VOLUNTEER WITH RUCHI
In the foothills of the Himalayas in India, Ruchi works with local communities to overcome poverty.
You have the opportunity to help make a difference while discovering a side of India few tourists experience
- Get to know local people
- Visit villages and provide practical help
- Learn some Hindi and teach some English
ABOUT RUCHI
RUCHI is a private non-profit, rural development agency that has been working with communities in the Himalayan foothills of North India for more than 28 years.
LOCATION - Himachal Pradesh, India
The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh lies in the Western part of the Himalayas. This mountainous region is known for its natural beauty, streams, conifer slopes and high snow covered peaks.
Through an understanding of Himachal Pradesh’s geography, ecology and culture of the Himalayan region in which it is located we can gain an understanding of RUCHI’s activities, history and achievements.
RUCHI - Who We Are
RUCHI\\\'s work would not be possible were it not for our wonderful staff, volunteers and the people of the communities that we work in. Please read a little about some of the personalities who make the RUCHI experience what it is!!
A RUCHI PROJECT
Most families in the areas that RUCHI operates are small farmers who practice agriculture and horticulture on small, terraced fields. Environmental degradation, soil erosion, lack of irrigation facilities and potable water, depleting fuel-wood and fodder sources and poor health, sanitation and educational infrastructures have combined to create endemic poverty.
BE A PART OF IT
All you need to find out about making your trip of a lifetime to RUCHI is contained in this website. Starting dates are available throughout the year and after reading all of the information contained here we are happy to answer any questions you may have about coming to visit us here in the Himalayas..
LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGE?
Then sign up for our 3 week placement working in India with RUCHI
“The 3 week programme was extremely well run, managed, and provided great insight into what RUCHI does. I had the opportunity to modify the 3-week plan depending on my interests/ aims. They were happy to accommodate my requests….Inspiring to see people making a difference at a local level.
Megan Wood: Environmental Engineer – 31 years old at RUCHI
“It takes a lot of consistent, effort and patience to achieve even small things in this kind of environment. The personal characteristics which a volunteer brings with them are your most effective tool. Patience, persistence and empathy are key traits to having a successful experience. These traits will enhance your experience more than anything RUCHI could do. I think the staff at RUCHI, especially the English speaking staff, do a phenomenal job. I have a lot of respect for them.”
Arne Hilke : student in business studies majoring in marketing and finance at Massey Uni– 20
This report is an edited version of a comprehensive evaluation report prepared by Mandy Fitchett, an independent consultant. Fitchett spent seven weeks, based at the Rural Centre for Human Interest (RUCHI) campus in Himachel Pradesh, India developing methodology, and collecting, compiling and analysing data.
Oxfam New Zealand Report - Transforming lives