Remember, each NGO has its unique needs and work culture, so tailor your approach accordingly. If you’re passionate about a particular cause, look for NGOs working in that area. This will not only make your work more satisfying, but it will also reflect your passion for the organisation.
Bangalore, the Indian Silicon Valley, is home to a plethora of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in diverse fields including education, health, environment, women’s rights, and technology for social good. Some noteworthy NGOs include Akshaya Patra, Dream a Dream, Parikrma Humanity Foundation, The Association for the Mentally Challenged (AMC), and Hasiru Dala, among others.
- Akshaya Patra: Aims to eradicate classroom hunger by implementing the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in government and government-aided schools. They also work to combat hunger and encourage children from low-income families’ access to an education.
- Dream a Dream: Helps young people from vulnerable backgrounds overcome adversity and flourish in a fast-changing world using a creative life skills approach.
- Parikrma Humanity Foundation: Ensures equal access to high-quality education for children living in urban poverty, and consequently, opens opportunities for them to get established in life.
- The Association for the Mentally Challenged (AMC): Works towards the betterment of individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing care, skills training, and opportunities for growth and development.
- Hasiru Dala: Advocates for waste pickers, enabling them to lead better lives while promoting sustainable waste management practices.
- Pratham: It is is one of the biggest NGOs in India, and its mission is to fill the gaps in India’s education system via high-quality, low-cost, and reliable solutions.
- Art of Living Foundation: Founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the foundation focuses on stress-elimination and violence-eradication programs to create a stress-free, violence-free world.
- CRY (Child Rights and You): Aims to restore children’s rights in India and is committed to ensuring that every child has a happy, healthy, and creative childhood.
- U&I: A volunteer-driven charitable organization based in India. U&I provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged groups and provides them with the necessary skills for future employment.
- Headstreams: Headstreams works with people from marginalized communities to empower them through play and developing digital literacy.
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT): Specializes in institutional strengthening, forming and implementing health programs, research, and capacity building.
- Enfold Proactive Health Trust: This organization works to prevent child sexual abuse and provide professional support for those affected by such abuse. They also work towards creating child-safe environments.
- Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Aims to empower the visually impaired, disabled, and underprivileged to participate in all aspects of society equally.
- Sneha Care Home: Offers a nurturing environment for children living with HIV/AIDS. They provide these children with comprehensive care, including medical, educational, and social needs.
- Janagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy: Strives to improve urban living conditions in India by working with both the government and citizens to bring about urban transformation.
While these are just a few examples, Bangalore is home to hundreds of NGOs, each with its unique mission and vision. To find current internship openings, follow these NGOs on their websites and social media platforms, where they often post about such opportunities. Websites like Linkedin, Glassdoor, and Indeed are also great resources for finding NGO internships.
Further, consider reaching out directly to these organizations. Send them a thoughtful email expressing your interest in their work and enquiring about potential internships. As you do so, don’t forget to consider the skills you want to gain from this experience. Do you want to engage with communities on the ground, or do you prefer strategic planning and management? Answering these questions will assist you in selecting the best internship for you. Be sure to attach your resume and specify your skills and how you hope to contribute to their organization.