International Volunteering Opportunity in India in Mental Health and Health Awareness with AIESEC

AIESECoffers a global volunteer opportunity in Bengaluru, India, with SUMANAHALLI SOCIETY focused on raising awareness of non-communicable disease prevention and mental health. Volunteers take part in a community project organized across six weeks, working Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; no application deadline is stated. Applicants can explore volunteer opportunities and browse other opportunities for young people.

About the Global Volunteer Project

The project contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-Being. Its focus is awareness of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), substance abuse and mental health. Activities are planned around the needs identified in the community and by the nonprofit organization. The listed weekly schedule runs for six weeks in Bengaluru.

During week one, the volunteer reviews the NGO’s progress and focus in relation to NCDs, substance abuse and mental health initiatives, and meets its representatives. The participant researches the community’s priority NCDs and needs related to substance abuse or mental health. This research informs a plan for the following weeks, with attention to the issue most relevant to the community at that time.

Week two involves defining the target group by age and the issue to address, then preparing materials to collect outcome data. Activities also include teaching students in a slum area and focusing on vocational training for children. Volunteers build an online presence and social media engagement for the campaign, participate in community spaces, distribute pamphlets and run in-person engagement activities. They also identify stakeholders who could contribute and approach those able to support the project.

In week three, the volunteer prepares training sessions and workshops, runs an introductory workshop for project beneficiaries and presents the educational plan for the coming weeks. The participant also coordinates activities with organizations that have agreed to partner and conducts an initial assessment for outcome measurement.

Week four includes a workshop on the negative consequences of substance abuse and its connection to NCDs and mental health disorders. Other activities cover healthy eating habits, basic nutrition and balanced diets. Beneficiaries take part in a good-habits commitment session, reflecting on what they have learned and choosing relevant habits to put into practice. The volunteer also demonstrates basic at-home exercises or other ways to stay active, followed by a workshop on key elements of a healthy lifestyle.

Week five focuses on connecting with emotions, reading and journaling as habits to support mental health, and sessions on yoga and meditation. It also includes a workshop about acts of kindness and gratitude. In the final week, the volunteer collects beneficiary feedback through surveys, interviews or focus groups and analyzes changes in awareness after the project activities. The volunteer presents campaign results and recommendations for healthy habits, then prepares a final project report for AIESEC members and NGO representatives.

Who Should Apply

This project may suit people interested in social work or psychology who want to contribute to community-based health awareness activities. Participants should be able to use English and the locally spoken languages needed for communication. The schedule calls for involvement in planning, workshops, community engagement and outcome data collection.

Key Highlights

• Location: Bengaluru, India.
• Project schedule: six weeks of activities.
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Topics include NCD prevention, mental health, nutrition, exercise and healthy habits.
• No application deadline is listed in the opportunity information.