About the program
Volunteer at Prem Dan, a long-established care center in Kolkata run by the Missionaries of Charity, supporting individuals living with physical and psychosocial disabilities. Volunteers assist with daily care routines, supervised occupational therapy activities, and psychosocial support — offering companionship, structured activities, and dignity-focused care. This is hands-on, humbling work grounded in decades of community care tradition, guided by resident staff and sisters. Set in the heart of Kolkata, this program pairs meaningful, closely supervised service with exposure to the city’s rich history and culture — suited to volunteers seeking a genuine, service-oriented experience.
Locale
urban, peri_urban
Stipend
no
Open To
Everyone
Nationality
Open for All
No. of Working Days
6
Program Outcome
Certificate, Professional experience
7:30 AM – Arrive at the center, morning prayer/briefing (optional, respectful of volunteer's own faith)
8:00 – 11:30 AM – Assist with morning care routines, feeding support, and supervised activities
12:00 PM – Lunch break
1:00 – 3:00 PM – Rest period (many centers pause activities during this time)
3:00 – 5:00 PM – Afternoon session: supervised recreational activities, companionship, light physical support
5:00 PM onward – Free time: city exploration or rest
Evenings – Optional reflection time or informal gathering with fellow volunteers
Provide supervised psychosocial support — companionship, conversation, and comfort to residents
Assist staff with basic occupational therapy activities — supervised mobility and movement exercises
Support daily care routines including feeding assistance, hygiene support, and comfort care
Help facilitate group activities, simple crafts, or recreational engagement
Assist with laundry, meal service, and general facility support as needed
Support communication and companionship for residents with limited mobility or speech
Follow all guidance from resident sisters and staff regarding individual care needs
Participate in daily briefings to understand appropriate boundaries and care protocols
- Hours per Day:
- 6 Hours
- Days per Week:
- 6 Days
- No. of Days Off:
- 1 Day
- Schedule Flexibility:
- Flexible
Motherhouse, Victoria Memorial, Park Street, Kalighat Kali Temple, College Street, tram ride, street food, Bengali sweets, and historic cafés, Indian Museum
Upcoming Batches
Select Month
Available Slots
Available Slot
3 - 14 August 2026
Available Slot
22 September 2026 - 3 October 2026
Available Slot
16 - 27 October 2026
Available Slot
1 - 12 November 2026
Available Slot
25 December 2026 - 5 January 2027
Experience Highlights
- Serve at a globally recognized, long-established disability and elder care center.
- Supervised involvement in daily care routines and psychosocial support activities.
- Assist with basic occupational therapy support — mobility exercises, activity sessions, guided by staff.
- Structured orientation process before any direct volunteer involvement begins.
- Work alongside experienced care staff and religious sisters with decades of service tradition.
- Exposure to community-based, dignity-centered care models.
Location
Nearest Railway Station: Sealdah Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Bus Stand: Park Circus local bus/tram terminus
Pick Up and Drop: Not Available
Here's what your stay covers - from where you sleep to what's on your plate. The host provides these at no cost to you.
-
Accommodation - Shared - 2 persons
-
Bathroom - Shared Inside
-
Local Transport - Provided for programme activities only
-
Programme Outcome - Certificate, Professional Experience
-
Programme Fee - Rs.0 (Fully Funded)
-
Meal - Not Provided
-
Equipment - Not provided
-
Travel to the programme site
-
Personal travel
-
Personal expenses and leisure costs
Who Should Apply?
Basic Requirements
These are the basics to check before applying - age, commitment, fitness, and language. Make sure you fit, so the experience fits you.
- Age
- 20 - 35 Years
- Commitment
- 12 Days
- Physical Fitness
- Not Required
- Language
- English, Hindi, Bengali
- Nationality
- Open for All
Skills
What helps you thrive here - from the essential to the nice-to-have. Every programme is different, so take a gentle look and see if it feels like a match.
Required Skill
These are essential for this programme - please check that you meet them before applying.
Psychosocial support
Preferred Skill
Not required - but if you bring these, your contribution and experience will be richer.
Occupational therapy assistance
If you don't have the preferred skill - don't worry. The host provides full training.
Top Qualities
These are the traits you must possess to be able to perform well in the program.
- Comfortable with early mornings and physically demanding daily routines
- Emotionally resilient in challenging or uncertain environments
- Patient — comfortable with slow progress and repetitive tasks
- Reliable and punctual — follows through on commitments
- Strong communicator — builds trust across language and cultural differences
Health and Safety
What to know before you arrive - medical access, insurance, and anything specific to this location. Read this carefully.
- Vaccinations Recommended
- Not Provided
- Health Considerations
- No specific concerns
- Volunteer Insurance
- Not Covered
- Medical Facility
- KMC Hospital (Kolkata Municipal Corporation), Shri Dhar Roy Road, Kustia, Tiljala
- Safety Gear
- Not Applicable
- First Aid Onsite
- Available
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