Community Programme

Sangam offers two forms of the Community Programme, one spanning 12 weeks and the other 4 weeks. Both programmes offer the opportunity to volunteer with one of Sangam’s Community Partner organizations and live at Sangam in the company of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from across the world! Participants in this programme are known as “Tare”, after the Hindi word for “stars”.

Sangam is affiliated with over a dozen non-governmental organizations, many of whom have longstanding relationships with the Community Programme. These partner organizations immerse our Tare into Indian culture and society, and provide them with challenging volunteer experiences that allow them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve.

Sangam’s Community Programme is unique to many other volunteer programmes in India because of its setting in an international Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting centre. Only at Sangam can you live and work with Guides and Girl Scouts from all over the world, enjoying the camaraderie of badge swapping and campfires alongside exposure to Indian culture. What’s more, a long history of community connections means that Sangam can introduce you to local people and engage you in the community, helping you to live an experience that goes far beyond tourism.

The Community Programme is supported by a team of caring, dedicated staff and volunteers living on-site at Sangam. Staff are available 24 hours a day for support and advice, are eager to foster your discovery of India, and encourage you to explore, ask questions, and learn. Scholarships and financial assistance are available and open to anyone interested in taking part in the unforgettable Tare experience.

Twelve-Week Community Programme

The 12-week programme offers participants the opportunity to volunteer long-term with one of Sangam’s Community Partner organizations. Participants live in the supportive environment of Sangam World Centre in Pune, India. After a two-week orientation, Tare are placed with a Sangam Community Partner to volunteer for 10 weeks.

Four-Week Community Programme

The 4-week programme offers participants a short-term volunteer experience with one of Sangam’s Community Partners.  After a two-day orientation, Tare are placed with a Sangam Community Partner to volunteer for 4 weeks. Participants in the 4-week Community Programme volunteer at the same sites as the 12-week Tare, who serve as mentors and help them to assimilate quickly to the Community Programme experience and the ins and outs of their Community Partner organization.

The 4-week Community Programme is a great opportunity for those who have been to Sangam or India before and want to expand on these experiences. It is also an excellent choice for those who are looking for a shorter volunteer experience.