To volunteer at Shanti Bhavan is to become part of something truly meaningful. Volunteers from around the world help break the cycle of poverty by contributing to our children’s world-class education and personal growth. As a volunteer at Shanti Bhavan, you’ll find the work both challenging and deeply rewarding — an experience that’s culturally enriching, emotionally impactful, and often life-changing.
Shanti Bhavan is a rural village and self-sufficient, relying on solar power and an organic farm for food. Shanti Bhavan provides all volunteers with free on-campus accommodations and meals at both campuses. Living conditions are relatively basic (dorm-style rooming, possible power outages, etc.), with limited opportunities to travel off campus. Candidates must be comfortable working in such an environment.
Our SchoolTeaching volunteers at Shanti Bhavan commit to a 6-week term and support our elementary school teachers in the classroom. They assist with lessons, offer one-on-one or small group help, and adapt to students’ individual learning needs. Volunteers may also help lead or assist with extracurricular activities like art, sports, music, or debate, depending on campus needs.
Media volunteers at Shanti Bhavan commit to 2–4 weeks on campus and should have experience in photography or videography. This role involves capturing day-to-day moments and creating content for Shanti Bhavan’s website and social media, telling authentic stories through photo and video.
“A day at Shanti Bhavan is a day with purpose. It’s a day to be curious and laugh freely and cement memories so vivid that you can still taste them years later (or maybe that’s the dosa?). My conception of opportunity and of true commitment to community is grounded in my time spent at SB; it is an experience that guides me everyday.”
“Shanti Bhavan has cultivated a truly unique community in which all members, from teachers and volunteers to staff members and administrators, have the best interests of the students at heart and work incredibly hard to that end. This spirit, as well as the beautiful SB children who embody it, has made my involvement with SB one of the most rewarding aspects of my life and a source of great friendship, pride, and joy.”