Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Will I receive information about where my son/daughter is staying?

Volunteers will be given the address and possibly the phone numbers of where they are staying before they depart. Volunteers are encouraged to share this information with their parents.

 

Who would be responsible for my son/daughter’s safety?

The volunteer is responsible for their own safety. Training on safety and security is provided prior to departure and as part of the in-country training.

 

Who can she contact if she needs help?

If the volunteer is in need of urgent help, he or she can contact the AFP India staff member, the details of which are provided in the guidebook. The volunteer will also be presented with a contact of thier nearest VSO India Office Representative.

 

How many volunteers would be working with her on same sight/same project?

There will not always be more than one AFP volunteer in each placement. Sometimes there will be volunteers from other organisations working with that charity or, indeed, other volunteers working within accessible reach.

 

What support would she get if she falls ill?

The pre-departure and in-country training covers ways to prevent illness. Volunteers are advised to take essential medicines and preventives such as mosquito nets. However, if a volunteer does get ill, they will have contact details of the nearest doctor. The AFP representative in India will also be available for volunteers to contact. Volunteers’ travel insurance must include medical cover.

 

What happens if my son/daughter falls ill?

We provide information on identifying symptoms of common and less common illnesses whilst out in India in our handbook. They should contact our local representative as soon as possible, and if necessary arrange for medical care. We will provide information regarding medical care in the area, and should they need assistance we will provide it.

 

What happens if there is an in-country emergency?

As we have a strong partnership with the Voluntary Services Organisation (VSO) who will assist us in the event of an evacuation, taking care of our volunteers alongside their own.

 

How can we communicate whilst they are on placement?

Mobile phone SIM cards are easy to organise once out there, and we can help with this.  Providing the handset is unlocked, volunteers can use their phones with ease. Additionally email access is available nearby to most placements

 

What will accommodation be like?

The accommodation is likely to be basic. Rooms will usually have a bed and a desk and some storage space. Bathroom facilities will be shared, or private, depending on the placement. Volunteer will be living within the disadvantaged community that they are supporting, and conditions may be poor. 

 

Will the volunteers be on their own?

We provide comprehensive pre-departure training, and in-country training which helps volunteers to prepare themselves for life in India.  On a day to day basis volunteers are expected to look after themselves, however they will have support from their placement mentors and our in-country staff at any time should they need it.