Volunteer Opportunities

We are seeking volunteers who can bring their skills and outside perspective to help us build and strengthen our programs in the following areas for a 1-6 month time commitment.

1. Teach English in our school for rural girls (female teachers only)
   
2. Help develop a soap that uses waste glycerin from the biodiesel process (seeking long-term commitments and those with backgrounds in chemistry)
   
3. Design a marketing plan to sell the soap on a free trade platform
4. Improve the design of the biodiesel center to increase efficiency
5. Analyse the possiblities of Carbon Credits for Jatropha and Biodiesel projects
6. A Self-Help Group volunteer might spend time meeting with the women's groups, encouraging them, assisting them in developing their business plans, and brainstorming new ways to increase their economic independence.

   Volunteers are encouraged to commit to teaching at least one class at a local school (usually at one of the child labour reintegration schools, but sometimes at public government schools as well).  Volunteers have found that this is a highlight of their experience and enjoy the opportunity to be with the children and become a part of the school community.  Most volunteers teach in the mornings and then spend afternoons working with the organization's other projects.
   

Location

ODAM is located in the village of Tiruchuli in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The closest city is Madurai (one hour by bus) and we will pick you up from the Airport or Bus/Train Station.

Live as a Volunteer

We will provide your accommodation in a modest private room (not with a family, unless requested), Indian home cooked food 3 times a day, packaged drinking water and transportation from Tiruchuli to required destinations. We ask that all volunteers contribute 200 Euros per month to cover the costs of accommodation and food during their stay. Volunteers may assist in on-going ODAM projects or may create own initiatives, as long as they are sensitive to ODAM needs and goals. Volunteers must be self-managed and self-motivated, as ODAM staff has little time or resources to devote to overseeing volunteers' daily tasks.

Activities around Tirichuli:

• Staff & Volunteer outings
  
• Madurai - The Sri Meenakshi Temple City
• Local natural waterfalls
• Weekend trips to destinations in south India such as Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Cochin, Pondicherry, Chennai

INTERESTED TO VOLUNTEER?

YOU MUST EMAIL This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it AND ASK FOR AN APPLICATION!

 (all the volunteers of June 2008)

Previous Volunteers

ODAM 's previous international volunteers have come from across the globe to work in Tiruchuli.  To see a map of the places many of our volunteers have come from, CLICK HERE .

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What did previous volunteers have to say?