Volunteer

You can make a difference!

‘We are charged with the imperative that there is no higher priority, no mission more important, than that of education.’

We believe that education and the possibility to change perspectives are needed to understand social and cultural contexts especially in an increasing globalised world, work against prejudice that exist between different cultures, raise curiosity for shaping a sustainable future, install a sense of accountability and furthermore to assume responsibility.

supporting us

We welcome people to volunteer with us who are willed to give help in the form of time, service or skills .  While supporting Salaam Baalak Trust you are making a contribution to society and widen your own skills. We involve volunteers with a wide range of backgrounds and broad range of skills on different activities  like teaching English, training tour guides with communicative skill, marketing the salaam city walk, documentation, teaching other subjects, non-formal education, general knowledge, computers and theatre activities. Professionals can also participate and bolster our mental health program.

requirements

We seek volunteers who can spend at-least two weeks time with the trust. Those interested are requested to go through our website thoroughly and tell us about the activities they would like to participate in. Also, we would like you to send us your personal and professional details. It is important that we finalize the volunteer agreement at least a week before the placement. You are requested to arrange your accommodation and travel to the project site. We, unfortunately, won’t be able to provide for any support in this regard. For backpackers there are plenty of cheap hotels available at Paharganj where most of our projects are operational.

what we provide

Your time as a volunteer starts with the Salaam Balaak City Walk. The tour aims to sensitize people to the lives of street children and rovides an opportunity for the young guides who expierienced difficult circumstances before they joined SBT. After the walk you  will speak to the volunteer coordinator for a briefing., who will supervise you during your stay.

experiences

Dushyant Meher | 30. may 2008

Hi. This is Dushyant Meher from Salaam Baalak Trust. I have been working with the trust for more than seven years and find it is the most interesting place to work with. The idea to have a BLOG is been conceived to provide a platform for all of our friends and volunteers who have spent time with us or have helped us in a way even spreading the words of mouth. Eventually many of our friends and volunteers have already expressed their desire to share their experiences. I INVITE ALL OF OUR FRIENDS AND VOLUNTEERS to share their experiences. Not only the good experiences but also we encourage you to share the areas where we can improve.

Rabia | 21. juni 2008

Working with SBT was an absolutely phenomenal experience. From the moment I stepped into Apna Ghar, to my visit at the girl’s shelter, I was treated with the utmost respect and dignity. I felt a connection beyond words could describe with the children/ teens, who work so hard at creating a better life for themselves.  The participants of the program (including the instructors and coordinators) make everyone feel welcomed and appreciated. I honestly believe that if you choose to volunteer at SBT, it will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. I hope to go back and visit in the future. :)

**Quick suggestion for those planning on bringing items:
-Bring school supplies! I remember I brought random toys, purses, books and candies from America (thinking they would enjoy something foreign and they did), but I left wishing that I would have also brought pens, paper, calculators, etc.

**Quick suggestion for those planning on teaching:
-Come with an idea of what you want to teach ahead of time, a prepared lesson plan may help too but also be flexible with a change of course. For instance, I wasn’t sure about what I was going to be expected to do, but I figured I would help teach English. Accordingly, I brought some reading books – but then I was asked to help teach a computer class…which turned out to be even better because I was able to incorporate reading books into my computer lesson plan – and it turned out to be a combination of English and computer lessons.  So, bottom line – you should try to come with an idea in mind as far as how you want to contribute; it will definitely help maximize your experience at SBT. Yet, at the same time, just hanging out with everyone is also great fun! :) Enjoy