Volunteering

BGM welcomes volunteers. This does not necessarily mean there will be a specific role for you. It depends on what skills you have to offer and whether those skills are available locally. Obviously if you are a doctor, nurse, teacher, engineer, etc. then we are very keen to hear from you. Everyone who volunteers will, at the very least, have the opportunity to experience grass-roots development work first-hand.

Learning to read and write English is generally very important in India. All government jobs require fluency in English and typically interviews are carried out in English too. The quality of English tuition in government schools however, is usually poor unlike private fee-paying schools. BGM welcomes the help of volunteers in teaching English.

Whenever funds are available BGM employs workers to build wells and toilets. If your visit coincides with well/toilet construction then there may be opportunities to assist with labouring.

Accomodation and costs
Due to space constraints BGM can currently only accomodate two or three volunteers in a shared room. Accomodation is in Wilson's home (BGM's founder) and is a simple double-room with attached bathroom (western-style toilet and bucket/jug bath facilities). The setting is very peaceful and the views across the reservoir to the Western Ghats beyond are spectacular, especially at sunrise.

The family are happy for you to have meals with them or if you prefer you are welcome to prepare your own meals in the kitchen.

Donations from volunteers are very welcome (though not essential) and help to cover the cost of food and accomodation. All donations will go towards the work of BGM.