Centre for Tribal and Rural Development

Donate and Volunteer

CTRD Trust is currently looking for volunteers to live and work on a variety of projects. Volunteers will live at the CTRD campus located amongst the tea estates and forests of the Nilgiris and will be provided with full board, lodgings and local transport.

Ideally we are seeking a long term volunteer who can assist the administration team to produce written materials such as books and information packs about CTRD’s work. This would also involve writing grant applications to international donor agencies, producing website materials and developing our child sponsorship programme. This position would be ideal for someone with a research interest in the work of NGOs and tribal adivasi communities. The candidates’ time would be split between the needs of CTRD and their own research. CTRD is an ideal place to conduct research in surrounding tribal villages and to engage with the wider issues surrounding rural development.

We do however require shorter term volunteers who could assist the CTRD team. We receive regular volunteers and academics from all over the world who have all contributed to CTRD in different ways. CTRD works in the medical field by supplying support and screening camps for people afflicted with sickle cell anaemia. We also advise and support local communities on a variety of medical issues. Volunteers with a medical background would be greatly appreciated.

Qualifications: While no specific qualifications are required CTRD would request the following skills:

Essential

• I.T literate
• Excellent English writing skills
• A mature self starter
• Administration skills
• Good communication skills
• Hard work and commitment to CTRD’s objectives

Desirable

• Experience in fund raising
• Research background
• Evaluation skills
• Grassroots NGO background
• Knowledge of International Development issues

In return CTRD offers:

• Free full board and lodging.

• Friendly working environment.

• Beautiful rural surroundings located in the foothills of the Nilgiri Hills.

• Opportunity to develop research interests in the field of rural tribal development.

• Join a community of academics and short term volunteers who regularly visit CTRD.

• Opportunity to develop projects linked to CTRD’s sustainability objectives.

• Offer you the freedom and support to contribute your own ideas and expertise to develop new projects.

• On the door step to many of south India’s tourist spots such as Mysore, Cochin and Kerala backwaters.

Cost: £80 a month. The cost covers food and lodging and local transport. £30 goes towards expenses while £50 goes towards project costs.