Creating a Human Chain of Active Citizenship for Child Rights
Udayan Care offers innovative long-term and short-term volunteering and internship opportunities. Thousands of interns and volunteers have contributed to Udayan Care. The organization offers both virtual and in-person formats for volunteers to engage. There are three forms of volunteering that are most prevalent in the organization.
Udayan Care’s Internship Program offers students valuable hands-on experience in the non-profit sector. Interns from diverse educational and professional backgrounds are integral contributors to the organization’s mission. The program aims to provide students with practical opportunities to learn about and engage with the non-profit sector while allowing them to contribute to their areas of interest.
Many prestigious Indian and international universities, colleges, and schools have been sending their students to undertake short-term projects. Student interns provide invaluable support to the organization by helping with specific projects, especially those that require research or data gathering.
Interns must apply at least one month before the desired start date. All interns must be first-year, second-year, or final-year undergraduate or graduate students. If the internship is part of the academic program, a signed request letter from the college or university is required.
For those wishing to join out of personal interest and to gain experience, applications should be submitted using the format available on the Udayan Care website.
Internships at Udayan Care are voluntary and unpaid. Interns are responsible for securing their own financial support, either through their college or university or personally.
Over the years, Udayan Care has received volunteers and interns from countries like Australia, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.
The ‘Udayan Care Corporate Engagement Program’ is a volunteer initiative designed to foster Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts and introduce children and youth stakeholders from Udayan Care programs to future professions.
The program pairs corporate organizations with children aged 6-18 from the Udayan Ghar Program, care leavers aged 18-22 from Aftercare initiatives, or college-going girls from the Udayan Shalini Fellowship Program for a minimum of one year. An induction program for mentors and mentees sets interaction goals and helps break the ice for employees who may be interacting with children or youth for the first time.
This program allows corporations to share their expertise while exposing children and youth to a professional work environment, aiding them in making informed career choices.
Corporate Events and Workshops: Corporates often organize one-day events and excursions for Udayan Care children. Additionally, some companies offer soft skills workshops and training sessions, which help the children adapt better in their schools and future workplaces. For the Udayan Shalini fellows, corporates organize exposure visits or day-long capacity-building workshops at their premises.
Corporate volunteers from organizations like TATA and Genpact have contributed to fundraising, developing MIS systems, data entry, website development, HR development, and training programs. Companies like ASOS, Baxter, Benetton, Genpact, Mercer, and UHG, among others, have partnered with us to make a difference.
The organization also works with volunteers through platforms like ConnectFor, Internshala, Bharat Uday, Skrap, Eduboard Consulting, TATA ProEngagers, Goodera, ReachOne TeachOne, U&I, and others.
“Kindness has no boundaries. It is the language of the soul.” – Walking the Path of Compassion by Amit Ray
In today’s busy, mechanical and impersonal world, many individuals feel a deep sense of restlessness, a quest to find happiness and meaning. Many of them turn to spirituality, but many are looking for opportunities that inspire them to make a positive impact and make a meaningful contribution – to give back. They desire to address and contribute more effectively to human rights and social injustice. We call them “Inspired Individuals”.
While Inspired Individuals come from all walks of life, they share a common mindset and a bias for positive action – many a time triggered by life’s experiences.
Role of Inspired Individuals in Udayan Ghar: Most Udayan Ghars are supported by dedicated individuals serving as mentor parents, mentors, and advisors. These long-term volunteers handle finances, school admissions, leisure activities, talent nurturing, counselling, and broadening the children’s horizons. Each home has 2-3 mentor parents who offer stability and attachment, complementing the work of caregivers, social workers, and mental health professionals. There are 29 mentor parents across all homes, all of whom are experienced, socially committed members of society aged 45 and above, capable of raising resources for the homes.
Despite efforts to care for vulnerable children, much more support is needed. Inspired individuals with rich experience, big hearts, and a desire to give back are crucial anchors for these young lives.
Role of Inspired Individuals in Udayan Shalini Fellowship Program: In 2002, Udayan Care launched the Udayan Shalini Fellowship (USF) program to support girls’ education and women’s empowerment, designed and implemented by a group of inspired individuals who believed in Udayan Care’s vision.
To open a new chapter, one or two inspired individuals as convenors are sought to lead the program locally. They form a core committee by connecting with like-minded people. These convenors initially dedicate about 12 hours per month, then about eight hours monthly, leveraging their networks for support. Local convenors also collaborate with schools for workshop venues and events, guide local staff, and identify committee members, mentors, and resource persons. The Udayan Care team provides ongoing support, training materials, funding, and best practices from other USF chapters. Inspired individuals effectively own the local chapters under the guidance of the Head Office. There is a continuous need for more USF chapters to help young girls overcome constraints and realize their potential.
Other significant volunteer roles: The support network includes advisory board members, trustees, editors, and honorary directors for the Skill Development Program.
