Volunteer with us: share your skills, explore Turtuk region and community
Thank you for your interest in our volunteering program at Turtuk Valley School. With Mrs. Sarah Shah, the principal at a primary school in Ladakh, we have started a volunteer program for Indians who are interested in spending some time to give back to the community, and volunteer to teach kids in a rural exotic location. As there is a dearth of quality education and educators for the kids in the valley, we are looking for a continuous inflow of volunteers, who can be here for at least 2-3 months at a stretch. Apart from the volunteer program for the academics, we are almost always looking for people who can come and conduct workshops for the kids. Be it in music, arts, origami, or photography, for a day or a 15-day long workshop, we would love to have you here to conduct your workshops for the children.
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Apart from the school, staying in the village and experiencing the local life of the Ladakhi people for over a month is an experience of its own. Please keep in mind that this village hibernates from December to February due to snow and the school is operational only from March to November. If you’re up for this, do read on. Nonetheless, maybe you know someone who is, do spread the word.
What we need from you
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All teachers and volunteers have at least a Graduation degree.
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A good hold on the English language (written and spoken) is a must.
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A genuine desire and dedication to teach. We’ll know when we speak with you!
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Brownie points for past teaching experience, though it is not a requirement.
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The volunteer program is open for Indians only. The Ladakh valleys require an Inner Line Permit to visit, and only Indians are permitted for more than 2 weeks. However, Non-Indians can conduct short duration (under 2 weeks) workshops at the school.
Where will you stay
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You would be living with a local Balti family, sharing meals and laughter.
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You would be nested in a separate/shared room with a common washroom and you’d be feasting on simple organic vegetarian meals.
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Meat lovers could buy their chicken from a local store and the host would smilingly prepare it for you.
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The guesthouse charges are a nominal Rs. 8000 (USD 100) per month, including 3 meals and an unlimited supply of chai and love.
Your responsibilities
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The schools currently teach the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (EVS), Urdu, General Knowledge. The subject(s) and the Grades of students that you would be teaching would be pre-defined before you arrive here based on the school’s requirement and your interest. There is a separate period for Library and Games.
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You would be engaged in academics, managing Library and admin work, conduct plays, drama, and activities that enable the children to learn and grow.
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The course curriculum is pretty basic and usually does not require any pre-preparation. You would receive the course books when you arrive and would be told the syllabus that you need to cover, and then you can prepare.
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The morning assembly is at 10AM, and the teachers normally reach the school premises by 09:45AM. The classes run on till 3:30PM. Schools break for a 30-minute lunch break at 1PM.
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Post the school, you are free to explore the village, and nearby places. Volunteers in the past have loved spending time near the stream, river, the gardens in and around the village and at the cafés. Some volunteers even took up evening tuitions for the kids. You are open to do pretty much anything, as long as it is within the confines of your permits.