Deadline: February 25.
The Georgetown University South Asian Society is happy to announce the first development internship program of its beneficiary organization, the Kumarappa Institute of Gram Swaraj (KIGS) based in Jaipur, India. KIGS is a non-governmental organization that concentrates on vocational training, women’s rights, natural resource management, microfinance, health, education, amongst other initiatives in the rural villages of Rajasthan.
KIGS is looking for 4 interns from Georgetown University to teach English to rural students and to conduct office work for the organization, for a period of one month (June 12 – July 12, 2010). This is an unpaid development internship; although KIGS will make the arrangements, interns would have to pay for their own airfare as well as accommodation and food. Accommodation, food, and other expenses should come out to a maximum of US$750 for the whole period.
Founded in 1967, the Kumarappa Institute of Gram Swaraj (KIGS), based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, aims at the social transformation of Rajasthan’s rural villages through the development of simple and significant action research models, ensuring the participation of the rural poor at every level of the process of change.
KIGS conducts a multi-dimensional approach to development, concentrating on vocational training, women’s rights, natural resource management, microfinance, health, education, amongst other initiatives. In line with the Gandhian concept of Gram Swaraj, we have found that the best way to empower communities is to provide them with the right conditions to implement a self-governance system.
Applications are invited from Georgetown University students. There are four positions available for unpaid internships lasting one month in June 2010. As well as airfare, students would have to pay for their own food and accommodation; airfare expenses are estimated at US$1000, and all other expenses including food and accommodation are estimated at a maximum of US$750 throughout the internship period. Accommodation plans and other preparations will be arranged by KIGS.
Overview:
- Four interns are invited, young men or women dedicated to our cause, for a period of one month (June 12 to July 12, 2010)
- They will be teaching English at the KIGS, Jaipur office from 9 to 11 in the morning.
- From 11am – 4pm, everyday, they will assist KIGS with office work.
- On Saturday or Sundays, interns will go on field visits to the surrounding rural villages to oversee KIGS development projects and to interact with the villagers.
- Interns will also have time to go around the city and visit nearby places/cities including Agra, New Delhi, Pushkar, among other locations.
- Interns will be staying at Arya Niwas Hotels, a very safe hotel with air-conditioned rooms, reliable staff and a first-rate cafeteria.
- Interns should be prepared to live a simple life in accordance with their surroundings, should be prepared to bear the hot summer of Rajasthan (day temperature is around 104 degrees Farenheit), and should be friendly and adjustable to the environment in India.
- While speaking Hindi isn’t a requirement, it would be extremely beneficial to interns. With that said, the only requirement is a willingness to pick up languages, a motivation to become familiar with the Indian lifestyle, and a motivation to learn about and respect Indian culture.
Potential Projects:
- To finalize a publication/case study on vocational training based on the KIGS vocational training projects.
- To prepare a document on Indian Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) in a global context, present scenario of micro finance in India, problems and prospects of micro finance in India with special reference to Rajasthan, working of different MFIs in India, functions of micro finance in SHGs and organizations.
- To prepare a document on the impact of micro finance on poverty eradication, supporting sustainable livelihoods, women empowerment, the informal financial sector, social security, etc.
- To develop documentation of the 5-year long project of “Integrating Social Support for Reproductive and Child Health Rights (Phase II) implemented in 12 villages of Rajasthan.
- Improvement of the content and format of the KIGS website.
Eligibility:
All Georgetown students are encouraged to apply. Currently the preference is for undergraduates, however other students are welcome to apply should space become available.
Program Length:
The internship program will start on June 12th and will end on July 12th, with an option to work for another two weeks. Interns are encouraged to book a flight ticket for at least six weeks to either continue to work for KIGS or explore other opportunities in India.
Application Information and Questions:
Below are the internship application questions. Applicants are encouraged to review the application carefully and submit it as soon as possible; applications will be accepted until February 25. On-campus interviews will follow shortly after the application deadline.
Applications and Resumes should be sent to Anjali Daryanani at akd28@georgetown.edu. Please note that while the South Asian Society (SAS) or KIGS cannot grant funding for the internship, SAS can help applicants find funding sources if needed. Please feel free to email Anjali for any questions.
I. Biographical Information
Name
Male/Female
Email
Phone Number
Home Address
City, State and Postal Code
Country of Residence
School, Major, Graduation Date
II. Free Response (please answer both questions)
1) In 500 words or less, please explain how you have demonstrated leadership skills or a strong interest in social work in one of your endeavors.
2) In 500 words or less, discuss some of the things that you hope to gain from this experience and what skills you can bring that will benefit the organization.
III. Other Internships/Jobs
Are you currently applying for other internships, jobs or other opportunities? If so, please list the internships/jobs that you are applying for, and the dates of confirmation for these job opportunities.
IV. Please attach an updated resume/CV
