Income Generation & Sustainable Livelihood Programs for Tribals - Starting June 2009

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Rural Areas

Term: Summer, Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Please contact us for more information.

Description: Touchwood will recruit a 10 member team of volunteers / interns to work on this project directly.

Background of the project: In India, each tribal family in the jungle is given a piece of land by the government. These families live in groups which range from 20 onwards to over 200 families.
A solar fence runs around the perimeter of the land to prevent the (wild) animals from entering the village. Unfortunately, in most cases the fences do not work. The land within is still bush/jungle drawing in the wild animals.

Details of the project:
Touchwood's project is to ensure that the land within the fenced area is cleared off and developed in order to facilitate agriculture. The various steps planned in this project are as follows:
1. Mapping the perimeter of the land.
2. Fencing / repairing of existing fences.
3. Land development within the fenced area.
4. Soil analysis.
5. Soil development.
6. Building / repairing of check dams.
7. Identifying new water sources.
8. Development of an indigenous and reliable irrigation system.
9. Assist tribals in developing farming as an alternate and permanent livelihood option.
10. Design and implement monitoring and evaluation programs to help the local population sustain these new initiatives.

Please note that all revenue generated from these programs will be utilized for Touchwood projects only.

Highlights:
In all projects designed by Touchwood, the following would be the highlights:
* The recruited team will work onsite in the interiors of the jungles.
* Onsite in the villages, there will be no access to internet though mobile phones may work intermittently with a local SIM.
* The local buses ply only once a day.
* You will live and work with the local villagers.
* You will not only gain valuable experience but also bring around a positive change in the lives of the tribals.
* You will educate and train the tribals to adapt and adopt a lifestyle that is forced on them in the name of conservation and modernization.
* 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 our programs have done so.
* Extensive orientation and counseling upon arrival at Touchwood office.
* You will be met at the airport or railway station in Coimbatore when you arrive and taken directly to the housing accommodations.
* Travel and food are included for project related work to the field / villages.
* Lodging (will be either homestays or tents) is included.
* You will gain 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, talents, our selection of volunteers / interns is based on the following qualities:
* English fluency (written and oral)
* Attention to detail
* Patience
* High degree of responsibility
* Dedication and passion
* Cultural sensitivity
* Positive attitude
* Adventurous spirit and a 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 requirements include:
Two months commitment, experience in photography, documentation, ability to gather, coordinate and analyze information accurately, manage multiple deadlines/tasks, and work with minimal supervision. The volunteer/intern should also be a flexible team player with excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication and management skills. Experience with on-line documentation will be extremely helpful.

Cost in US$: 750 per month

Experience Required: yes

Would be preferred. Sensitivity towards cultural beliefs and differences are extremely important when working with tribal communities.

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers should be prepared to work in remote jungles infested with wild elephants, bisons, panthers, etc. They would 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 would also have to endure 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: Minimum age would be 18

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

Participants Travel to India Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• 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