Empower Tribal CommunitiesThrough Meaningful Service
Join 5,000+ volunteers across India working in 52,323 villages to preserve tribal heritage while enabling sustainable development.
About Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram
Established in 1952 in Jashpur, Madhya Pradesh (now Chhattisgarh), Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram is a non-profit organization committed to the holistic development of tribal communities across India. With thousands of devoted volunteers, we work across:
24,931+
Tribal Villages in Odisha
5,710+
Villages in Contact
1,587
Samiti Jukta
18,85,947+
People Benefitted
2,600+
Total Projects
144+
Half-time Workers
46+
Full-time Workers
52,323
Villages Nationwide
How to Get Involved
Begin your transformative journey with us in four simple steps. We provide full support at every stage.
Register Your Interest
Fill out our volunteer application form with your skills, interests, and availability. Our team will review and contact you within 3 working days.
Attend Orientation
Join our comprehensive orientation session (online or in-person) to learn about tribal communities, our work methodology, and volunteer expectations.
Complete Training
Receive specialized training (1-5 days depending on role) covering cultural sensitivity, field techniques, and specific skills for your volunteer position.
Start Your Service
Begin your volunteer journey with full support from our experienced team members. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions ensure a rewarding experience.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our volunteer coordinators are available to answer your questions and help you find the perfect opportunity matching your skills and interests.
Volunteer Opportunities
Discover diverse ways to contribute based on your skills, interests, and availability. Training provided for all roles.
Arogya Rakshak
Become a health volunteer in tribal areas, providing first aid and basic healthcare services. You'll receive training and a medical kit to serve remote communities.
Education Volunteer
Teach in our residential schools, hostels, or single-teacher schools (Ekal Vidyalayas) in remote tribal areas. Subjects include language, math, and vocational skills.
Skill Development
Share your professional skills - whether you're a doctor, engineer, teacher, or have other expertise to contribute. Help tribal youth gain employable skills.
Environmental Conservation
Work on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and forest protection projects with tribal communities who are the natural custodians of our forests.
Cultural Preservation
Document and promote tribal arts, languages, and traditions. Help create sustainable livelihoods through traditional crafts and performing arts.
Women Empowerment
Support initiatives for tribal women including health education, skill development, and leadership training to strengthen their role in community development.
Not Sure Where You Fit?
Many of our volunteers discover their perfect role during orientation. Your unique skills and perspective can contribute in unexpected ways.
Benefits of Volunteering
While you give your time and skills, you receive invaluable rewards that last a lifetime.
Personal Growth
Develop leadership skills, cultural awareness, resilience, and gain invaluable life experiences that shape your perspective on community development.
Professional Development
Enhance your resume with meaningful volunteer experience, skill development, and potential references for future career opportunities.
Cultural Immersion
Experience rich tribal traditions, languages, customs, and wisdom systems through direct interaction with community members.
Network Building
Connect with like-minded individuals, professionals, and community leaders to build lasting relationships and collaborative opportunities.
Recognition & Certificates
Receive official certificates, recommendation letters, and public recognition for your volunteer contributions and achievements.
Travel Opportunities
Explore remote and beautiful tribal regions across India, experiencing diverse landscapes and ecosystems while making a difference.
Language Skills
Learn tribal languages and dialects through immersion, with basic training provided for effective communication in the field.
Sustainable Impact
See the tangible results of your efforts as you contribute to long-term, sustainable development projects that transform communities.
Our Work in Action
Witness the transformative impact of our volunteers through these moments from the field.
Health Camp in Remote Village
Our Arogya Rakshaks conducting health checkups and providing basic medicines to tribal families
Education Program Success Story
Watch how volunteers are transforming education in tribal areas through innovative teaching methods
Skill Development Workshop
Teaching vocational skills like handicrafts, computer basics, and organic farming to tribal youth
Community Development Project
Building water conservation structures with community participation in drought-prone regions
Cultural Exchange Program
Volunteers participating in tribal festivals and traditional dance performances
Women Empowerment Initiative
Training women in traditional crafts, financial literacy, and health awareness programs
Voices of Our Volunteers
Hear directly from those who've walked the path before you.
"Volunteering with Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram has been the most transformative experience of my life. The warmth and wisdom of tribal communities taught me more than I could ever give. Every health camp we conducted brought visible change, and the gratitude in people's eyes was my greatest reward."
Dr. Sumedh Tidke
Doctor & Health Volunteer (2 years)
"Teaching in the Ekal Vidyalayas showed me the incredible potential of tribal children when given opportunities. Their eagerness to learn despite limited resources was humbling. I went to teach but ended up learning so much about resilience, community, and alternative ways of knowing."
Sunil Sawant
Education Volunteer (18 months)
"As an engineering graduate, I helped build water harvesting structures. The practical problem-solving with limited resources was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Living in the village, I gained insights no classroom could provide about sustainable development."
Malati Desai
Community Development Volunteer (1 year)
"Documenting tribal art forms for preservation, I discovered a world of aesthetic wisdom. This experience reshaped my understanding of art's role in society. The Ashram's approach respects traditional knowledge while creating contemporary relevance."
Rahul Mehta
Cultural Preservation Volunteer (8 months)
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about volunteering with us.
What qualifications do I need to volunteer?
No specific qualifications are required for most roles—just a willingness to learn and serve. For specialized positions (medical, teaching, etc.) relevant skills are preferred but we provide training. The most important qualifications are adaptability, respect for local cultures, and commitment to our mission.
Is there any age restriction for volunteers?
We welcome volunteers aged 18 and above. There's no upper age limit—we've had active volunteers in their 70s! Some projects may have specific physical requirements which we'll discuss during orientation. Youth between 16-18 can volunteer with parental consent for certain programs.
What are the living conditions like in tribal areas?
Living conditions vary by location but are generally basic. You may stay in our ashram facilities, host families, or simple guest houses. Expect shared accommodations, limited electricity/water in some areas, and simple vegetarian meals. These conditions help you truly experience and understand community life.
How long is the typical volunteer commitment?
Commitments range from 2 weeks for special projects to 2+ years for long-term roles. Most volunteers serve 3-6 months. Shorter terms are possible for skilled professionals contributing specific expertise. Longer commitments allow deeper impact and cultural immersion.
Is there any cost involved in volunteering?
There's no fee to volunteer. We provide basic accommodation and meals during your service. Volunteers cover their travel expenses to the project location and personal expenses. Those who can may donate to support our work, but this is entirely optional.
How safe is it to volunteer in remote tribal areas?
Safety is our top priority. We have decades of experience working in these communities. Volunteers receive safety training, are placed with local teams, and have 24/7 support. Tribal communities are generally very welcoming to respectful volunteers contributing to their welfare.
Ready to Join Us?
Have questions about volunteering? Contact our team or apply directly.
Headquarters
Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Regional centers across all tribal districts of Odisha
volunteer@vanvasi.org
Response within 24-48 hours
Phone
+91 XXXXX XXXXX
Monday-Saturday, 9AM-6PM IST
Quick Application
Ready to start your volunteer journey? Begin your application process now.
Other Ways to Contribute
Not ready to volunteer? Support our work through donations or spreading awareness.
Volunteer Application Form
Transform Lives Through Service
Every volunteer creates ripples of change that last generations. Join our movement to preserve tribal heritage while enabling sustainable development.