“During my internship, I had the opportunity to develop the curriculum and resources for a program called Don’t Panic, It’s Puberty - with the objective of demystifying puberty and creating healthy, open conversations about adolescence, and about physical and mental changes. I also had the opportunity to visit a community, to better understand their needs and develop the program on those lines. In addition, I also developed a short presentation to teach communities about the Ayushman Bharat program and its benefits for healthcare. This experience was truly such a unique and empowering one, and I am so happy that I could work with such an amazing organization and such a great team!”

“It was a wonderful experience participating in the summer camp. I truly enjoyed spending time with the children and engaging in various activities with them. We also learned some new topics and helped the children with different tasks, including art and craft, dance, and many other fun activities.”

Aarav is still in 12th Grade and is in the US, but his experience with volunteering at Parinaam has left him a lot more mature than his years. He has a lot of volunteering behind him in the US, but this was a very different experience for him. In his own words, “I wanted to really contribute to a community that needed a lot more support in a different way. I have never worked with the urban poor before and it is something that I find really gratifying.”

“We were given the opportunity to interact with children and make their day enjoyable and meaningful. It was a wonderful experience working with the children—every day and at every location, we met a new set of children and spent quality time engaging in fun and interactive activities with them. Even the travel during this time was enjoyable, and we also had the chance to explore different cities, which made the experience even more enriching.”

“In the summer of 2019, I interned with the Parinaam Foundation in Bengaluru, where I had the opportunity to work with children who were direct beneficiaries of Parinaam's programs. Spending time in their classrooms and communities gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced and the power of education to create change in their lives. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was collaborating with the students to film and edit a video for a Teach For India campaign, where their energy and resilience left a lasting impact on me. The experience affirmed how vital Parinaam’s work is in breaking cycles of poverty and opening up opportunities for the next generation to learn, thrive, and pursue their full potential.”

“I have completed my 2nd PUC. During my summer holidays, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the summer camp, where I supported the teachers with story reading, exercises, dance, and other activities. It was a wonderful and valuable experience for me. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. I would also like to thank my coordinators, Umesh Sir and Justin Sir, for their guidance and support throughout the camp. It was truly a great experience for us.”

Adi is from the US and a school senior. For him, this hands-on experience was transformational because his in his previous experience at volunteering, he had never been able to make meaningful connections with the people he was working with. The experience with Parinaam was one where the work he was doing was beneficial to the community, and to him as well.

“I am writing to express my sincere appreciation to Parinaam for the opportunity to participate in the recent summer camp. This experience was both enriching and gratifying. It brought me great joy to engage with the children, as I was able to share knowledge while also learning from them. This interaction not only inspired me but also reaffirmed my commitment to working with young individuals. I would be happy to be involved in any upcoming summer camps and look forward to future opportunities. Thank you once again for this invaluable experience.”

For Jonathan, working with India’s urban poor was a very different experience from what he had seen of life in the US. This was something he had never done before and therefore something he was keen on. For him, this was very impactful work as the programs were impacting the whole family and not just the individual. He believes this experience will contribute to the volunteering he does in his home in the US.

“The camp was a lot of fun, and I truly enjoyed every moment. On the last day, I even wished it could have continued for another week - it was such a great experience! I sincerely thank Parinaam for providing me with this opportunity. I also request that more such activities be organized in the future, as they are both enjoyable and helpful. Thank you once again for this wonderful experience.”

“It all began when my mother was enrolled in the Urban Ultra Poor Program (UUPP). This program gave my family something more than just financial help — it gave us stability, strength, and most importantly, hope. A few years later, I was enrolled in the Academic Adoption Program (AAP), and that was a turning point in my life. Parinaam made sure I never had to worry about my education. They took care of my tuition classes, school fees, and even my transportation so I could attend school without difficulty. But what made Parinaam special was that they didn’t just focus on academics. They encouraged me to explore other sides of life — sports, exposure visits, and new experiences that boosted my confidence and helped me see the world differently. I am proud to say that I am currently working as an IT Consultant at Parinaam Foundation.”

”Interning at Parinaam Foundation has been a transformative experience. It gave me the space to learn, grow, and enage meaningfully with underserved communities. From designing educational modules to conducting field visits and interacting with students and community workers, every task offered insight into the realities of grassroots development. What stood out most was the team's warmth and their unwavering commitment to creating people-centered change. I was encouraged to take initiative and reflect critically, in an environment that valued learning just as much as impact. This experience has not only strengthened my skills but also deepened my purpose and passion for social work.”