What else could you do?
Prime Trust has connections with other NGOs located in Pondicherry. We support these organisations 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. If you require any further details about these projects or volunteering, don't hesitate to contact us. If you do not see any projects which interest you below, please visit our project page for more project opportunities.
Women's Microfinance Groups
These groups are designed to help underprivileged women empower themselves by creating a system that allows them to take out loans they would not otherwise have access to. The amount and use of the loan is decided by each group, and they pay the loan back with the guiding support of Prime Trust. This project is best suited for volunteers staying for longer periods of time. Volunteers can train the local staff on how to use Excel to track the accounts of the over 250 microfinance groups. Additionally, many volunteers in the past have conducted research on this project concerning how it empowers women, the challenges of managing the debt, and how to effectively use the loan money to begin a business.
Home For Boys
Servicing more than 100 orphan, underprivileged, and/or differentially-abled boys, this project is in constant need of support as the staff struggle to interact with all of the children to the extent they would like. Volunteers can socialize with the boys to increase their quality of life in the home, as well as assisting with day-to-day caretaking tasks.
Home for Disabled 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 benefits women coming from a variety of backgrounds, but all suffer being treated as the lowest of the low in society. Most of the women are referred to the home by the local police or are turned in by their families as unwanted. The women have few options in life. Volunteers can work to improve their quality of life through socializing, organizing field trips, and generally empowering the women so they feel good about themselves. (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.
