Money	Sterling, Euros and US Dollars are easily exchangeable. We suggest you take just one credit or debit card with you.
Immunisations	Immunisations are not required however it is advisable to take anti-malarial tablets.  You should obtain these from your GP.
Insect repellent	Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites.  Your risk of catching malaria is seriously reduced if you avoid being bitten in the first place.  Use insect repellent and cover exposed skin when dusk falls (between 6 pm to 7.30 am). Spray repellent on thin clothing as well as directly onto skin. Malaria Helpline (0891 600350) has information on malaria risks and avoidance.