Social Enterprise Development
Business & Entrepreneurship, Education & Youth Development, Gender Equality
Intern with an organization located near Bharatpur, Rajasthan, just 25 miles away from the iconic Taj Mahal. This organization stands as a beacon of hope and refuge for the less fortunate among us, dedicated to providing shelter and support for individuals who are often overlooked by society.
Today, this remarkable organization extends its helping hand to more than 5,000 people residing in 29 homes across India and Nepal. It serves as a home for those who are physically or mentally ill, abandoned by their families, or victims of abuse, offering them a safe haven when they have nowhere else to turn. Notably, residents are welcomed without discrimination based on religion, caste, or creed, and all essential facilities are provided entirely free of charge.
The organization's mission is to provide essential support to those found on the streets, offering care and assistance to individuals referred to as Prabhuji, symbolizing a representation of God. Prabhujis receive not only food, shelter, and clothing but also vital medical attention and, most importantly, hope. This is made possible through the dedicated efforts of trained volunteers, staff, and medical professionals working in close collaboration with each ashram.
Across various regions in India, including Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, the organization operates 28 ashrams or homes that provide shelter to the homeless. Furthermore, in a significant international outreach effort, the first international ashram was established in Nepal in February 2019. The organization's extensive network is supported by volunteers at 34 help centers and 60 telephone helplines, ensuring swift responses to reports of homeless individuals, bringing them to the nearest ashram.
Within the homes, residents are categorized by gender, age, mental health, and physical condition, ensuring that each group receives specialized care and support. Prabhujis facing various challenges, including HIV, TB, cancer, epilepsy, leprosy, paralysis, polio, as well as sight and hearing impairments, receive specialized care. Over 90% of the residents require regular medication, and 40% are entirely dependent on the dedication of volunteers and staff for their daily needs. Each month, the organization conducts more than 80 surgeries to address the diverse medical needs of its residents. Notably, a dedicated hospital opened its doors in February 2019 to enhance medical care.
Isla, in partnership with this organization, is actively seeking interns with a background in business and social entrepreneurship. Their mission is to build the capacity of the host organization to train residents in social enterprise development. The ultimate goal is to equip these individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to create sustainable career opportunities as they reintegrate into society.
Internships range from 9 weeks to potentially lasting up to a year. This is a fantastic opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students seeking a practicum experience in business and social enterprise development. A strong passion for global sustainable development and social impact ventures is a valuable asset for this role. Your participation in this program will contribute to empowering and uplifting the lives of those who have faced hardship, offering them hope and the chance for a brighter future.