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Make a difference to the lives of the voiceless in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India

  • Last activity : 10 Mar 2026

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are an NGO sub unit with 35+ years of experience working for integrated rural development.

    We live in a very peaceful, calm and rustic village setting in the foothills of a small but bio-diverse mountain range. The Hills is home to rich bio-diversity and many rare and traditional varieties of plants, animal and bird species can be found in the Hills like mouse deer.

    Founded in 1990, our organisation works for:
    * Small and marginal farmers
    * Landless labourers
    * Children and youth
    * Women and adolescent girls
    * Sustainable rural livelihood development

    We have successfully implemented:
    * Revival of traditional Karungani cotton cultivation among 300+ small farmers
    * Another project worked among the bonded girls of textile Units and Garment industries and redeemed 1408 adolescent girls.
    * A major project is being implemented in 77 villages from 2022 --wherein the primary and prominent focus is improvement of small land holding farming communities in sustainable agriculture development with its eco friendly farmer friendly techniques and methods.

    The main focus of the organisation is among rural farming communities irrespective of caste, color or creed

    Our core mission:
    🌾 Sustainable agriculture
    🌱 Eco-friendly and farmer-friendly farming methods
    🌳 Biodiversity conservation
    Empowerment of rural farming communities

    Volunteers can expect to help a local village community and will have an opportunity to participate in afforestation initiatives, tree plantation drives, preparation of seed balls, establishment of Miyawaki forest, Implementation of rain water harvesting, Contour bunding, construction of mini-check dams among other things.

    🌾 Organic Farming Course (15 Days to 3 Months or 6 Months)
    We now offer an intensive practical training course in Organic and Natural Farming, open to volunteers and long-term learners.
    This is not just volunteering, it is a structured hands-on learning experience.

    Course Duration Options
    * 15 Days Intensive Introduction
    * 3 Month Deep Practice
    * 6 Month Advanced Practical Immersion

    🌿 What You Will Learn (Practical Training)

    🌱 Soil & Fertility Management
    * Vermicomposting
    * Vermi wash
    * Panchagavya preparation
    * Amirthakaraisal
    * Aavootam
    * Effective Microorganisms (EM)
    * EFYM
    * Bio manure preparation
    * Fish amino acid
    * Egg amino acid
    * Coconut milk manure
    * 3G tonic, 5 leaf tonic, 9 leaf tonic
    * Arappu mor karaisal

    🌾 Crop Cultivation Techniques
    * Land preparation & vegetable cultivation
    * Millet cultivation
    * Terrace garden training
    * Seed treatment techniques
    * Preserving seeds after harvest
    * Border cropping
    * Weeding & mulching
    * Water and nutrient management
    * Sarivin Naduvil Uzhavu (inter-cultivation methods)
    * Mettupaathi techniques
    * Save & conserve medicinal plants

    🌳 Ecological & Community Farming
    * Farmers Field School methods
    * Measurement & documentation
    * Natural pest control (Vilakku poochi methods)
    * Rainwater harvesting
    * Contour bunding
    * Mini check dam exposure
    * Miyawaki forest creation
    * Afforestation & seed ball preparation

    🧘 Daily Schedule (Disciplined Rural Life)
    * 6:00 – 7:00 am: Sirama Dhaanam (community service) & watering plants
    * 7:00 – 9:00 am: Free time & Breakfast
    * 9:00 – 12:00 pm: Field work / Training / Seva (will be in the evening during summer, we will discuss in person)
    * 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Free time & Lunch
    * 3:00 – 4:00 pm: Documentation / Report work
    * 4:00 - 8:00pm: Free time & Dinner
    * 9:00 pm: Silence & Lights out
    🛖 Weekends off from Friday evening (Saturday & Sunday free)
    Please report back by Monday morning 6am.

    Weekly reflection meet to improve:
    * Agriculture practices
    * Food & accommodation systems
    * Learning experience

    🌍 Other Volunteer Opportunities
    Besides farming, volunteers can contribute in:

    📚 Children & Community Programs
    * Teaching English, Math, Science
    * Health & hygiene awareness
    * Yoga, meditation & exercise sessions
    * House visits
    * Children activity centres
    * Digital education support

    💻 Digital & Creative Work
    * Documentation
    * Digital filing
    * Social media management
    * Photography & videography
    * Website content & design updating

    Volunteers with skills in permaculture, climate-resilient agriculture, media, or reporting are highly welcome.

    🌟 Who Is This For?
    This experience is ideal for:
    * Agriculture students
    * Sustainability enthusiasts
    * Gap year travelers
    * Researchers
    * Digital nomads seeking rural immersion
    * Anyone who wants disciplined, hands-on organic farming training

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    Farmstay help
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Cooking & food
    Art & design
    Videography
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Pets
    Sustainability
    Self development
    Farming
    Culture
    Charity work
    Photography
    Music
    Languages
    Animals
    Gardening
    Plant care
    Nature
    Mountain
    Yoga / Wellness
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Volunteer can experience authentic village life, local traditions and farming culture in rural Tamil Nadu. Volunteers have the opportunity to do field work in the surrounding villages and know about the local, slow way of life in contrast to the busy lives of the cities. By hosting volunteers we expect to bring in a new perspective, new view point in our way of functioning and thinking. We are open and willing to accept the knowledge and ideas the volunteers bring with them.

  • Help

    Help

    Just for 5 hours a day, workawayers are expected to participate and contribute in day to day functioning of the farm. Main activities include watering, mulching, preparation of different methods of organic compost and liquid manure, pruning trees and plantation depending on the season. We are open to any new ideas the volunteers with their experience bring with them. Volunteers with specific skill sets in permaculture and climate resilient agriculture are utmost welcome. Volunteers also have the opportunity to teach village kids and college students bio-diversity, conservation of flora and fauna and environmental protection. We see youth and young children as drivers of change and volunteers could have the chance to engage with them to bring a positive change in environmental protection and sustainability, Volunteers who can help in documentation, preparing project report, digital marketing and help improve the presence of the NGO in Social Media are welcome.

    Workawayers with experience in building eco friendly dorms or shelters for yoga and meditation are also welcome.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Tamil: Fluent
    English: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    They can learn Tamil language if interested.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    * Shared dormitory/ rooms with bunk beds & mattress (subject to availability)
    * Attached bath
    * Can host more than two volunteers
    * Space for camper vans
    * 24-hour WiFi (subject to power cuts)
    * Simple, peaceful rural environment

    🍛 Food (Easiest way to provide as per your dietary needs)
    * Pulses & fruits provided
    * Organic vegetables from our farm
    Volunteers are welcome to cook their own simple vegetarian meals using farm produce and feel free to ask for any ingredient.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Volunteers are expected to contribute to sustainable living by consuming water and electricity only when needed. Volunteers are expected to be substance free. They should not pollute the farm with plastic waste. At least one tree plantation is compulsory for each volunteer.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have 24 hrs Wi Fi subject to occasional power cuts or other natural calamities beyond our control. Digital nomads will enjoy the calm, peaceful and rural settings with scenic views.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We can provide them proper accommodation and space to cook.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Dogs and cats

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    thanga

Host ref number: 524923297284

Website Safety

Photos

A man and woman, both smiling, stand indoors exchanging a small gift. Behind them is a world map and stacks of colorful binders on a desk.
Three people stand together indoors, smiling and holding small objects. Behind them is a yellow door, shelves with decorative items, and artwork on the wall.
A group of women and two foreign visitors stand smiling on a stone platform above a water body, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful sarees.
Two men stand in a vegetable garden, conversing. One points to the plants. Rows of green onions and other crops grow. Stone wall in background.
Two men are standing indoors, smiling and facing the camera. They are holding a rock or mineral specimen together, suggesting a shared interest or exchange.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a lush green mountain, trees, and a red roofed building in the foreground, set against an overcast sky.
A group of people stand outdoors near rows of young saplings in plastic bags, participating in a tree plantation or nursery activity under a bright, clear sky.
The image depicts a group of people seated in a room, with a woman standing at the front, addressing them, while others sit at a table behind her.
The image depicts a group of people standing in a field, facing away from the camera, with tall grass and trees visible in the background on a cloudy day.
The image shows a group of people gathered in a large outdoor space, with a few trees and a body of water visible in the background. The atmosphere appears to be relaxed and peaceful.
The image depicts a white room with a door featuring a peacock design, a bed, and a mirror on the wall, with a shelf above the door.
The image shows a group of people standing together, with some holding signs or banners, likely participating in a peaceful protest or demonstration, conveying a sense of unity and collective action.
The image depicts a group of people gathered outside a building, with one individual handing a yellow item to an elderly woman in the center.

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