As the world's largest democracy, India plays a huge part on the global stage, tackling a range of social, economic and environmental problems in its nation of 1.25 billion people.
In 2028 India is expected to overtake China as the world's most populous country. Yet sanitation remains a big problem, with 157 million people living without toilets, making open defecation a huge environmental and health problem.
Get the information and services they need to stay healthy
Poor sanitation costs India 6.4% of its GDP. Restless Development's WASH programmes help to make sure boys and girls are able to access separate toilets in school, as well as clean water for drinking and washing hands. Volunteers also help young people to adopt healthy practices.
ICS volunteers help increase the adoption of safe health practices among young people, support the establishment of safe WASH facilities in schools, and support young people to devise clear personal development plans for their livelihoods.
Reducing teen pregnancy in Zambia
Working with local agencies
As a VSO ICS volunteer, you could work with our Indian partner agency Pravah - a youth-led charity based in New Delhi which works to impact issues of social injustice through youth civic participation.
Pravah volunteers help young people become socially responsible and make informed decisions.
Based in Rajasthan and other rural communities, you'll be working with local grassroots organisations on youth development, health, gender and education programmes as well as making sure young people have access to basic rights like water and secure livelihoods.
Past volunteers have been involved with conducting research, supporting skills development and raising awareness of issues affecting communities.
