For the past 20 years CERES has established relationships and networks in India with individuals and organisations working to improve social and environmental outcomes for local communities. Many of the people that CERES Global interacts with in India live on less than $1 a day. As part of the ongoing interest of CERES, the trips aim to make a contribution to tackle some of the major issues of inequity in the world and raise the living standards of people in a sustainable and climate friendly way. CERES returns to the same places every year to foster those connections.

The CERES Global India program is very much focused on mutual learning and cultural exchange, as much as volunteering. As a participant you will work and live in the host villages, gaining a first hand understanding of daily village life and Indian culture. On travelling to India you will have the opportunity to bring your relevant interests, skills and background and CERES Global will facilitate and provide support for you, matching your skills to the appropriate area.

FOCUS AREAS

CERES Global works with communities to generate solutions that are community driven and meet the needs identified by members of the community. Project sustainability is a key aspect of successfully engaging with communities and projects are designed and implemented with these principles in mind. Focus areas include:

• Climate change adaptations and mitigation
  
• Environmental Education
  
• School Programs
• Women’s empowerment
• Health
  

PLACES WE VISIT

CERES Global organises visits to three organisations in three different parts of India. The host organisations are all exceptional in the community development and/or environmental work they do. For a detailed description on the organisations we visit and the breadth of work they do click here.

Pitchandikulam Forest  Auroville, South India 2 weeks early January 2013

Tribal Villages  Pal, Central India 3 weeks late January 2013

Foothills of the Himalayas  Alm

ora, Northern India 1 week early February 2013

COST

All programs cost $800 per week. This price includes all internal transport, meals, accommodation, the puchase of carbon credits to offset airline travel, admistration and project costs. This price does not include flights to and from India.

Travellers may participate in one, two or all three programs.

For more information contact Sophie on phone 9389 0183 or ceresglobal@ceres.org.au

Download our information booklet here

Download an application form here