Voluntary Service Projects in INDIA

RUCHI Rural Centre for Human Interests

Voluntary Service Projects in INDIA SUMMER WOARKCAMPS-2008

Email: [email protected] Website: www.ruchin.org Head Office: Village Bandh, Bhaguri – 173233 Tel: 91-1792-207002 District Solan, Himachal Pradesh India Tel/Fax: 91-1792-207003 Contact persons: Mr. Dharamvir Singh (Executive Director) Cell # +91 9418739500 and Mr. Suneel Gupta (Project Cooordinator) Cell # +91 9418558443 ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE

Rural Centre for Human Interests (known as RUCHI, which means ‘interest’ in Hindi) came into being as a non-profit, voluntary organization in October 1980, set up in the Himalayan foothills of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, INDIA. RUCHI is legally registered under Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860.

RUCHI has, true to its name, continued to take a keen interest in uplifting the rural poor in selected regions of India’s Himalayan foothills. It has aimed to achieve this through empowerment - by providing assistance and technical support to the underprivileged, showing them the way to minimize dependence and thus attain a better life – rather than just through charity. RUCHI has focused through the years on promoting sustainable anthropocentric development. RUCHI’s founders felt there was a need for a committed workforce to initiate the process of development at the grassroots level, encouraging individual and community participation in the process.

Presently, RUCHI head office is located in a new complex called the Technology Resource Centre (TRC). The office a centre of technology transfer came into force, in the year 1994 as an extension program of CAPART, of the Ministry of Rural Development. The objective is to promote, develop and modify the rural technologies. Situated in the hills of Solan district in Bandh, this centre has been the hub of all activities.

MISSION STATEMENT: Integrated rural development through people-centered, environmentally sustainable action. With this in mind (and an eye to social and economic independence), RUCHI introduces technologies deemed appropriate to the conditions, and uses health and resource management education to socially empower and uplift rural communities.

BELIEFS: RUCHI believes that 1. People have an inherent capacity to achieve - even in the face of adverse conditions - provided they are provided with help and guidance. 2. Resources, goods, information and technology should be shared amongst and between communities. 3. People should be empowered to demand services by virtue of being human and as a basic human right. 4. Women play an important catalytic role in development. 5. Both development and management should be participatory. 6. Social change can occur through economic stability and independence. 7. Economic stability and independence can be achieved though optimal and sustainable use of local resources.

STRUCTURE

RUCHI has authorized an Executive Director for day to day administration. Over and above this the management of RUCHI rests with a Governing Body comprised of six members, each of whom is elected for a term of two years. RUCHI employs 23 full-time staff. RUCHI firmly believes in team work and ‘people power’. It fosters a team environment and has a base of experienced, hardworking and dedicated staff members who combine their skills, knowledge and experience to achieve the goals outlined above. Now more than ever before, RUCHI has long- and short-term volunteers participating in the programme, injecting fresh ideas and knowledge into the strong long-term employee base.

FINANCE & ACCOUNTS

At present, RUCHI is receiving funds from the following international funding bodies - 1. OXFAM, New Zealand 2. MISEREOR, Germany 3. HelpAge International, UK 4. DFID

RUCHI’s Indian sources of funding include – 1. Ministry of Science, Technology & Environment, GOI 2. Council for People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), Ministry of Rural Development, GOI 3. Ministry of Environment & Forests, GOI 4. Consultation fees. 5. Infrastructure usage charges.

ACTIVITIES

The RUCHI activities or projects are executed under the following major thrust areas:  Sustainable management of natural resources.  Promotion of rural technologies.  Health care and sanitation.  Education and awareness generation.  Micro-credit for village projects.  International volunteers scheme.

Further information on our work is accessible on our website www.ruchin.org

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMES

RUCHI offers 2 types of international volunteers’ placement:

01. TOTEM International Volunteer Scheme

The TOTEM International Volunteer Programme allows foreigners with an interest in RUCHI and sustainable development work to come and visit the organization on either a short- or long- term basis. As well as generating additional income for RUCHI (useful in its bid to become more independent of agency funding), the scheme allows exchange of ideas and perspectives, not only between RUCHI staff and programme participants, but also between participants and the local population. A. 3-Week Cultural Experience: The scheme offers once in a life time opportunity to gain a unique cultural experience in a remote rural area besides gaining hands-on experience of an NGO working and to learn of development perspective in Indian context. The fee for this placement is Euro 850 for a 3-week placement.

B. Long-term (3-6 Months) Work placement: Within the placement there are six theme of potential involvement available. These themes are indication of emphasis only and could be tailored according to the priority of the group or individual. Volunteers would explore aspects across all of RUCHI’s current activities. i. Environmental Management Theme, ii. Social Development Theme, iii. Health and Sanitation Development Theme, iv. Organizational Capacity Building Theme, v. Research Theme and vi. Local Customs and traditions theme.

The fee for this placement is Euro 500 for the first month and Euro 400 for every subsequent month.

02. Work Camps:

A workcamp is a voluntary service project developed for a short duration of two weeks. Under this workcamp, the volunteers get an opportunity to foster international dialogue and friendship. During the camp, volunteers work, live and have fun together in a simple natural environment. Depending on the programme of each project, volunteers can join activities in different areas of RUCHI’s work.

Work camps are held round the year. Group of 10 to 14 people are invited to participate in Work Camps. In these camps they undertake projects such as construction of Irrigation Tank, development & protection of Natural Spring, construction of Ferro Cement Tank for rain water harvesting, working with school children, working in nursery and plantation etc.

The fee for 1 two-week work camp is Euro 200. The participants are required to pay the fee in Indian rupees in cash on the first day of your workcamp. Please note that there is no ATM available in the work camp area. Therefore, the money has to be changed in Delhi or Chandigarh city. The fee covers all basic expenses, e.g. food, housing and transportation on weekdays. You will need money for weekend extra expenses and for your personal toiletries. Alcoholic drinks are not included in the fee.

Alcohol drinking and smoking is not encouraged in public and villages.

How the Volunteers’ contribution is spent:

The contribution received from a volunteer is roughly spent as follows: a) Food and accommodation and local travel of volunteer - 40% b) Administration and promotion - 35% c) Works (community projects) in villages - 25% Programme 2008

Summer Workcamps

Fee: Euro 200

General overview

CODE NAME DATES TYPE NO. VOLS. RC-01 Syarth-Badyar 08.04.2008-21.04.2008 Reno 10 RC-02 Bandh-1 25.04.2008-08.05.2008 Envi/Reno 10 RC-03 Bandh-2 12.05.2008-25.05.2008 Envi/Reno 10 RC-04 Bandh-3 03.06.2008-16.06.2008 Envi/Reno 10 RC-05 Bandh-4 03.07.2008-16.07.2008 Envi/Reno 10 RC-06 Bandh-5 25.07.2008-07.08.2008 Envi 10 RC-07 Bandh-6 11.08.2008-24.08.2008 Teac 8 RC-08 Rajgarh-1 01.09.2008-14.09.2008 Const/Reno 10 RC-09 Jadla-1 18.09.2008-01.10.2008 Envi/Const 10 RC-10 Rajgarh-2 05.10.2008-18.10.2008 Envi/Cons 10 Workcamps’ short descriptions

RC-01 Syarth-Badyar Reno 10 Vols. 08/04/2008 – 21/04/2008

Background: Badyar is a small hilly and picturesque village situated at an altitude of 4000 feet above MSL. Small treks, dense pine forests and natural springs are the main specialty of the village Most of the villagers are dependent upon farming which is done on small terraces. Economically, villagers are not well off. The village is linked to the main road by a newly developed unsealed road which gets pit-holes during monsoon and winter rains.

Work: Volunteers will restore the foot path from the main road head to Badyar village. Volunteers will also work together to clean the old natural spring with the assistance of local villagers.

Accommodation: Volunteers will be allocated a house belonging to a local family, which will be shared with other volunteers. The living conditions will be simple and challenging. Asian squat type toilet will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. A cook will be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management is required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.

Location: Badyar is located near the Subathu cantonment area in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, a small northern hill state of Indian union. It is 70 km north of Chandigarh city and 80 kms before Shimla state capital.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit old Sikh and Hindu temples. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka

RC-02 Bandh-1 Envi 10 Vols. 25/04/2008 – 08/05/2008

Background: Bandh is a small hilly village with 30 families situated at an altitude of 3000 feet above MSL. The economy of the village is purely dependent on agriculture. Agriculture is practiced on small terraces and manually. RUCHI developed this area as a model watershed with the financial support of Rotary New Zealand two years ago. Now there is sufficient water for both Bandh and RUCHI which was facing acute shortage of water earlier.

Work: Volunteers will clean check dam, protected natural spring and restore the path from the main road head to watershed area. In the process they will learn about environmental issues and management.

Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus. All basic amenities will be available with library facilities. Vegetarian food will be provided. A cook will be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management is required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.

Location: Bandh village is situated near Patta, a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is 65 km north of Chandigarh city and 90 kms before Shimla state capital.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit old Sikh and Hindu temples. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka RC-03 Bandh-2 Envi/Reno 10 Vols. 12/05/2008 – 25/05/2008

Background: Bandh is a small hilly village with 30 families situated at an altitude of 3000 feet above MSL. The economy of the village is purely dependent on agriculture. Agriculture is practiced on small terraces and manually. There was an acute shortage of drinking water in this area and to address the problem, RUCHI developed this area as a model watershed with the financial support of Rotary New Zealand two years ago.

Work: Volunteers will perform gardening duties such as bush-culling and weeding and level land. Renovation of some parts of the campus will also be undertaken.

Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus. All basic amenities will be available with library facilities. Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. A cook will be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management is required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.

Location: Bandh village is situated near Patta, a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is 65 km north of Chandigarh city and 90 kms before Shimla state capital.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit old Sikh and Hindu temples. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka

RC-04 Bandh-3 Envi/Reno 10 Vols. 03/06/2008 – 16/06/2008 . Background: Bandh is a small hilly village with 30 families situated at an altitude of 3000 feet above MSL. The economy of the village is purely dependent on agriculture. Agriculture is practiced on small terraces and manually. The host organization RUCHI is also situated in the outskirt of Bandh village. There was an acute shortage of drinking water in this area and to address the problem, RUCHI developed this area as a model watershed with the financial support of Rotary New Zealand two years ago. In May, tree-culling and weeding will be undertaken at RUCHI to prepare the land for leveling.

Work: Volunteers will build on the work previously undertaken at RUCHI and level the land in preparation for plantation. Renovation of some part of the campus will also be undertaken.

Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus. All basic amenities will be available with library facilities. Vegetarian food will be provided. Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served there. A cook will be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management is required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.

Location: Bandh village is situated near Patta, a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is 65 km north of Chandigarh city and 90 kms before Shimla state capital.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit old Sikh and Hindu temples. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Simla

Nearest railway station: Kalka RC-05 Bandh-4 Envi/Reno 10 Vols. 03/07/2008 – 16/07/2008 . Background: Bandh is a small hilly village with 30 families situated at an altitude of 3000 feet above MSL. The economy of the village is purely dependent on agriculture. Agriculture is practiced on small terraces and manually. The host organization RUCHI is also situated in the outskirt of Bandh village. There was an acute shortage of drinking water in this area and to address the problem, RUCHI developed this area as a model watershed with the financial support of Rotary New Zealand two years ago. In May, tree-culling and weeding will be undertaken at RUCHI to prepare the land for leveling.

Work: Volunteers will build on the work previously undertaken at RUCHI and level the land in preparation for plantation. Renovation of some part of the campus will also be undertaken.

Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus. All basic amenities will be available with library facilities. Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian meals will be served. A cook will be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management is required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.

Location: Bandh village is situated near Patta, a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is 65 km north of Chandigarh city and 90 kms before Shimla state capital.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit old Sikh and Hindu temples. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka

RC-06 Bandh-5 Envi 10 Vols. 25/07/2008 – 07/08/2008

Background: Bandh is a small hilly village with 30 families situated at an altitude of 3000 feet above MSL. The economy of the village is purely dependent on agriculture. Agriculture is practiced on small terraces and manually. The host organization RUCHI is also situated in the outskirt of Bandh village. There was an acute shortage of drinking water in this area and to address the problem, RUCHI developed this area as a model watershed with the financial support of Rotary New Zealand two years ago. In previous months, RUCHI volunteers will prepare and level the land allowing for the plantation of local species.

Work: Volunteers will build on the work previously undertaken at RUCHI by preparing lad and planting local species of trees.

Location: Bandh village is situated near Patta, a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is 65 km north of Chandigarh city and 90 kms before Shimla state capital.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka RC-07 Bandh-6 Teac 8 Vols. 11/08/2008 – 24/08/2008

Background: Bandh is a small hilly village with 30 families situated at an altitude of 3000 feet above MSL. The houses in the area are scattered. The economy of the village is purely dependent on agriculture. Agriculture is practiced on small terraces and manually. The host organization RUCHI is also situated in the outskirt of Bandh village. The area faces many problems including lack of infrastructure and communication. Educational is imparted in the old fashioned way.

Work: Volunteers will teach language to primary age group children besides arts, crafts and fun games during their school holidays.

Location: Bandh village is situated near Patta, a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is 65 km north of Chandigarh city and 90 kms before Shimla state capital.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka

RC-08 Rajgarh-1 Cons/Reno 10 Vols. 01/09/2008 – 14/09/2008

Background: Rajgarh is a small town in south-west of the state. The entire area is hilly where the rural economy is based on agriculture and horticulture. It is famous for producing Asia’s best peaches. The area also has state’s highest lower caste population. The landscape is beautiful.

Work: Volunteers will construct a foot path stretching to a kilometer from road head to village. Time permitting they will also be required to work on renovation of ancient temple.

Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in village temple complex. Drinking liquor is strictly prohibited. Asian squat type toilet will be accessible. Vegetarian meals will be offered. Self cooking and management is requested. Sleeping bags are required.

Location: Thod-Muth village is situated 18 kms beyond Rajgarh, a small town in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh. The Giri river flows from half a kilometer from the village. The village is 125 km north-west of Chandigarh city and 58 kms from Solan district headquarter.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit ancient Hindu temple and Sikh temples. A visit to Shimla, once the retreat centre and summer capital for British army, is possible.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka (broad guage) and Solan (small gauge) RC-09 Jadla-1 Envi/Cons 10 Vols. 18/09/2008 – 01/10/2008

Background: The area of Jadla is a water scarce region. Approximately 92% of agricultural land is rain fed although the area consistently faces severe water scarcity. The primary source of income for most people is agriculture. RUCHI has undertaken a watershed management project with the financial help of MISEREOR, Germany. Under this project RUCHI had undertaken some measures on soil and water conservation

Work: Volunteers will undertake digging of a percolation tank together with local volunteers.

Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the Ruchi campus, in shared rooms. Asian squat type toilet will be available. Indian vegetarian meals will be served. The facility of a cook will be there but participants are expected to help him and do occasional cooking for themselves. Sleeping bags are required.

Location: Bandh village is situated near Patta, a small town in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh is a small northern hill state of Indian union, 65 km north from Chandigarh.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit old Sikh and Hindu temples. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka

RC-10 Rajgarh-2 Envi/Const 10 Vols. 05/10/2008 – 18/10/2008

Work: Volunteers will be constructing a community earthen water storage tank to recharge ground water table. They will also be digging pits for plantation of trees in December/January months.

Expected working hours: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Sunday will be free.

Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit ancient Hindu temple and old Sikh temple. A visit to Shimla, once the retreat centre and summer capital for British army, is possible.

International Terminal: New Delhi

Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla

Nearest railway station: Kalka (broad gauge) and Solan (small gauge)