Being one of the biggest cities in India, Mumbai is a city full of opportunities. For those interested in creating a change, there are various NGOs which are addressing the issues of human rights – from child labor to poverty and human trafficking. If you wish to get professional experience in Mumbai, here are 10 NGO internships that can be useful.
CRY – Child Rights and You
CRY is a non-profit organization that works in the field of children’s rights by organizing various programs and initiatives. These include free primary education, primary healthcare, nutrition and safe houses away from violence and abuse. To achieve objectives, CRY is partnering with other grassroots NGOs and communities. The organization has an internship program within the Volunteer Action program and welcomes applicants from diverse professional and educational backgrounds. Duties depend on the interest and skill areas of the interns likewise the requirements of CRY. The internship aims to put in practice and upgrade theoretical knowledge of development issues, to provide the interns a platform to understand child rights and to provide exposure to take action. Interns are involved in working on various child rights issues such as child labor, education, health, and other issues related to human rights which gives a chance to interns to explore, know and contribute in important mainstream work of the organization ranging from public mobilization, fact finding researches, field exposures, and documentation. While stipend is not offered, the incidental costs of the assignment may be covered. To apply, interested applicants should submit a filled CRY Internship Application Form available on the website.
Apne Aap Women’s Collective
Apne Aap Women’s Collective is an NGO aiming to provide the tools and resources for empowerment to trafficked brothel-based prostitutes, their children and other marginalized girls in Mumbai’s Red Light District and finally prevent the cycle of prostitution. Moreover, the organization takes action to provide a caring and supportive platform to help women, girls, and children from the Light District Area and afford them a better quality of life. AAWC seeks interns who are passionate about ending all forms of violence against women and sex trafficking. Candidates don’t have to possess previous experience related to the working with marginalized population but need to be able to demonstrate knowledge on this issue and committed interest in the field. Interns will work in a non-hierarchical environment with the Program Director and relevant Project Managers and are expected to demonstrate a high level of initiative and independence. To apply, interested candidates should send up to date CV and cover letter to hr@aawc.in. Applicants residing outside India should download AAWC Manual for International Interns and Volunteers to learn more about what it would be like to intern in India. Applications must be submitted at least 3 months in advance of the intended start date and interns must apply for a minimum period of 3 months. Knowledge of Hindi or Marathi is not required.
Muskurahat Foundation
Muskuharat Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Mumbai and led by enthusiastic young people willing to engage in the area of child welfare, women empowerment, and community development. The Foundation has supported various causes, from menstrual hygiene and cancer care to awareness about the problem of senior citizens. Interested and devoted young people have an opportunity to work closely with the Foundation by becoming volunteers and interns for the activities and events organized. For more information visit the official website and see available openings.
Raise India Foundation
Raise India Foundation is an NGO which benefits over 1000 families annually through different welfare projects that act in the fields of education, healthcare, livelihood, and women empowerment. Raise India works as a catalyst in bringing sustainable change to underprivileged children, youth and women and engages as a technology-driven, innovative and scalable international development organization. Vulnerable groups are empowered through relevant education, innovative healthcare, and market-focused livelihood programs. The ultimate goal is to promote civic driven change and promote good governance. RIF offers volunteer and internship positions to interested applicants with various backgrounds. Candidates should read the FAQ page on the website to get familiar with the organization’s work. Email is the best way to reach superiors, while submission of the form is mandatory.
Teach for India
Teach for India, part of the global Teach For All network is an NGO that works in the educational sector with a focus on removing educational inequality. TFI works on two levels – in the short term it places TFI Fellows at local government schools for two years to create impact and in the long-term, it creates a community of these fellow alumni who go on to become advocates for the movement and participate in their various roles and capacity. Interns work in various departments. Fellowship program provides opportunities to India’s skillful individuals to serve as full-time teachers to children from low-income communities within Indian under-resourced schools. Fellows originate from diverse backgrounds including the nation’s leading corporates and a wide range of universities. The competition is rigorous and it is conducted of the multi-stage selection process where applicants are evaluated for competences such as demonstrated leadership, critical thinking, grit, and commitment to TFI mission. Fellows are committed to working for two years, full-time while each fellow is assigned a classroom in one of Teach For India’s placement cities. Interested candidates can fill out this application form and send a CV and cover letter to internship@teachforindia.org.
Lawyers Collective
The Lawyers Collective is a group of lawyers devoted to empower and change the status of marginalized groups throughout the effective use of law and human advocacy. Through legal measures the Collective addresses issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment at the workplace, matrimonial matters, crimes against women, rights of the LGBTQ community, access to medicine and health care. Since its creation in 1981, the LC has been actively engaged with the entire legal regime of addressing the rights of marginalized groups. LC offers internship places within various departments – Lawyers Collective, The Invisible Lawyers, Global Health and Human Rights Database. Interested applicants should send a writing sample and CV to aidslaw1@lawyerscollective.org with a title in the subject line of your email: ‘Internship at LC: (mention month)’.
Indian Cancer Society
Indian Cancer Society is India’s first voluntary, non-profit, National Organization for Awareness, Detection, Cure, and Survivorship of those affected with this disease, established in 1951. The Society works in the area of fighting cancer across India and it has been helping thousands of underprivileged cancer patients. ICS depends on public support for its various activities concerned with financing the treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients and for spreading cancer awareness and its early detection. ICS offers an internship in Psycho-Social Oncology at Mumbai, where successful applicants can expect the platform to lean quality of survivorship, coordinating the workshops and programs organized by ICS survivorship vertical, observing and coordinating monthly support group meeting and fun and supportive work environment. Interns are expected to give an update once a week and to submit a report after completion of the internship, while certificates are provided. Interns should have expertise in counseling and innovative research design and should be fluent in Hindi/Marathi and English language. Interested candidates should send their application to chitra@indiancancersociety.org.
Child Development Center
Child Development Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the range of specialized services required for children with special needs. The organization works in four main areas – clinical services, training center, research and awareness, and advocacy. CDC internship positions provide knowledge and skills to applicants who are willing to work in the field of developmental disabilities. The internship is ideal for a graduate or post-graduate students and it lasts typically from one to four months. The organization underlines that such positions do not guarantee employment. Interested candidates should send an email tocareers@ummeed.org.
SNEHA
SNEHA is a non-profit organization that works with women, children and public health systems, aiming to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity likewise gender-based violence. SNEHA’s team has professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including medicine, public health, social work, psychology, management, and accounting. The organization welcomes students and other individuals to contribute their skills, time, talent and experience through the Volunteer Program. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and willing to commit time as required depending on the available opportunity. If interested to apply, applicants should send an email with a cover letter and CV to recruitment@snehamumbai.org.
