Volunteering in Kolkata

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Getting involved through volunteering is a fantastic way to build connections in Kolkata. Here are some organizations where you can lend a hand.

Volunteering in Kolkata, offers expats a unique opportunity to engage with the local community, make a positive impact, and meet like-minded individuals. It is an excellent way to integrate into the vibrant culture of the city while forming lasting friendships with both locals and fellow expats. The variety of volunteer organizations in Kolkata ensures that there are opportunities to suit diverse interests and skills.

Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity

The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, is one of the most renowned organizations in Kolkata. Volunteers assist in various tasks, including caring for the sick, elderly, and underprivileged children. No specific skills are required, just a willingness to help. Volunteers can commit to as little as a few hours a week or engage in longer-term projects.

Website: motherteresa.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, from a few hours to full-time

Future Hope

Future Hope works to provide education, healthcare, and shelter to street and slum children. Volunteers can help with teaching, administrative tasks, or participating in sports and extracurricular activities. The organization welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: futurehope.net
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of one month recommended

Calcutta Rescue

Calcutta Rescue offers medical care, education, and vocational training to underprivileged communities. Volunteers can assist in clinics, teach English, or help with administrative tasks. The organization is flexible with time commitments, allowing volunteers to contribute as much or as little time as they can.

Website: calcuttarescue.org
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of two weeks recommended

The Hope Foundation

The Hope Foundation works to protect and improve the lives of street and slum children in Kolkata. Volunteers can engage in various activities, including teaching, healthcare, and community development. The organization accepts both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: thehopefoundation.org.uk
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of one month recommended

Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta

Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta focuses on providing education, healthcare, and vocational training to underprivileged children and women. Volunteers can assist with teaching, medical care, or administrative tasks. The organization is flexible with time commitments and welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: emmanuelministriescalcutta.org
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of two weeks recommended

Kolkata Sanved

Kolkata Sanved uses dance and movement therapy to empower and rehabilitate survivors of trafficking and violence. Volunteers can assist with workshops, administrative tasks, or fundraising efforts. The organization welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: kolkatasanved.org
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of one month recommended

New Light

New Light works to empower women and children in Kolkata's red-light districts through education, healthcare, and vocational training. Volunteers can assist with teaching, medical care, or administrative tasks. The organization is flexible with time commitments and welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: newlightindia.org
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of one month recommended

Tomorrow's Foundation

Tomorrow's Foundation focuses on providing education and healthcare to underprivileged children. Volunteers can assist with teaching, medical care, or administrative tasks. The organization welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers and is flexible with time commitments.

Website: tomorrowsfoundation.org
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of two weeks recommended

CRY (Child Rights and You)

CRY works to ensure the rights of underprivileged children in India. Volunteers can assist with fundraising, advocacy, or administrative tasks. The organization is flexible with time commitments and welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: cry.org
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of one month recommended

Sahaara Charitable Society

Sahaara Charitable Society works to rehabilitate and empower women and children in vulnerable situations. Volunteers can assist with teaching, medical care, or administrative tasks. The organization welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers and is flexible with time commitments.

Website: sahaarasociety.org
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of two weeks recommended

Disha Foundation

Disha Foundation focuses on providing education and vocational training to underprivileged children and women. Volunteers can assist with teaching, administrative tasks, or fundraising efforts. The organization is flexible with time commitments and welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: dishafoundation.org
Location(s): Kolkata
Time Commitment: Flexible, minimum of one month recommended

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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