About SIVA
SIVA has been conceived as a volunteer internship programme to provide “hands on” experience to youth in India and abroad. It is also a platform for experienced decision makers, activities for retired government and non-government officials, docent, local community members to voluntarily contribute to village level development activities. A host of activities for the purpose of development can be envisaged. These may range from agriculture to biodiversity conservation, from educational intervention to health services, from assisting the local SUVIDHA staff to conduct surveys and collect data from nearby villages. There are about 40 villages in and around villages. Volunteers and interns can plan out their activities according advice from staff at Suvidha. The RRC is furnished with rooms to accommodate about 15 – 25 members during workshops and meetings. It has a meeting room, double bedded occupancy, washrooms and toilets. But these are common facilities. It has also a community style kitchen and participants often help in kitchen chores. Simple vegetarian meals will be available with hot beverages
Other Services
While working with the SUVIDHA you will be a part of a family. We will be delighted to make feel you at home by the service excellence at par. We are always there to provide you the support and guidance you need while working with us and to make your trip memorable.
Visa Help
Obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the volunteers. Citizens of all countries ought to view their own country Govt. web site or contact embassy of their home country. For more information you should contact your local embassy or check their website because each requirements for a visa can be different in every country. Generally it is not so hard to obtain a visa, as long as you use the guidelines given by your local embassy. We strongly recommend you to apply for a Tourist Visa. The important reason for this is that you will be provided with all services like pickup, transport, food, accommodation and others under a Tour Package.
How to reach Haldwani
From Delhi one can take a train (Sampark Kranti Express/ Shatabdi/ Ranikhet Express) or come to Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) and take a Volvo (morning time) by Uttarakhand Roadways Transport. The buses will depart from stand no. 160. The final destination being Haldwani, by any means of transportation.
Safety
We are very much concerned about volunteer’s security and safety; We place volunteers in a very safe accommodation and in peaceful environment while staying and during the course of project working. The team is perfect in giving suitable guidance and instructions about the local and national transportation and about the outing for the project location surroundings. All the team members have mobile phones, making contact with volunteers easy. You are always welcomed to get in contact with any of the staff member at any time round the clock on or off emergency on our cell phones during entire period of your stay/project work. The Doctor’s and Hospital facilities are available near to the RRC.
Free Time
There will be plenty of time to relax in the evenings and weekends. In general volunteers tend to visit the local countryside, read, write their diaries, play sports and plan excursions to local points of interest. Most Saturday evenings, volunteers arrange a get together to celebrate the end of the working week.
Note:-We can arrange excursions to nearby places of cultural and wilderness significance (Ranikhet, Doonagiri, Pandukholi, Jageshwar, Kausani) for which charges will be borne by participants.
Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest persons going abroad to have themselves vaccinated before departure and on entering the country abroad. It would be fair to view your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travellers. It is also recommended to visit the nearest travel clinic prior to your departure. Staying and working in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.
Orientation for interns and volunteers
On arrival interns or volunteers will undergo a one day orientation programme. This will basically highlight on what is expected from the participants and also provide background information about the geography, culture and rules of communal living!
Dos and Don’ts-
- Respect local customs (this will be discussed during the orientation session).
- Keep the RRC tidy and clean. Do not litter.
- Wear appropriate clothing while visiting villages (this will be discussed during the orientation session).
- Do not take photographs of villagers without their consent.
- Do not play loud music within the RRC.
- Keep your valuables safe. The staff will not be responsible for any loss.
- Follow the scheduled timings. Punctuality is expected in communal living.
- If you are feeling unwell or become ill, inform the staff immediately.
- While trekking to remote villages, stay on designated trails.
- Do not venture into nearby wilderness alone. We follow a "buddy system."
- Keep your mobile phones and cameras fully charged, as there may be day-long power outages.
- Do not bring soiled clothes or footwear into the rooms.
- The terrain is rugged. Stay hydrated, especially during long treks.
Fees for Internship/ Volunteers
- For Indian student interns, the charges include a non-refundable registration fee of INR 1,000, payable at ICICI Bank or State Bank of India, Haldwani. The cheque should be drawn in favour of "SOCIETY FOR THE UPLIFTMENT OF VILLAGERS AND DEVELOPMENT OF HIMALAYAN AREAS." A receipt will be provided once the cheque is realized.
- The cost of accommodation and food is INR 700 per day.
- For foreign participants, the registration fee is USD 650.
What to carry
- Travel light and pack all your clothes in a backpack.
- Carry light woollens suitable for summer and rainy conditions.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes. Bring comfortable jeans or baggy trousers.
- Shorts and track pants are suitable for use within the RRC campus.
- Pack T-shirts, tops, shirts, and innerwear.
- Bring a good pair of trekking shoes, along with sandals or flip-flops.
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Bring a sleeping bag.
- Pack your personal toiletries.
- Carry any personal medications you may need.
- If desired, bring binoculars or a camera.
Get an opportunity to work with us
hr@suvidha.org.in
