TOTEM Program

The TOTEM program is a scheme that has been set up to enable people to work for spells of three weeks as volunteers with RUCHI, with a contribution of US $1000. Longer placements of three to six months are also available. The TOTEM program is based on the recognition that people of each culture know and understand what is appropriate for their community.

As a volunteer at RUCHI typical activities during the course of a day will include interaction with RUCHI staff, learning Hindi, teaching English, field trips to villages working on projects in partnership with RUCHI, studying methods of rainwater harvesting, working on farms with farmers, studying the various water use facilities such as water collection, cloth washing and cattle watering and experiencing the local culture. A volunteer can contribute in terms of his/her time, enthusiasm, and skills to help fulfill the goals set out for community development.

OXFAM New Zealand has supplied volunteers to the TOTEM programme since 2005. TOTEM has also been supported by members of Rotary International in New Zealand (District 9940) through their donations and personal involvement.

You can choose from two types of Placement: a three-week Personal Development Placement or a longer-term Educational Placement of 3-6 months. The cost for the Personal Development Placement is US$ 1000 that covers All required transport for site visits once at RUCHI (either by bus or RUCHI vehicle), All meals (authentic vegetarian North Indian food), Accommodation at RUCHI (twin bedded room with an attached bathroom in accommodation block; all bedding supplied), English speaking program leader (available as required throughout placement), and Program administration costs (promotional activities, RUCHI operating costs). Educational Placement costs vary depending on the length of the placement.

For longer term placements a short trip (3-4 days) can be organised to Dharamsala and Mcleod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Dharamsala sits close to the base of the Himalayan range, with good views of snow-capped peaks above. This trip may include volunteers and RUCHI staff, and will involve shared costs for transport, accommodation and food.

Further Information

TOTEM is a unique opportunity offering a fascinating experience whilst allowing volunteers to further their professional development. This is once in a lifetime experience. If you would like to know more about the TOTEM programme and how you can benefit from it, click here to download "Information Pack for Totem Volunteers" as a Word document.

For a more detailed idea of a Volunteer's day-to-day existence, click here to download "Life at RUCHI" .

Information about travel to RUCHI, including a location map, is contained in our document, "Arriving in India and Travelling to RUCHI". Click here to download a copy.

If you have any questions please email us at ruchin@ndc.vsnl.net.in or to participate, please fill up the Volunteer Form.

Some extracts from the feedback of past volunteers

The challenges RUCHI offered me, both mentally and physically, stretched and grew me. They opened up my mind to the new possibilities into which I can extend myself, both now and in the future ... This extended my capabilities and knowledge and has given me a greater appreciation for the surrounding environment and the long- and short-term ecological impacts humans have on it. (Lee-Ann Trebilco, New Zealand)

I found that going into the field was a very interesting experience and I was able to learn a lot regarding RUCHI’s work in the surrounding villages. Although my Hindi was far from good enough to comprehend what was being discussed at meetings and site visits, the RUCHI workers were very patient and thorough in telling us what was being said ... Both Laura and I enjoyed teaching at Bandh School immensely and we felt privileged to be able to teach the children. Even without any experience of teaching, we felt comfortable teaching at the school and found the atmosphere relaxing. Our lack of Hindi was not a problem either as the children and teachers had an adequate knowledge of English. (Bryan Kirkup, United Kingdom bryan_kirkup@yahoo.co.uk)

Because of the strong RUCHI focus on alleviating poverty and promoting social justice, I have found myself learning a lot about these aspects of development – a fascinating area to have had some insight into. Social mapping, promotion of gender equality, micro-economic schemes – these are things I knew nothing about before I came to RUCHI, and I am a much richer person for that knowledge. (Jinty MacTavish, New Zealand jintymactavish@gmail.com)

I have experienced: weddings, food, dance, schools, and most importantly the simple life people live here. From my experience I now will go back home with a new outlook on life that focuses on the more important things like family instead of consumerism. (Jessica Rowe, New Zealand)

Returning to RUCHI a year after the first visit, has been enormously satisfying. We have the pleasure of greeting old friends, the satisfaction of seeing the progress that a year has wrought, and the knowledge that RUCHI's hospitality will be as terrific as it always was. (Richard and Gail Spence, New Zealand dr.dick@xtra.co.nz)

Awesome !! I loved that I got to see a lot of India that I could never have experienced on my own. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done for me. I hope I can return the favour one day. (Anne Swart, USA anneswart@gmail.com)