Communications / Media

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Rural Areas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: ongoing

Description: Founded in February 2006, Touchwood Ecological and Social Foundation is a charity registered with the Indian Government and a progressive non-governmental organization committed to serving the Tribal and rural communities in the Nilgiris (Blue Mountains) in Tamil Nadu through sustainable and appropriate development programs.

Touchwood opened its own Tribal Healthcare Center (THC) on the 2nd of February 2007, in Vazhaithotam in the Masinagudi jungles of south India.

THC provides free medical treatment to tribals and non-tribals from the same socio-economic status for the populations around the region in the Masinagudi jungles in South India.

After braving many challenges, the THC has made a positive impact on the local population as can be seen from the following statistics:
    * Patients treated during the early days of the clinic - 450 to 500 per month
    * Patients treated in early 2008                              - 330 to 350 per month
    * Patients treated in December 2008                      - 246 per month.
    * The feedback from the tribal populations has been overwhelmingly positive.
    * The target populations are responding to treatment coupled with specific counseling programs.

We aim to make it into a full fledged 20 bed hospital dedicated to the tribals by the mid of 2010.

All revenue generated from the volunteer / intern fees will be directed towards this effort.

Touchwood has evolved strategic plans for pursuing health, education and livelihood projects for the tribals as a primary focus area. We are looking for quality documentation specialists with experience who can think laterally and "out of the box".

For more information on this listing please contact us.

Highlights: We select people on a competitive basis. All volunteers and interns are directly supervised by staff at Touchwood. Our international team of volunteers and interns brings a broad experience base in the governmental, non-governmental, and private sectors, covering all aspects of project development and management from strategic planning to monitoring and evaluation.
* The amount of time you choose to volunteer / intern is flexible with program lengths ranging from 2 months onward.
* This volunteer / intern opportunity can be for a non-academic or academic interest. All candidates who have sought to receive credit for this program have done so.
* Orientation and counseling upon arrival.
* You will be met at the airport or railway station when you arrive and taken directly to the housing accommodations.
* Travel and food are included for project related work to the field / villages.
* Lodging is included.
* You will gain valuable international work experience to add to your resume/CV.

Qualifications:
All programs of Touchwood Ecological and Social Foundation are for people with a positive attitude and for those who are looking for a fulfilling experience while volunteering abroad.
In addition to education, expertise and talents, our selection of volunteers / interns is based on the following qualities:
- English fluency (written and oral)
- Attention to detail
- Patience (lots of it)
- Cultural sensitivity
- Dedication and passion
- Positive attitude
- Adventurous spirit and most importantly a good sense of humor

Preference is given to people who embrace a team concept, often working with 2-3 people at one time. This is an excellent way to contribute valuable, international work experience to your resume / CV while also providing the opportunity for gaining meaningful insights and personal fulfillment.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: USD 750 per month

Experience Required: yes

Marketing, communications and media experience would definitely be a plus. Other additional qualifications that would be to your advantage are experiences in similar organizations, designing presentations and evolving innovative approaches that aid in highlighting various problems faced by the disadvantaged communities.

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers should be prepared to work in remote jungles infested with wild elephants, bisons, panthers, etc. They will remain isolated from the main stream living cultures for days or weeks at a stretch with no access to internet. Telephones may or may not work. These are the conditions in which a typical tribal village lives in and a typical Touchwood volunteer will also have to live in similar conditions. Volunteers may take alternate weekends off subject to the approval of the immediate supervisor's permission. To do a meaningful job, a typical volunteer must have a very high level of patience and an extremely positive attitude while a good sense of humor would definitely do a lot of good.

Age Range: 25 +

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2 to 3

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Touchwood Ecological and Social Foundation's Mission Statement: Touchwood's mission is to create new initiatives and opportunities for Nilgiris tribes in the areas of education, health, economic development, environment, agriculture and social welfare through close cooperation between indigenous people, local NGOs and government.

Year Founded: 2006