WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
Prime Trust has connections with other NGOs located in Pondicherry. We support these organizations through the provision of volunteers, so that they can continue to thrive and make invaluable change. If you are interested in participating in any of the following projects, please visit our application page.
WOMEN'S MICROFINANCE GROUPS
The main objective of these initiatives is to empower underprivileged women by providing them access to loans that would otherwise be unavailable. Each group has autonomy in determining loan amounts and purposes, with Prime Trust offering guidance during repayment. Volunteers can contribute by training local staff in Excel-based tracking of over 250 microfinance group accounts. Additionally, they can participate in research on women's empowerment, addressing debt management challenges and effective utilization of loan funds for entrepreneurial ventures.
HOME FOR BOYS
This project supports over 100 orphaned, underprivileged, and differently-abled boys. The staff faces challenges in effectively interacting with all the children. Volunteers play a vital role in improving the boys' quality of life by providing socialization and assisting with daily caretaking tasks.
HOME FOR DISABELED WOMEN AND GIRLS
Approximately 30 disabled women and girls stay in this home and are cared for by the limited staff. Many of the girls remain in their beds the entire day and do not have much human interaction. Volunteers can help by assisting staff with feeding and bathing, in addition to socializing with the girls to increase their responsiveness and overall quality of life.
SHELTER FOR WOMEN
This project supports women from diverse backgrounds who experience social marginalization and are often referred to the home by local authorities or their families. With limited options in life, these women benefit from the presence of volunteers who enhance their quality of life through social engagement, organizing field trips, and promoting empowerment. It is important to note that only women are permitted in the shelter, as this project exclusively focuses on supporting women. (it should be noted that men are not allowed in the shelter, we can only accept women for this project).
HOME FOR THE ELDERLY
Some adults find they have no one willing to take care of them as they age, and many have nowhere to live. This home takes in the elderly (often from the streets) and cares for their daily needs. Volunteers can help with the basic running of the home such as feeding and bathing, or just simply socializing with the elderly persons as the staff don't always have time.
ORGANIC FARMING/AGRICULTURE
Agricultural work is prominent and India, and the work is difficult. Unfortunately, many farmers and laborers are extremely poor due to inefficient agricultural techniques and a decline in government support. Volunteers can help to research/develop and teach sustainable agricultural techniques and help farmers to find new markets (such as organic farming).
LGBT+ POPULATION
The LGBT+ population faces many challenges in India, and Pondicherry is fortunate to have an organization working to advocate for and assist this population. There are a variety of fundraising, marketing, and advocacy projects volunteers can assist with and it will certainly be a project in which you learn a lot about local Indian culture and it's views on the LGBT population.
