VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering with Thannal
Thannal, as an awareness group, emphasises on few selfless values which are taught in our efforts deeply through projects like we offer services in exchange for creating learning opportunities. Studying Natural Buildings through Volunteering in such projects invokes a nature of ‘Give and Take’, a barter system of values and knowledge. We expect people who apply for volunteers to treat this with the same seriousness.
As Thannal works in Rural scenarios, volunteers may have to get prepared in such remote areas, away from the bustling city life. The luxuries of living in such a place would be different from the cities, so people who choose to join must be open to such a change in environment. After all, clear air and lush green landscapes have diminished to few convenient places. They also need to respect the rural culture, way of living and dressing, try to blend in so that situations will be encouraging for learning.
We promote Owner’s Build, where the owner himself learns the techniques from us and practices them. So, we are always behind the scenes, providing site & design consultancy and assistance in all stages of construction. Volunteers come into the picture by co-ordinating projects on-site and doing hands-on work to practice and learn the construction methods. Documentation of all the work happening on site (photographic, written, video) and quantitative analysis of resources (excel sheets) also contributes to the portrayal of natural buildings through Thannal in India. In addition, volunteers can help with their skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to the questions we receive the most about volunteering with Thannal.
If we missed anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help.
How to start to apply for a volunteer ship?
As the Volunteer represents Thannal, we will be choosing candidates with hands-on experience and who have attended any of our workshops and understood the ideology of Thannal. The forms for volunteering will be circulated in closed groups of workshop participants or selection will happen during the workshop day.
To attend a workshop, go to this page.
What is the minimum duration of volunteering with Thannal?
The minimum tenure of volunteering is 20 days. The volunteering period has to be this long as less than that would be too little time to involve yourself in the process actively.
What are the provisions for my accommodation & food?
Sometimes you will have to take care of your food and accommodation, which the owner can suggest depending on their calibre. You are most welcome to bring your own tiny home (we mean camper’s tent) if you like it! Most of the case owners may provide you with accommodation and food if they can afford it.
What are the areas of volunteering offered at Thannal, and do I need to have any prior experience?
You will be gaining experience through our workshops. We would love to have you onboard any time of our project stage, although you would gain true benefit if you participate at the beginning of the project. You can join us at various stages like placing foundation, wall (cob-adobe-wattle & daub), roofing, making plasters and various creative interventions. We encourage interactions and are open to suggestions and ideas. Go ahead, Explore!
I am a student, and I wish to apply for a short term volunteering with Thannal. Can I apply?
If you have taken a gap year and wish to utilize the time for learning and helping, go ahead sign up our Natural building workshop and start volunteering!
Or even you can start studying in our Online video courses
Will I get a Certificate from Thannal for participating in the program?
You can get a certificate from Thannal when you are doing Internship/ Apprentice with us. We are also giving certificates on attending our 10 day Natural building workshop or our online video course.
Over 50 + hands-on training programmes were conducted and 1500+ people trained