Teach for Ladakh, operating in the Himalayas of Northern India, is a non-profit voluntarily run organization, which works to meet the educational needs of Ladakh. There is a dearth of quality education and educators for the kids in the Shyok Valley of Ladakh, and Teach for Ladakh is looking for a continuous inflow of volunteers available for at least 1–2 months at a stretch.
Adventurous volunteers who seek to share their skills and compassion in this unique and remote region are greatly needed. Note that the schools are only operational from March through November—the villages hibernate from the snow during the winter months.
The long-term volunteer program is open for Indians only. Non-Indians can conduct workshops at the schools. (This is a result of permits needed to stay in the region longer than two weeks.)
What Type of Volunteering is Needed?
Projects supported include English language instruction, as well as the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (EVS), Urdu, and General Knowledge.
Apart from the volunteer program for the academics, however, Teach for Ladakh is always looking for people volunteers able to conduct workshops for the kids on a variety of topics—be it in music, arts, origami, or photography. These workshops can run for a day, or even a 15-day long workshop.
Where is the Volunteer Project Located?
Turtuk Preparatory School is located in the village of Turtuk and is interested in volunteers to teach children in grades pre-K through Grade 3. This school was opened in 2019 by the principal, Ms. Sarah Shah, with support of IPS, Leh, and the lovely community of the village to better serve the needs of local children compared to government-run schools nearby.
A Government Primary School in Youl, Turtuk is also seeking volunteers raise the expertise of the students in Mathematics and English, reading and writing.
Basic Requirements for Volunteering
- All teachers and volunteers have at least a high school diploma
- A good hold on the English language (written and spoken)
- A genuine desire and dedication to teaching children
- Brownie points for past teaching experience, though it is not a requirement.
- 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.
- Non-Indians can conduct workshops at the schools.
Food and Accommodation
Volunteers live with a local Balti family, sharing meals and laughter. It’s also possible to commute from Leh and arrange your own stay.
Homestay volunteers receive a separate/shared room with a common washroom and feast on simple organic vegetarian meals. Meat lovers could buy their chicken from a local store and the host would smilingly prepare it for you.
More Ways to Volunteer in Ladakh
Duration
Volunteers are accepted for two weeks to two months depending upon the project. Most schools prefer volunteer teachers for one to two months minimum in order to provide educational continuity. Those volunteers able to offer compelling workshops for the students may be accepted for shorter volunteering opportunities as little as one day.
The schools are only operational from March through November—the villages hibernate from the snow during the winter months.
Fees
There are no paid positions for volunteers, and volunteers will need to cover their own stay in the village for a local homestay, or commute from Leh. The guesthouse charges for a local homestay are nominal, in the USD $100 range per month, which includes three meals and an unlimited supply of chai.