Boomers Abroad

Highlights

Community Issues Addressed by FSD in India
The constitution of India, written over fifty years ago, guaranteed all Indian children up to the age of fourteen the right to "free and compulsory" education. Unfortunately, universal education has yet to fully materialize. With the rapidly expanding population, the goal is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. Public funds are insufficient to cover costs and schools throughout India experience shortages of teachers, books, and basic facilities. Retention of both students and teachers is alarmingly low, particularly in rural areas.

Gender discrimination is another problem within the education system. In Rajasthan, only forty-five percent of girls are enrolled in primary school and only thirty-six percent in secondary school. Culturally, the ultimate achievement for women is often portrayed as marriage, not the attainment of a solid educational background. Families who cannot afford to pay for the schooling of all their children will prematurely end education for their daughters.

Many non-governmental organizations throughout Rajasthan have developed learning centers to supplement government run school programs. FSD supports these local education centers and libraries by providing additional educational assistance for underprivileged children and their families. Tutors regularly visit these facilities to further the education of both boys and girls in need. Additionally, several nongovernmental organizations in Udaipur work with schools to provide skills training for adults. In the past, FSD interns offered courses for the poor and unemployed on various topics from math, to English, to art. Schools in this region are in dire need of dedicated teachers and tutors to combat the high levels of absenteeism and illiteracy that is prevalent in this region.

Additional Programs are Available in: Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru, Uganda, and Kenya.

Program Work Addresses Issues in: Health, Community Development, Environment and Conservation, Micro-enterprise, and Women's Empowerment.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• Hindi

Cost in US$:

Varies with Program

Cost Include Description:

Your contribution fee covers all program costs (excluding airfare) and is 100% tax deductible for U.S. residents. Included in the fee is: a one-week orientation; family homestay will all meals provided; language lessons; development trainings and workshops; group sessions; midterm retreat (9+ weeks only); final debriefing session; on-going in-country support from FSD site team and U.S. staff; USD 200 mini-grant; eligibility for additional project funding up to USD 500, medical evacuation and limited health insurance; and pick-up from the airport.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

FSD supports participants who boldly wish to initiate the change they believe is necessary in the developing world. Interns are passionate about sharing their practical knowledge, heart-felt enthusiasm, and economic resources with communities abroad that suffer unnecessary hardship. They wish to gain hands-on, grassroots development experience because they believe change is most powerfully cultivated on a community level. The aim is to experientially learn how their work can empower the community toward applying sustainable development solutions, rather than increasing reliance on foreign aid. Participants choose FSD because the program structure enables them to design and implement their own sustainable projects in collaboration with their host organization. They are able to test their ideas and theories in the most direct way possible, giving them the experience and knowledge they seek. The flexibility of the host organizations allows for participants at all stages and levels of experience in international development to participate, thus opening the programs to a diverse group of capable applicants.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel to India

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 months

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Foundation for Sustainable Development's Mission Statement

Founded in 1995, the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) supports the efforts of more than 300 grassroots, community-based partner organizations throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. FSD's programs provide multi-faceted support that relies on active community participation to mobilize lasting solutions. FSD programs include:

• Capacity Building: Our professional field staff provides on-site training and networking opportunities to more than 300 community-based organizations worldwide.
  
  
• Training Programs Abroad: FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers who seek hands-on development experience.
  
  
• Grantmaking: Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support sustainable projects led by our partner organizations.
  
  
• Engaged Philanthropy: FSD Giving Circles organize groups of donors who pool their time, talent, and resources to make international grants to our partner organizations.

Year Founded

1995