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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
21 Nov 2023
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Description
UPDATE: April - 2023 - We've stopped accepting volunteers for the summer / monsoon sessions. However, we're open to applications from volunteers for the autumn / winter sessions!
We are a bunch of friends from different countries who've known each other for a decade now. Paragliding is what attracted us and brought us together, but the sheer beauty of the surroundings and the simplicity of the lives of the local mountain people here, is what made us stay. Nestled on the Dhauladhar Range in the Kangra Valley, our place is situated at 2250mts ASL with incredible views of the Himalayas. We are registered as a not-for-profit organization and work with the local community in the areas of education, tourism & medicine.
Education: The education project is a collaboration with an existing government school in the local village, called Jhatingri, in Himachal Pradesh. Although they do learn English at school, most kids don't land up speaking with confidence due to several factors. We have the mandate to provide extra classes for spoken English. Since it is a government school, education is free for all students. They even provide a mid-day meal for all staff and kids under a special scheme.
House Maintenance: While we're busy at school, we need help with cleaning, cooking, painting, oiling, wood-work, stone-work, gardening and other such tasks.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There is no road, electricity or shops around our house. Most of the locals live a very basic life. It is difficult to define the kind of learning one takes back from here. This intermingling with the local people and landscape, is creating an interesting new paradigm, from which, we are all learning and benefiting. In fact, we're looking forward to your feedback on this!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Education: The task is to assist our resident teacher in conducting classes, contribute to innovative games / ideas / techniques. Trained English teachers with some experience in dealing with kids is our first preference. However, we're also open to hosting people who have practical experience with kids.
The school is a 40 minute walk from the house, through a deodar and rhododendron forest. Due to the nature of the task, we prefer volunteers who enjoy walking in nature, and are willing to stay for longer periods. This way, the kids can develop some familiarity and comfort and hence, progress. Basic fitness to trek for a couple of hours in the mountains everyday, is an absolute must! We're looking for people who care about kids and are serious about making a difference.
House Maintenance: While we're busy at school, we need help with cleaning, cooking, painting, oiling, wood-work, stone-work, gardening and other such tasks.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Our place is a beautiful private house, situated on top of a mountain. Made with a lot of love by a bunch of us, it is made for community style living, comfortable enough to accommodate 10 people. We wake up to some incredible scenery of the Himalayas every day. It is situated right on top of a mountain ridge at 2250mts, with spectacular 360 degree views. The house is powered with solar-panels and is off the grid.
The house is a strange shaped structure, that is completely unplanned and still evolving. It's what Robin calls anarchitecture. We have a large common space, a breakfast/music room, the kitchen, the workshop, the bath/toilet complex, a couple of private rooms and a small terrace. The main common space in the house has 2 beds downstairs and a loft where 6-8 people can sleep comfortably. This is the area where the volunteers will live!
We cook simple Indian food on a daily basis, although we do love experimenting from time to time.
What else ...
There are many interesting things to do in this region. It depends on the season you are visiting.
- Sight-seeing: Some famous places close by (2-4 hours) are Bir, Dharamshala and Manali. There are many places to see and things to do around here.
- Trekking: There are many paths leading to different villages. The entire area is so beautiful and the villagers, simple and welcoming.
- Fishing: The valley behind us has a river full of trout fish. You can trek down the mountain and come back up with fish for dinner.
- Music: We have a bunch of live music instruments, complete with amplifiers and all.
- Carpentry: We have a full-fledged workshop with wide variety of hand and automated tools.
- Besides this, we have WIFI, a ping-pong table, a mini library and some board games.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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The house is well equipped with many features and useful extras for making life easy and comfortable whilst living high up in the hills. The local mountain community are all welcoming and eager to help out and also… read more
You will be living in a stunning location in the foothills of the himalayas where you can see all the sunrises, sunsets & storms with a 360 degree view. There are also… read more
