Skilled Impact

Skilled Impact provided us with so much support from the beginning until the end of the placement. Help was provided with logistical things such as taking us from the airport to the accommodation as well as in helping us develop a cultural understanding of the city and providing information about travelling opportunities. For example, after a recommendation from Anna, the other volunteers and I travelled to Hampi, Karnataka for a weekend break where we got to see a range of different temples and monkeys. Similarly, if any minor issues arose from the placement, we all felt very comfortable to contact Skilled Impact, who were more than happy to provide any advice and supported us in finding solutions. The ability to tailor both the work placement and the leisure time to my own interests during the stay helped me to achieve as much as I could during my seemingly short month-long stay in Hyderabad.

Volunteering with Skilled Impact was a very enriching experience that I would warmly recommend to anyone looking for a way to support positive change in society. During one month, I worked for the partner organization Surge Impact, helping them to develop a digital marketing strategy. One month is only a short time and I would have stayed longer if I could, but it was one intense month during which I learned a lot. Working in a startup environment with Surge Impact's great team is an incredible opportunity to learn more about social entrepreneurship while actually contributing to it. Also, many of my friends and family thought I was crazy to go to India on my own as a girl, but I did not feel unsafe for a single moment. Hyderabad is a nice city to live in and the people from Skilled and Surge Impact (and the other locals) are very friendly and supportive. Volunteering here is a great way to help in an impactful organization while fully experiencing the Indian culture and developing yourself.

After completing a three-month Rural teaching fellowship through Skilled Impact, I stayed on to do their Social Entrepreneurship placement in Hyderabad. Having recently finished a conceptual degree programme the placement was the perfect way to move away from abstract learning and into the very real and fast-paced social entrepreneurial world. The dynamic nature of business accelerators and the friendliness of the organisation made for an extremely flexible and continuously changing placement that gave me the opportunity to work in many areas depending on my interests or skillsets. The organisation has an active presence in India’s social entrepreneurial community and involves itself in conferences, networking events and other groups which is very exciting to be part of and means you’re not confined to an office. During my placement I found myself on a four-day trip to India’s West coast for a Women’s entrepreneurs conference which was very interesting. Having come straight out of University and with little knowledge of the space I came away with a much greater understanding of social entrepreneurship and its potential for social change. This, along with a number of transferable skills and an enhanced CV. I found Hyderabad to be a modern and vibrant city with a huge amount going on. There are countless workshops, meet-ups, sport clubs and social groups to join and a vast natural India to explore beyond Hyderabad. Skilled Impact was a supportive and professional organisation and particularly good at settling me into Hyderabad and connecting me with people or organisations that I may find interesting.

I have just completed a similar three month teaching placement with Skilled Impact, working in an underprivileged Social Welfare school outside of Hyderabad. I chose the organisation for their emphasis on volunteerism and not 'voluntourism' and the nature of the placement which seemed to give me a higher level of challenge and responsibility than other volunteer organisations. The teaching placement was an immersive experience that gave me the opportunity to teach extra-curricular English where there was a strong need. Skilled Impact differs from other organisations here that are volunteer-oriented, focusing on profit or the 'experience' of the volunteer rather than the work's recipients. They are a professional and supportive organisation and Anna, the Managing Director, has been great to work with throughout. Now, having just completed the three month placement I have decided to stay on with the organisation to do their Social Entrepreneurship Internship!

On coming to India I was most worried about the unknown. Having never travelled to India before I didn't know what to expect in terms of of the culture and the work. I soon realised that there was nothing to worry about. All the staff were very receptive and friendly. We had lots of support from Madhavi, founder of Anaya therapy centre, who I am looking forward to having an ongoing relationship with. I enjoyed seeing even the small changes at Ananya and showing staff that learning language is fun. Anna from Skilled Impact eased my mind before heading out and was very helpful in answering lots of questions, and skyped with us before leaving. Without a doubt the trip was a worthwhile experience if just to meet Madhavi who is a very inspirational lady. She taught me that no matter what obstacles are in your way, if you want to achieve something then anything is possible. I am now going home much more confident having learnt that I am able to adapt quickly to different working environments. Whilst my time in India may have had its challenges, you will find it a very rewarding experience that you will not regret. Whatever your concerns, embrace this opportunity.