Volunteer at an Orphanage in India

Orphanage Volunteer India

Sadly, India is a developing country, and due to extreme poverty and social discrimination, there are more than 20 million orphans, many of them having left their homes to travel to cities to work in restaurants, houses, or companies, where they are often oppressed and exploited.

Local orphanages and private organizations are making a valiant effort to protect these orphans who are deprived of basic needs like education, a home, and future opportunities. Unfortunately, most of these orphanages are lacking in both resources and manpower and need volunteers to ensure the success of their mission.

By joining this orphanage volunteer program in India, you can play a direct role in improving the lives of these orphans by providing educational support and organizing extracurricular activities. Your dedication will motivate and inspire the children as you share your love and passion with them.

This is your chance to do something truly remarkable and monumental for children in need, while also exploring India and immersing yourself in the country's rich culture.

Join our India orphanage volunteer program and offer orphans the love, care, and attention they desperately need. Contact IFRE today to make a difference in the lives of orphaned children in India!

Volunteer At an Orphanage in India: At a Glance

Skills and Qualifications

Anyone can volunteer to help in the orphanages of India! There are no specific skills, experience, or education required, and so long as you are 18 years of age or older and patient, flexible, and understanding, you will be well-suited to this project. The maximum volunteer age is 65 years. You should bring with you a passion and love for the orphans, and a willingness to really make a difference in their lives.

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact

You will be acting as a caregiver, mentor, and friend to the children living in the orphanage. You will teach them English, provide them with daily care, help them get to and from school, assist with their homework, and engage the kids in fun extracurricular activities like sports, arts and crafts, playing games, and more.

Your time volunteering in an orphanage in India will make a huge impact on the lives of abandoned children in need. The orphanages are understaffed and desperately need the help of volunteers like you. You’ll bond with the children, and they will touch your heart forever.

Volunteer Schedule

As you interact with and care for the children daily, you will have plenty of fun teaching, playing and speaking with the children. Their faces will light up when they see you every morning, and you will be able to finish each day knowing you’ve made a huge difference while also having a whole lot of fun!

You are probably curious what a typical day will look like for you in our India orphanage volunteer program. Your hours and duties will vary based on your final placement, but here’s a sample schedule to give you an idea of what to expect:

7:30 am – Eat breakfast with fellow volunteers and project staff.

8:30 am – You will assist in preparing breakfast for the orphans, which can include cooking, serving food, or cleaning up after the meal.

9 am – Help take the kids to school. While they’re gone, you can assist with cleaning, planning activities, or lesson plans.

1 pm – Take a break for lunch, using the time to chat with fellow India orphanage volunteers. Make friends from all around the world!

2 pm – You’ll have some free time to go to the market or get on the internet and contact friends and family back at home.

4 pm – Around this time, the children return to the orphanage from their school day. You’ll spend the evening playing with them, helping with their homework, doing fun activities, and teaching them English.

Dates and Fees

Our Fees

IFRE is the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which makes it possible for everyone, especially students, to travel internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured, we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly program fee is paid directly to your host family and covers housing, food, project donations, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax-deductible.

Program Dates

IFRE programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

Volunteer Program Fees (US$)

Accommodation and Meal

While volunteering with orphans in India, you will be staying in a safe and comfortable room at the orphanage that is set aside for international volunteers. You’ll be fed three local healthy meals a day and have plenty of opportunity for cultural exchange and immersion.

Learn more about your housing and food in India..

Program Location, Free Time, and Weekend Exploration

The Orphanage Volunteer Program in India is offered in both Delhi and Jaipur, giving you the chance to work in two culturally vibrant cities. In this program, you will provide care, educational support, and companionship to children in local orphanages. Your presence helps improve the emotional well-being and daily lives of these children while you gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.

During your free time in Delhi, you can explore ancient monuments, spiritual temples, and bustling markets. In Jaipur, the Pink City, you’ll find stunning palaces, traditional Rajasthani culture, and beautiful street art. Whether you’re walking through historic streets or enjoying flavorful Indian cuisine, your mornings and evenings are filled with exciting opportunities to experience daily life in India.

On weekends, you can travel between cities or explore other nearby destinations. Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, enjoy a desert safari in Rajasthan, or explore historic forts and colorful bazaars. Whether you’re in Delhi or Jaipur, weekends are ideal for discovering India’s diverse history, architecture, and traditions, making your volunteer experience even more unforgettable.

Discover what to do in your free time in India! .

Safety and in-Country Support

Your safety is our top priority while you are participating in our India orphanage volunteer program. We are there to help guide you every step of the way, and you’ll have the support of our professional and experienced in-country team.

Read more about IFRE’s dedication to safety and meet our in-country team. .

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

IFRE Volunteers’ Orphanage Volunteer Program in India offers a deeply moving and meaningful way to support children who have faced hardship while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the country. As a volunteer, you’ll assist with daily care, help children with homework, lead fun activities, and offer emotional support—creating a safe and loving environment that helps build confidence and joy in their lives.

Beyond volunteering, the experience is rich with cultural immersion. Volunteers typically stay with welcoming host families or in local guesthouses, providing an up-close view of Indian traditions, family life, and cuisine. You’ll learn to cook Indian dishes, celebrate local festivals, and explore colorful markets and spiritual temples. This program gives you a powerful opportunity to both make a difference in children’s lives and experience the heart of India in a personal and unforgettable way.

Frequently Asked Questions -FAQs

You probably have quite a few questions, and we’re here to provide the answers you’re looking for. Review this key information below to get in the know when it comes to volunteering abroad:

Do you work directly in orphanages or other childcare centers?

Yes, volunteers are placed in licensed, registered orphanages or community childcare centers. They provide long‑term care, education, and emotional support to vulnerable children without stable family environments.

Is it safe to volunteer in an orphanage center in India?

Yes, the project locations are safe for international volunteers. IFRE also provides 24/7 local support, orientation on safety measures, and guidance for daily life in India. It’s recommended to be cautious with personal belongings, follow local advice, and avoid walking alone at night.

How many children are in the orphanage, and what are their ages?

We work with a number of orphanages for our Indian orphan volunteer project, so it depends on which orphanage you are placed in. The minimum number of children is 15, and the maximum is 84. Most of the orphanages are girls’ orphanages, and some of them are mixed. The ages range from 5 to 16 years old. We place volunteers where they are needed most, based on how many volunteers are already working at a certain location.

Is the orphanage volunteer project in India available year-round? When will it close and for how long?

Yes, this program is available year-round, but there can be less work during the holidays, festivals, and the school exams of the children. These exams can take place at various times, so check with us regarding your proposed dates.

What should I bring with me when volunteering in an orphanage?

It’s important to bring modest clothing, personal toiletries, any required medication, a basic first aid kit, travel insurance documents, copies of your passport and visa, and items for children if you wish to donate educational materials or toys.

Can I volunteer with friends or as a group?

Yes, groups of friends, classmates, or family members are welcome to join our orphanage project in India. Group volunteers often share accommodation and work together in placements, allowing teamwork.

Can I volunteer if I only speak basic English?

Yes, you can absolutely volunteer even if you only speak basic English. English is widely understood in India. Knowing local languages such as Hindi can help connect more deeply with the community and understand cultural nuances, but it is not required. Many volunteers with basic English skills have successfully participated in our programs.

For detailed information regarding volunteer projects in India, please visit: Volunteering Opportunities in India $200/week [Life-changing experience] IFRE volunteers

Other Volunteer Programs in India

IFRE arranges many different kinds of volunteer work in India. You can

Raise awareness of HIV/AIDS,

Teach English to disadvantaged children,

Help empower women,

Provide crucial healthcare and much more.

Contact IFRE for more information today!

Orphanage Volunteering Programs in Other Countries

There are sadly huge numbers of orphans in countries all across the world. Thus, IFRE arranges programs to aid these children in need wherever we can. See our list below of the most popular orphanage programs to learn where you can make a difference!

Why Volunteer at an Orphanage in India with IFRE Volunteers?

Trusted Since 2006 – Join a globally recognized organization offering safe and impactful orphanage volunteer experiences in India.

Affordable Way to Help – Starting at just $200 per week, this program gives you a budget-friendly way to support vulnerable children.

Safe And Fully Supported – Enjoy secure accommodations, airport pickup, and full-time support from caring local staff.

Care For Needy Children – Offer love, attention, and guidance to orphaned and abandoned kids in need of emotional support.

Support Underfunded Homes – Assist orphanages that struggle with limited staff and resources by sharing your time and skills.

Create A Lasting Impact – Orphanage volunteer program in India lets you change young lives while gaining deep cultural insight.