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Animal Rescue and Awareness Raising Animal Welfare

Volunteering
 
Raksha (Hindi for "to protect") is a nonprofit organization from Jaipur that operates a helpline phone number for animal rescue and is additionally active in the field of education about animal cruelty and animal welfare. The organisation also plants trees. As a volunteer, you can join all activities of Raksha.
 

What is your placement organisation doing?

 
Emergency number for animal rescue
 
Since 2006, Raksha has been operating an emergency phone number for animal rescue. The number is supposed to be the "Snake and Bird Helpline 9828500065", but many citizens also call for other species of animals that are either entering their homes or that are found injured or sick.
 
The volunteers of Raksha are rescuing animals of almost any kind, with a focus on bird rescue and on snakes and other animals entering homes. The animals are caught, treated by veterinarians, and as soon as it is possible released again into a suitable environment.
 
Dangers for birds and other animals include power lines, unprofessional electrical installations on buildings, industrial plants, fences, nets, manhole covers, pipes, barrels, glass panes, but also fireworks and stunt kites at festivals, amongst others.
 
Since 2013, Raksha also operates a breeding station for orphaned young birds, in which also eggs are hatched. Hundreds of birds of various species such as parakeets, hawks, sparrows, kingfishers, ducklings and herons could be raised and released into nature.
 
For many homeowners, it is a problem when snakes invade their homes and snakes are often killed or injured for this reason. The skilled volunteer snake specialists of Raksha come on call, catch the snake and then release it in a suitable natural habitat. Raksha also distributes educational materials to help people distinguish between dangerous and not dangerous snakes, and explains how to minimize the risk of having them entering homes.
 
Other small animals of any kind such as hedgehog or Opposum are also captured from homes and released in the forest. For injured larger mammals such as stray dogs and monkeys, Raksha cooperates with another NGO, which is operating an ambulance car for injured mammals.
 
Water bowl project
 
In the hot months of April to June, when temperatures in Jaipur often reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), Raksha sets up water bowls from which birds can drink and tries to get citizens to do the same to support bird protection. During these hot months, many birds die of thirst or heat stroke.
 
Awareness raising against animal cruelty
 
In schools, Raksha informs students about animal cruelty and animal rights. The goal is to develop compassion for animals and to communicate how our lifestyle results in problems for the environment and animals.
 
During various festivals, many Indians use fight kites guided on several lines, also known as "Manjha". Many birds every year are caught and injured in these lines. Raksha informs the public about this danger during the festivals.
 
In the beginning of October every year, the World Wildlife Week takes place, where Raksha conducts educational workshops on wildlife conservation at schools and the Jaipur Zoo.
 
Planting trees
 
The subject of climate change plays an increasingly important part in the environmental educational work of Raksha. In 2019, the first tree planting took place with 5000 trees planted. The tree planting, which also involved pupils, will now be repeated annually during the monsoon season.
 

How can you get involved?

 
As a volunteer at Raksha, you will have the opportunity to learn about different species of animals, e.g. how to distinguish different types of snakes and birds and how to handle them correctly, for example when trying to catch them or release them into nature. When the emergency phone rings, you will answer the call and join the team on their field missions to catch snakes, lizards, and other animals from homes and release them in the wild, or you rescue injured birds and other animals, and bring them to a veterinarian. You also take care of young birds at the sanctuary.
 
No prior knowledge is required for this volunteer placement, but you can learn everything you need to know while doing it. Nevertheless, the organization is of course particularly happy about volunteers with relevant professional skills such as veterinarians. There is a small surgery for birds in the sanctuary.
 
You will also spend time at the office, helping to work out content used for the environmental education programs and activities, and prepare and carry out those activities. Part of the work is also to support the team in writing reports about rescued animals, and in fundraising and social media marketing.
Info Box
General
Location: Jaipur, India
Availability: All year, Start date flexible
Minimum Duration: 1 week
Maximum Duration: 12 Months
Language Requirements: English
Accommodation:
Shared apartment, host family
Internship
Supervision Possible: Yes
Qualification Of Supervisor: MSc Mental Health Studies, BA Psychology
Minimum Qualification Of Intern: None
Further Contribution To Project: None
Volunteering
Volunteering Possible: Yes
Required Qualification For Volunteer: None
Further Contribution To Project: -
Expectations: Professional work, the "right" attitude
-
 

Accommodation in Jaipur

 

mostpopular

Shared serviced apartment in Jaipur

 
The shared serviced apartment in Jaipur is located in a 4 storey residential building in a residential area of good standards, in walking distance from shopping malls, parks, and public transport.
 
A maximum of 12 participants are sharing the apartment, staying at shared rooms (4-share), which are separated by gender. The apartment furthermore has 2 bathrooms with a hot and cold shower, a kitchen, a communal space with fridge and cable TV, a balcony, and a rooftop. There is free Wifi.
 
There are 2 rooms with air conditioning and one without. There is an extra charge for the rooms with air conditioning. Temperatures in Jaipur are high between March and October.
 
3 Indian meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are served at the house and are included in the rent. At least once per week an activity is offered  to our participants in Jaipur at no extra cost, such as Indian dance, cooking lessons, Yoga, or Hindi lessons. The house manager Pooja (who on the pictures is wearing a yellow t-shirt) also stays at the apartment and is your contact person.
 

Host Family in Jaipur

 
You will staying with an Indian host family who will serve you 3 meals per day. You will share your room either with another participant of the same gender or, in case of younger participants, share with a teenage child of your host family ("Host brother"/"host sister"). Single room accommodation is possible at a little extra. Staying with a host family, you can also join at least once per week an activity such as Indian dance, cooking lessons, Yoga, or Hindi lessons, at no extra charge.

 
 

I. World Unite! Service Package

Mobile/Cell Phone Users: If you don't see the rates for your desired duration of stay, hide other (shorter) durations of stay.
  up to 60 Days
61-365 Days
 wu servicepackage
1 Person
600 EUR 800 EUR
2-4 Persons
(Rate per Person)
500 EUR 700 EUR
 
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The World Unite! Service Package includes:

 
  • Arrangement of your Internship
  • Individual Consultation and Preparation prior to your arrival
  • Access to the World Unite! Online Resource Centre which has Preparation Materials including Intercultural Preparation, compiled particularly for your destination (PDFs, Videos)
  • Preparation Session via Skype, together with further participants
  • Arrangements of the Documents you need for your Visa Application and assistance with local registration (if required) but not the official government fees for the visa (See costs below)
  • Pick-up and Transfers from/to the next international airport on arrival and departure
  • At least once per week cultural activity in Jaipur, e.g. Yoga, Hindi lesson, cooking lesson, Henna painting, Indian dance
  • Personal support staff at our international office
  • Accompanying you to your placement on your first day of internship
  • 24 Hours emergency support by local support team
  • Local SIM Card with 600 Rs. airtime credit
  • Issuance of Confirmations/Certificates for your university, scholarship, insurance, etc. and filling out/signing Internship Contracts for your university
  • For the CO2 compensation of your long-haul flights: Costs for 10 seedlings of indigenous trees that we plant on the slopes of Kilimanjaro
 

The Rates do NOT include:

 
  • Accommodation and Meals (see below)
  • Travel to/from India (you book it on your own; we can assist you)
  • Official fees for Visa (see below)
  • Insurance (Travel Health Insurance, Liability Insurance, Travel Cancellation insurance; you book it on your own, we can assist you)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Vaccinations
  • Local Transport (Estimated amounts see below)
  • Please note that for supervised/mentored internships, some organizations charge further contributions. You find this information in the "Info Box" below the respective internship description.
 

II. Accommodation Costs

 
Accommodation at shared serviced apartment (2-share to 4-share dorm) on full board, incl. wifi OR with host family (twin or triple room) on full board: 75 EUR/week.
 
Supplement for rooms with air conditioning: EUR 12.50 per week.
 
Single room at a host family has a supplement of 35 EUR per week.
 
Single room at guest house on full board: 27 EUR per night.
 
Full board means 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Indian food.
 
 

Overview of other costs:

 
  • Visa around 60-130 EUR (75-160 USD) depending on activity and duration; to apply prior to your travel
  • Small local expenses (Internet, Local Transport): ca. 20-40 EUR (30-50 USD)/Month (Estimate)
  • Insurances around 20-40 EUR (30-50 USD)/Month
 

How do I pay?

 
Once all your questions have been answered and you confirm that you want to participate, we will email you an invoice. You can pay it via bank transfer, credit card or via Paypal. You will pay a deposit of 200 EUR / 250 USD when the invoice is issued. One months prior to your arrival you will pay the remainder for your Service Package.
 
The payment modalities for rent and possible further costs (e.g. internship supervision fees, as stated in info box of the respective project description) depend on your host country and placement. We will inform you beforehand. In many cases these costs are paid on site, but for some countries and placements they need to be paid partially or fully in advance.
 
 
 

Other Projects That Might Interest You:

 
 
These projects are suggestions for alternatives that may interest you or those that could be chosen as COMBINATIONS. The combination of projects in different organizations is often possible and usually cheaper than two individual bookings. Please contact us to know more! Check out our other listings in the areas of "World Learner" and "Active Travel" at your travel destination to make your stay even more interesting.
 

Travel Health Insurance

 
We recommend the following travel insurance that is meant specifically for participants of internships, volunteering, language study, working holiday, and courses abroad. It is available for travelers of all nationalities and usable for all countries, except your home country. You can also add a journey liability insurance.
 
Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.
 
 
 
 
 

Rajasthan - The Land of the Kings

 
Rajasthan is located in the North-West of India and means "Land of the Kings". More than 2500 years ago, tribes built cities, and kingdoms were formed, which existed until the British colonial time in the 19th century. The largest state of India, in terms of area, is determined by the landscapes of the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Range, which are rich in forts and palaces of the Rajput kings. Due to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Rajasthan is today, one of India's most popular travel destinations. Jaipur is part of the so-called "Golden Triangle", consisting of the cities of Agra (Taj Mahal), Delhi and Jaipur, which is part of every round trip in northern India.
 
 
Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" due to the dominant color of its buildings. The 3 million-people city has numerous forts, palaces and temples. Jaipur is also known for its jewelry industry. More than 14,000 people produce jewelery made of metal, stone and rubber lacquer, typically at small backyard workshops, which are sold all over the world.
 
Jodhpur is called the "blue city" due to the colour of its houses. The city is overlooked by the mighty Meherangarh Fort. There is also a university in Jodhpur.
 
Setrawa is a village in the Thar desert, located around 100 km north of Jodhpur. A problem in Rajasthan is the scarcity of water. In the Thar desert, the only annual rains pour down in the form of heavy thunderstorms during the months of July to September, when temperatures normally go up to 50 degree Celsius. Traditionally, the water of these hot summer months are stored in ponds that are the shape of a half moon, called Johad. In the patriarchal society of the rural regions, women are denied access to education and social life.
 

Our Coordinator in Rajasthan

 
In Jaipur, Hasmik with her team will welcome you and provide support for you. In Jodphur and Setrawa our coordinator is Govind from Sambhali Trust.
 

Recreational Activities in Rajasthan

 
Jaipur and Jodhpur can count with a large number of forts, palaces, temples, historical and natural history museums, and gardens and parks that you can visit. At both cities you can also take part in yoga classes, cooking lessons, Indian dance session, and join other cultural activities.
 
It is of course also recommended to travel around other parts of Rajasthan.
 

Music Video with the girls of Sambhali Trust in Jodhpur

 
In this music video, shot on the streets of Jodhpur, the girls of Sambhali Trust (with whom we arrange volunteering) sing and play. It communicates very well the mood of the city of Jodhpur!
 
 
 

Video of Setrawa/Sambhali Trust

 
Karina and Kerry, volunteers from South Africa, speak about their experience in the school of Sambhali Trust in the desert village of Setrawa. They also tell about life in the village.
 
 
 
 
 

Getting To Jaipur, Jodhpur and Setrawa

india map
 
Jaipur: Jaipur has a large international airport. It is best if you book your flight directly there. From Jaipur Airport (JAI) our local team will pick you up and bring you to your accommodation in Jaipur.
 
Jodhpur: You book a flight to Jodhpur (JDH) where you will be picked up from the airport by our local team and taken to your accommodation in Jodhpur.
 
Setrawa: You will book a flight to Jodhpur (JDH) where you will be picked up from the airport by our local team. You willI spend the first 1-2 days in Jodhpur, where you get an introduction and will then be driven to Setrawa.
 
 
 
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