RUCHI
Rural Centre for Human Interests
Volunteer India program
S.T.V. projects – 2016 (Spring)
Correspondence:
RUCHI
Technology Complex
Village Bandh, P.O. Bhaguri, Via Patta
Distt. Solan. H.P. – 173233
INDIA
Contact info:
Landline:+91-1792-207002
Mobile: +91-9459377111 (Mahip Dagar)
Email: info@ruchin.org
Website: www.ruchin.org
About RUCHI
Rural Centre for Human Interests (RUCHI) is a community development organization with ever
increasing focus on youth development and intercultural learning through voluntary service.
RUCHI got registered in 1983, under Indian Societies Registration Act as a non-political, non-profit
making voluntary organization.
RUCHI was established keeping in mind the problems and restrictions that a remote community
faces on day to day basis. These could be due to poverty, lack of knowledge, poor infrastructure
or at times difficult terrain. As a result RUCHI has always implemented its project with people
centered approach and gave priority to community development. With 29 years in this field,
RUCHI has accumulated extensive knowledge in community development with project area
ranging from semi-urban background to extremely remote communities requiring two days of
walk certain time of the year.
Over time RUCHI has also developed and successfully implemented many low cost technologies.
We are now acting as a resource organization for Indian Government and other NGO’s pursuing
rural community development work.
RUCHI has a head office in Bandh village and two regional offices in Rajgarh and Punjab. RUCHI is
well equipped with staff, infra structure and technical support to implement developmental
projects across country with help of partner NGO’s.
Our motto
Through Voluntary services, RUCHI aims to promote intercultural learning between individual,
group and community, leading to better understanding and tolerance towards each-others
culture. We believe achieving peace, harmony and working towards a world with fewer
boundaries is a never ending process which can be achieved by increasing youth mobility through
voluntary camps globally.
Our Approach
For past 29years RUCHI has committed its efforts and resources towards rural development. All
our projects have a people centered approach and ongoing commitment with our projects and
partners. Our workcamp offer a unique opportunity to gain global perspective for volunteer and
local youth increasing their professional competencies. Voluntary service not only help
community projects but also provide a much needed overview and technical support. With work
camp we provide a unique learning experience for volunteers.
Network and collaboration
RUCHI is affiliated with international and national voluntary service networks. Recently it got
elected in Executive Committee of Network of Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA), It is also
member of Coordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS). RUCHI also
partners with Alliance of European Voluntary service Organization (ALLIANCE).
Besides international networks RUCHI also affiliates with national organizations like Institute of
Rural Management (IRMA), Delhi School of Social Works, Tata Institute of Social Science, Xavier
Institute of Social Science (XISS) and students from University of Delhi, Kurukshetra, Allahabad
etc. RUCHI hosts students from these institutes and facilitates their rural management studies.
RUCHI also implements CSR projects in partnership with KRAFT Food and Johnson & Johnsons.
Under this project a NFE centre is being run for deprived and needy children living in slums of
Baddi. In 2012 RUCHI implemented a Support my School (SMS) campaign funded by UN Habitat
Coca Cola and NDTV India, where infrastructure development work for public schools was
undertaken.
Our Program
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Short Term Workcamp, STW (14days)
Special Work Camp, SWC (14days)
Long – Medium Term Volunteer, LMTV (1-12months)
Group Workcamp. 10+ vols. (14days)
Areas of Interests
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Renovation/ maintenance.
Environment and conservation.
Non formal education.
Community development.
Construction.
Culture exposure.
Disability
RUCHI Short Term Work Camps-(Code: RC)
Spring 2016
Summary
Code
Name
Location
Dates 2016
Type
No. Vols.
Age 18+
RC-01/16
Women Power
Solan-RUCHI
11/01 – 24/01
SOC/COM.DEV
10
RC-02/16
Save A Tree
Solan-RUCHI
01/02 – 14/02
ENV
10
RC-03/16
Women Power
Solan-RUCHI
22/02 – 06/03
SOC/COM.DEV
10
RC-04/16
Tibetan & Indian
culture
Holi Mela –
Festival of Colors
Creative
development
Tibetan & Indian
culture
Water for Life
Dharamshala
07/03 – 20/03
ART/CULT
10
Solan/RUCHI
21/03 – 27/03
FESTIVAL/CULT
7
Solan-RUCHI
21/03 – 03/04
10
Dharamshala
28/03 – 10/04
ART/COM.
DEV.
ART/CULT
Solan-Baddi
11/04 – 24/04
ENV
10
Tibetan & Indian
culture
Creative arts
Dharamshala
11/04 – 24/04
ART/CULT
10
Solan-Patta
25/04 - 08/05
ART/COM.DEV
10
Children with
disability
Tibetan & Indian
Culture
Water for Life
Shimla
25/04 - 08/05
SOC./EDU
4
Dharamshala
09/05 - 22/05
ART/CULT
10
Solan-Baddi
16/05 - 29/05
ENV
10
RC-05/16
RC-06/16
RC-07/16
RC-08/16
RC-09/16
RC-10/16
RC-11/16
RC-12/16
RC-13/16
10
Description of the Short Term Camps
General Information:
 All Short Term Camps (STC) last two weeks with fixed dates.
 There will always be a RUCHI Camp Leader
 Volunteers take care of their own travel costs and bear all personal expenses during free time.
 Volunteers have to be 18 years or older
 No special skills are required; volunteers have to be open minded and willing to adapt to challenging
conditions.
 Volunteers’ contribution is always recognized and appreciated but they will have to accept the fact that
they can not change the world in two weeks.
 Living conditions will be simple.
 Volunteers must be willing to understand and respect local as well each other’s culture.
 Volunteers must be prepared to live in harmony with others and work as a team.
 For every STC there will be a special info-sheet with more detailed information.
 Working hours will be 5-6 hours, 5 days a week.
SHORT-TERM CAMPS:
This is a voluntary service project developed for a short duration of two weeks. Under this camp, besides
experiencing rural culture, the volunteers get an opportunity to foster international dialogue and friendship.
During the camp, volunteers work, live and have fun together in a simple natural environment. Depending on
the programme of each project, volunteers can join activities in different areas of RUCHI’s work.
Short duration camps are held round the year. Group of 6 to 10 people are invited to participate in them. In
these camps they join projects involving civil works such as construction of Irrigation Tank, development &
protection of Natural Spring, construction of Ferro Cement Tank for rain water harvesting, repairs and
renovation works, teaching/arts/games with school children, trees plantation.
The contribution for a two-week camp is Euro 200 except the Dharamsala and Shimla camps which cost Euro
220 because of its touristic location. RC-05/16 (Festival of Colours) project is of only one week duration and
contribution is subsidized (only Euro 130). The participants are required to pay the contribution in cash on the
first day of their arrival in the workcamp. If you are carrying travelers cheque, you are advised to encash them
in Delhi or Chandigarh city. The contribution covers all basic expenses, e.g. food, housing and local
transportation on weekdays/ work camp. You will need money for weekend extra expenses and for your
personal toiletries. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
Why the extra fee?
RUCHI with other NGO’s in India is not financially supported by government to host projects related to IVS.
Hence all projects are self funded with a participation fee. Given the remote location and various complexities
we have tried our best to make it as affordable as possible for volunteers. Being a non-profit organization we
emphasize on transparency, below is how we spend collected participation fee.
 Food, accommodation and logistics of volunteer during workcamp.
 Project setup costs. (material and logistics cost)
 Running the camp. (wages of professional like mason, carpenter, plumber etc and training local youth
supported by us.)
 Office running/admin expenses. (Internet, photocopy, stationary, electricity, phone, salaries, office
equipments, tools and rent etc.)
 Supporting small community project.
 International travel costs to global conferences and membership fee for networking.
SHORT TERM CAMP DETAILS
RC-01/16
RC-03/16
RUCHI (Solan) Women Power
RUCHI (Solan) Women Power
SOC/EDU
SOC/EDU
10 Vols.
10 Vols.
11.01.16 – 24.01.16
22.02.16 – 06.03.16
Location: Ruchi campus which is located near Bandh village. It is 30 km from Kalka and 60 km from Chandigarh.
Bandh village is small located in interior mountainous area and the volunteers will have a unique opportunity to
live with nature in a peaceful environment. RUCHI campus is one km. from the village.
Work: This projects aims to empower women by helping them to gain confidence, recognize and demand their
rights and most importantly start being an earning member of family. The volunteer is expected to better
understand the role a typical women has in our society. They will also be attending SHG meetings of groups to
better understand their activities.
Additional activities will include learning of various developmental issues and solutions. They will visit various
humanitarian projects and interact with the villagers.
Requirements: Interest in gender related work and issues with a sharing and learning ability, High motivation.
Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus. All basic amenities will be available with library
facilities. Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. A cook will
be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management
is required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.
Leisure time: Self organized city tours and excursions. Old Sikh and Hindu temples in the near vicinity can be
visited. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction. A visit to Shimla will offer an
opportunity to see high Himalayan Mountains.
International Terminal: New Delhi (320 Kms);
Nearest railway station: Kalka (30 kms)
RC-02/16
Solan
Save A Tree
Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla (70 kms)
Participation Fee: Euro 200
ENV
10 Vols.
01.02.16 – 14.02.16
Location: Ruchi campus which is located near Bandh village. It is 30 km from Kalka and 60 km from Chandigarh.
Bandh village is small located in interior mountainous area and the volunteers will have a unique opportunity to
live with nature in a peaceful environment. RUCHI campus is one km. from the village.
Work: Volunteers will do actual plantation of trees on waste land near Ruchi campus. Work would be preparing
holes, clear weeds and plant trees to rejuvenate forests. Besides tree plantation, volunteers will educate
people how the trees are linked to life and survival of human beings. Tree nursery may also be developed for
future plantation. Volunteer will get orientation before starting project. Additional activities will include
learning of various developmental issues and solutions. They will visit various humanitarian projects and
interact with the villagers.
Requirements: Interest in environment and climate change and learning ability, High motivation.
Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus. All basic amenities will be available with library
facilities. Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. A cook will
be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management
is required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.
Leisure time: Self organized city tours and excursions. Old Sikh and Hindu temples in the near vicinity can be
visited. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction. A visit to Shimla will offer an
opportunity to see high Himalayan Mountains.
International Terminal: New Delhi (320 Kms);
Nearest railway station: Kalka (30 kms)
RC-05/16
Solan/RUCHI
Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla (70 kms)
Participation Fee: Euro 200
Holi-Festival of Colors 7 Vols.
21.03.16 – 27.03.16
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
One of the major festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the
month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar. Holi is also called the Spring
Festival - as it marks the arrival of spring the season of hope and joy. Entire country wears a festive look when
it is time for Holi celebration. This year, main Holi festival (playing with colours) falls on 24th March 2065. This
is only a week long camp.
Market places get abuzz with activity as frenzied shoppers start making preparations for the festival. Heaps of
various hues of colors can be seen on the roadside days before the festival. Womenfolk cook loads of sweet
dishes for the family and also for the relatives.
A Hindu festival, Holi has various legends associated with it. The foremost is the legend of demon King
Hiranyakashyap who demanded everybody in his kingdom to worship him but his pious son, Prahlad became a
devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to be killed. He asked his sister Holika to enter a blazing
fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika had a boon which made her immune to fire. Story goes that Prahlad was
saved by lord himself for his extreme devotion and evil minded Holika was burnt to ashes, for her boon worked
only when she entered the fire alone. Since that time, people light a bonfire at important crossroads, called
Holika on the eve of Holi festival and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
After a fun-filled and exciting day, the evenings the spent in sobriety when people meet friends and relatives
and exchange sweets and festive greetings. It is said the spirit of Holi encourages the feeling of brotherhood in
society and even the enemies turn friend on this day. People of all communities and even religions participate in
this joyous and colourful festival.
Along with festival celebrations, volunteers will have time to spend 3 days on the community development
projects for their personal development.
Location: The project site is Ruchi campus located near Bandh village (1 km) in Solan district. It is 30 km from
Kalka and 60 km from Chandigarh. The village is small with 35 families.
Accommodation: Volunteers will live under simple conditions and share accommodation with other volunteers.
English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. Sleeping bags are also necessary.
International Terminal: New Delhi (320 Kms);
Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh (65 kms)
Nearest railway station: Kalka (30 kms) from RUCHI campus in Bandh village.
Participation Fee: Euro 130.
RC-06/16
RC-10/16
Solan/RUCHI
Solan/Patta
Creative Dev.
Creative Dev.
ART/DEV.
ART/DEV.
10 Vols.
10 Vols.
21.03.16 –03.04.16
25.04.16 –08.05.16
Location: Ruchi campus is located near Bandh village. It is 30 km from Kalka and 60 km from Chandigarh. Bandh
village is small located in interior mountainous area and the volunteers will have a unique opportunity to live
with nature in a peaceful environment. RUCHI campus is one km. from the village.
Work: Volunteers will work in or around Ruchi campus. Work would involve drawing creative skills out of
volunteers in the form of arts work/painting on wall. This should communicate development message leading
environmentally sustainable development. Subject would be related to peace and love, Global warming, intercultural earning, good message through painting on wall for youth and public. Volunteer will get orientation
before starting project. Additional activities will include learning of various developmental issues and solutions.
They will visit various humanitarian projects and interact with the villagers.
Requirements: Interest in Art and learning ability, high motivation and creative skills.
Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus. All basic amenities will be available with library
facilities. Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. A cook will
be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management
is required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.
Leisure time: Self organized city tours and excursions. Old Sikh and Hindu temples in the near vicinity can be
visited. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction. A visit to Shimla will offer an
opportunity to see high Himalayan Mountains.
International Terminal: New Delhi (320 Kms);
Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla (70 kms)
Nearest railway station: Kalka (30 kms)
RC-04/16
RC-07/16
RC-09/16
RC-12/16
Dharamshala
Dharamshala
Dharamshala
Dharamshala
Tibetan Culture
Tibetan Culture
Tibetan Culture
Tibetan Culture
Participation Fee: Euro 200
Art/Culture
Art/Culture
Art/Culture
Art/Culture
10 Vols.
10 Vols.
10 Vols.
10 Vols.
07.03.16 – 20.03.16
28.03.16 – 10.04.16
11.04.16 – 24.04.16
09.05.16 – 22.05.16
Location: Dharamshala, is a small but internationally well known town in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
It is 70 km north of Pathankot city and 15kms from Kangra town. Dharamshala offers a number of treks to
tourists and a good majestic view of great Dhauladhar range of mountains. Dharamshala is a district head
quarter for Kangra district and also happens to be the Secretariat of Tibetan spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama.
Dharamshala offers tourists culture of Tibet and a different experience. Like any other hilly area, the houses in
the area are scattered. The economy of the Tibetans is on tourism whereas that of local villagers is purely
dependent on agriculture. Project will be held in sub-urban area of Mcleodganj.
Work: This camp will provide an exposure to local as well as Tibetan culture. The volunteers will study the
history of Tibet and how the Tibetans fled Tibet to live in exile at this place. Inter-cultural learning will broaden
horizons of volunteers on issues concerning environment and livelihood. Volunteers will also work on facelift
of local school, create learning opportunities for children and teach children.
Accommodation: Volunteers will live under simple conditions and share accommodation with other volunteers.
Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. A cook will be there
but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management is
required. Sleeping bags are also necessary.
Leisure time: The volunteers will have opportunity to visit the seat of spiritual leader, the Dalia Lama and other
historical Hindu temples. Opportunities will be there for short and long treks in the mountains. After the camp
volunteers, if they like, may visit Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
International Terminal: New Delhi (320 Kms);
Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh (65 kms)
Nearest railway station: Kalka (30 kms) from Bandh village and Pathankot (60 kms) from Dharamshala.
Participation Fee: Euro 220. The extra fee is because of Touristic place.
RC-11/16
Shimla
Children with Disability
SOC/EDU 5 Vols.
25.04.16 – 08.05.16
Location: Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh state and used to be the summer capital during British
regime. It is 90 km from Kalka and 120 km from Chandigarh city. The project partner is an NGO taking care of
children suffering from disabilities, mainly mental/low IQ children. The area is full of scenic beauty with cool
and clean environment and serves as a hot destination for national and international tourists.
Work: Volunteers will work with children having disability. Work would be tending to these special children
helping them in their day-to-day activities, cleaning, teach them simple English and engage them in sports
activities. Children will be encouraged to open up and their inherent talents will be identified. Volunteer will
get orientation before starting project. Additional activities will include learning of various developmental issues
and solutions.
Requirements: Interest in working with people having some disability, patience and High motivation.
Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the guest house or host families. Simple basic amenities will be
available. Asian squat type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. Sleeping
bags are also necessary.
Leisure time: Self organized city tours and excursions. Nearby Chail and Kufri town are other tourist
attractions. You are advised to discuss it with your team leader.
International Terminal: New Delhi (320 Kms);
kms)
Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh (120 kms) and Shimla (10
Nearest railway station: Shimla on narrow gauge (10 kms)
RC-08/16
RC-13/16
Solan/Baddi
Solan/Baddi
Water for Life
Water for Life
ENV
ENV
Participation Fee: Euro 220
10 Vols.
10 Vols.
11.04.16 –24.04.16
16.05.16 –29.05.16
Location: Baddi is a fast growing industrialized township of Solan district. It is close to Chandigarh city which is
famous for its Rock Garden. RUCHI has lauched an integrated project in 30 villages and slums. The area is
situated at an altitude of 1000 to 3000 feet above MSL. The volunteer will work on the project in these 30
villages. Health, sanitation and water is a serious problem in the area and the project aims at improving these
facilities.
Work: Volunteers will work on water conservation work as well as educating people on importance of water in
life. Poor quality of water leads to serious health problems. The creative volunteers can develop some
relevant education materials and all will have opportunities to be involved with physical construction works at
sites.
Time permitting, volunteers may also be involved in cleaning water bodies from previously built structures.
During monsoon and winter rains these structures receive silt from upstream which reduces the storage
affecting ground water recharge. The work will renovate the structures for effective reserve of water.
Accommodation: Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus/host families in shared accommodation. Asian squat
type toilet and English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. A cook will be there but volunteers
are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management is required. Meantime
volunteer can learn Indian cuisine( cooking). Bed sheets and mattress are necessary.
Leisure time: Self organized city tours and excursions. Old Sikh and Hindu temples in the near vicinity can be
visited. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction. A visit to Shimla will offer an
opportunity to see high Himalayan Mountains.
International Terminal: New Delhi (320 Kms);
Nearest railway station: Kalka (30 kms)
Domestic Terminal: Chandigarh and Shimla (70 kms)
Participation Fee: Euro 200