Shanti Bhavan Childrens Project Inc

Shanti Bhavan is doing great work, and my time with them has been none other than inspiring. Being part of this organization is such a great way to give back to India and empower underprivileged communities with the resources necessary to change the world. The work Shanti Bhavan does is collaborative, selfless, and absolutely amazing. The volunteers and staff are truly passionate about these kids, and I will continue to spread Shanti Bhavan's work everywhere!

I am proud to be part of Shanti Bhavan family and contribute to the bigger goal of the organisation in my limited capacity. The journey for me has been fulfilling and challenging in many ways. I am sure everyone who has been part of SB at some point even for a short time can explain how much they learn and grow in their roles.

Shanti Bhavan Children's Project Nonprofit is one of the most amazing charities I have ever encountered in my life. As part of their SBSA Program for high school club donors, I am truly honored to be working with such a dedicated and inspirational organization that has made a tangible impact on children in the lowest socioeconomic classes of India. The success their students have garnered is out-of-this-world to see. In fact, I've written letters to these graduates, who have gone on to do outstanding things and are guaranteed to continue amazing this world!

It is clear to see that the money this organization has raised from its high-profile donors, fundraising galas, and high school clubs like ours is going to the right place, as I can read the joy these children have through pictures and videos, which is the effect of being able to go to school and interact with caring, hardworking teachers.

I chose to work with this nonprofit because it stood out to me in a way that no other organization has, from its passionate staff/board members to the heart-warming smiles they are able to put on so many children's faces. The money which their donors and I couldn't have chosen a better nonprofit to work with, and I am so happy I have been given this remarkable chance.

- Eiaa Dev, Class of 2027

I'm so excited to share my experience with Shanti Bhavan. They really put their heart and soul into the work they do. All the people I've come across with the organization care deeply about the children and their families and are constantly seeking to improve and grow. They are building bridges for this next generation so that children don't have to survive but can instead, thrive.

Shanti Bhavan is truly a phenomenal nonprofit with one of the most passionate staff I have ever seen. Being a part of the SBSA program and a leadership representative for the international clubs has been such a pleasure. I have never felt this closely connected to an organization before. After only a year of starting my Shanti Bhavan journey, I have written to the on campus students and seen the impact that was made through our fundraising efforts. The SBSA program is perfect for high schoolers as it is a gradual entry into learning how to market, fundraise, and plan events all for a good cause; highly recommend joining as most nonprofits don't provide this opportunity. I would like to add how proud I am to see an authentic nonprofit that works for those in India and is able to make tangible change through a vast fundraising program that allows us donors to transparently see where our money is going.

- Driti Ayinala Class of 2027, SBSA Leadership Team Representative

I support Shanti Bhavan as a part of the Shanti Bhavan Student Alliance because it is an amazing opportunity to get involved and to help fundraise for an impact that really hit close to home for me. To me, Shanti Bhavan doesn't just help with kids' education; it really gives back to the community and allows for the betterment of so many lives.

-Jaya Jotani

I have admired Shanti Bhavan's work since I discovered the organization through Daughters of Destiny on Netflix several years ago. In 2024, I had the opportunity to visit both campuses and witness the school's transformative impact first-hand. I know of no other organization creating systemic change on this level in the region. Shanti Bhavan is truly something special, and it is my honor to support their work.

Shanti Bhavan is transforming the lives of children while creating a profound impact on some of the most underserved communities in India. It’s a remarkable organization with a mission that is truly making a difference!

Shanti Bhavan is making huge strides to break the generational cycle of poverty. These students are going to change the world one day!

Shanti Bhavan is doing amazing work breaking the cycle of poverty in India. The impact the organization is having on children, their families and communities is truly inspiring.

Shanti Bhavan is an organization which is caring and clearly commited to its mission of poverty alleviation through education. The dedication and passion of the staff, volunteers, and supporters are evident in the remarkable success stories of its graduates, many of whom have gone on to achieve professional success and give back to their communities. Shanti Bhavan truly embodies the transformative power of education, offering hope and opportunity to those who need it most.

I had the privilege of volunteering for Shanti Bhavan during the fall of 2022. It was one of the most fulfilling and enlightening chapters of my life thus far. The SB leadership team and staff provided me with all of the support and tools I needed to thrive. The kids are wonderful and I learned so much from their resilience, dedication, and kind hearts. If you are looking for an incredible opportunity to work with children and have a meaningful impact - look no further.

Lasting, meaningful change. I feel like I am making a real difference that will last lifetimes.

I support Shanti Bhavan whole heartedly due to the mission they have set forth with and the success they have been able to show. I'll continue to support them in order to provide even better amenities for the children and to uplift even more in the future

I have donated to Shanti Bhavan for several years now because I believe in the way the organization works towards economic stability for high poverty children. Hearing each child’s amazing journey from small village to Shanti Bhavan to colleges and universities around the world is an inspiration.

Shanti Bhavan is like no other organization I’ve had the opportunity to support. I know our donation is going to programs that meaningfully and significantly lift children and their families out of poverty. I learned about Shanti Bhavan through a dear friend who first volunteered there, then began working there because she was so impacted by their mission. It’s deeply inspiring to hear the stories of empowerment and hope that come out of Shanti Bhavan; and more than that, it’s affirming to support an organization that is truly creating change.

Shanti Bhavan is an incredible organization. It's a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of education and compassion. Young individuals, once facing the harsh realities of poverty, become equipped with the skills and confidence to shape their destinies and contribute meaningfully to society. Please donate and support this organization, so more children can have opportunities beyond the situations they are born into.

We came to know about Shanti Bhavan through our friend who works there. We try our best to support this organization since it is doing the best to educate poverty children and give them the bright future. I heard some amazing stories from whom got the benefits. Wishing the best to Shanti Bhavan.

I was introduced to Shanti Bhavan by a friend who told me to watch the Netflix series ‘Daughters of Destiny’. I was amazed at the audacity of the founder to come up with such a huge, wonderful concept and also carry it through to great success. In educating these children, they are being lifted from a life of menial jobs and daily drudgery at the lowest level of society to a meaningful life with many opportunities open to them. Its so remarkable to see how their lives and that of their families are being transformed. A very noble and productive undertaking to fight the cycle of poverty.

Shanti Bhavan is an incredible nonprofit dedicated to helping children who would otherwise remain in the lowest caste of their society, lifting them and their families up out of a systemic cycle of poverty and into hope for a better future. Not only a truly inspirational project, but a very effective one for graduate success and positive change.

I was initially introduced to Shanti Bhavan by watching the Netflix series “Daughters of Destiny” many years ago. I was touched by work they do in India.
I have also attended a fundraiser that was hosted by their Canadian chapter. They are a genuine and hardworking team. They work tirelessly to help children in low income communities achieve an education. The world needs more organizations that are heart centric like Shanti Bhavan.

I was introduced to the work of Shanti Bhavan through a family member and have viewed many of the videos and read many of the testimonials provided. I have also donated to Shanti Bhavan although my funds are limited I gave what I could afford at the time. I am confident that those funds have reached the intended target and are used to help children in need. How amazing it must be to return to your home and be able to teach a younger sibling or a parent how to read and write their name. I will continue to support Shanti Bhavan financially when I can but I will also share their story as much as I can.

Shanti Bhavan is a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of education, and an organization that truly changes lives. These underprivileged children, thanks to their Shanti Bhavan education, overcome unimaginable adversities and go on to achieve incredible things in their undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate careers.

Shanti Bhavan has been doing exceptional work for many years to improve the lives of underprivileged children, their families, and their communities. The stories of these children overcoming unimaginable adversities are inspirational and highlight the impact education has on providing opportunities that so many take for granted. These children succeed thanks to their Shanti Bhavan education and make this nonprofit a worthy cause to support and donate to.

Shanti Bhavan is truly a remarkable organization. It really carries out its mission of ensuring its students have a high-quality education to later go on to do amazing things in their undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate careers. As someone who has been involved with the high school clubs in the United States, I see how Shanti Bhavan is able to involve people of all ages to make a difference. Beyond helping its own students, the organization also gives back to those around including providing medical services, meals, clothing, and even infrastructural support to the communities near the campus. I want to continue helping Shanti Bhavan as it really changes the students' lives and gives them incredible opportunities they would not normally have access to.

Shanti Bhavan provides great schooling opportunities and resources to support its students so that they can better provide for themselves and their families. SB students go on to earn degrees from top colleges and universities. Not only does Shanti Bhavan give these opportunities to its students, but the organization also gives back to the communities near the school's campus, providing medical services, home goods, food and infrastructure support. I would give six stars if I could.

Not only does Shanti Bhavan provide direct intervention from the first day of Pre-K through first day of a job after college for their students, they engage in continuous alumni support. Support via resources, community, and networking allows Shanti Bhavan students to grow into successful adults, community members, and family providers. This model of support results in Shanti Bhavan alumni donating 20-60% of their salaries to their families, communities, and other children in need. That's unprecedented! This organization and their model of success is special, and something that should be recognized and adopted by others.

I've had a chance to work as part of the team at Shanti Bhavan, and the level of determination to see the work through is astounding. Few non-profits at any level can offer what Shanti Bhavan offers children through holistic education, the promotion of core human values, and a commitment to journey with the child from preschool to college. It's a true privilege to know this long-standing organization will continue to make an impact for generations to come.

Shanti Bhavan is a unique place with a noble mission. While providing high level education to children from unprivileged background is the most commonly known Shanti Bhavan's main goal, this place is much more than that. It is a family, a safety net and a heaven of love and peace for all the children. Coming from situations of absolute poverty and traumatic family situation, the kids at Shanti Bhavan learn how to nurture happiness and achieve success in life. Their smiles and their self confidence fill the atmosphere of the school corridors and give life to the rich campus vegetation.

Shanti Bhavan, simply stated is changing the world. Generational poverty necessarily affects every aspect of an individual, a family a community. Providing children with a safe space filled with love, encouragement and affording a child the opportunity of education creates limitless possibilities and in its nature is transformative. Thank you Shanti Bhavan for being the change!

Shanti Bhavan is such a unique organization because I can relate to the children in many different ways. I remember growing up it was very difficult for me and my family due to poverty. I would always wish and hope that we could get a helping hand and how much our family would be extremely appreciative. That helping hand did not come around but regardless we made it through but we faced many trials and tribulations.

I know the children of Shanti Bhavan never have to think like that and if at any point in time they do they will never have to worry. Shanti Bhavan makes it possible that these children are taken care of but it would have never been possible without those helping hands from all around the world. The fact that an organization like Shanti Bhavan exist truly warms my heart, a safe heaven for children of the future. Making the world a better place, one child at a time.

Shanti Bhavan does amazing work. The change they make in the lives of so many young women is inspiring and a beacon of hope. I had the privilege of meeting one of the girls helped by Shanti Bhavan some time ago and was moved by the path set out before her. She and many others will have a bright future thanks to Shanti Bhavan.

Shanti Bhavan is an amazing organization, and I'm truly inspired by the people who work there. Their focus is on helping educate & empower children in India, but given the current crisis they are also providing Covid relief to rural villages. In my consulting work with Shanti Bhavan, I've been continually impressed by the care and determination of the employees, and the incredible success they've acheived. This is my top charity to support.

I have been anti Bhavan monthly donor for a year, and Icouldn't be more satisfied. They are extremely responsive with updates and powerful stories from the kids. I love seeing the kids becoming professionals, going to colleges in the US and creating amazing things.
I was also a volunteerer at Shanti Bhavan and got to see first hand the impact they have in communities in India. Dr. George is pragmatic and has a big heart. He looks for solutions that work in a complicated system that leaves many behind. They have encountered so many challenges, but they keep going.

Shanti Bhavan is a part of my life. I have donated to them, volunteered there and even fundraised thousands because I know they will go to good use. I cannot say enough about how amazing this non-profit is and the essential role they have in the lives of so many brilliant kids that would be forgotten of SB wasn't there

After a decade plus of teaching in the United States, my colleague decided that Shanti Bhavan's mission and proven record made it the place that could where she could best bring her values to fruition in the field of education. Over the past year, it has been amazing to hear the success stories of students who have graduated from Shanti Bhavan and then, with the continued support of the school through the entire process, applied to and been accepted at some the of the most elite universities in the United States and beyond.

After my wife and I watched the documentary on Netflix we both were so impressed by what Shanti Bhavan was doing for these kids and their families. My wife was so moved she spent almost 3 months as a volunteer teacher at Shanti Bhavan. We are both very excited about returning to volunteer next year hopefully! It's easy to get caught up in our own day to day life but it feels really good to step outside that bubble and learn more about the world and if we can do that while helping and making a difference as a volunteer of Shanti Bhavan then that's the best of both worlds. Keep up the good work!!!

I volunteered with this organization in 2018 for two months and it was by far the most incredible experience of my life! My expectations were exceeded beyond what I could imagined.

I was privileged and blessed to be on campus with this team and students.
I was impressed from the moment I arrived on campus to the (sad) moment I had to leave by the consistent level of quality education, business acumen, respect, support for all (students, colleagues, volunteers and visitors), open and transparent communication, and the ability and attitude of the entire Shanti Bhavan School community. These attributes were always demonstrated through the lens of constant kindness, compassion, optimism and integrity. Integrating with this organization provided a clear reminder of the power of education and that we are all the same.

What creates perceived 'differences and opportunities' is often not within anyone’s control. What Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project Inc. does is intentionally tear down barriers through education to impact/create sustainable change not only for the student, but their family, community and globally. This vision is a concrete example of the measurable impact of how perseverance, humbleness, resilience, love, and the desire to create positive change by lifting others without ego can be.

This organization truly represents what it means to lead by example, live and walk through action and demonstrate accountable, vision and change each day. I am grateful to have met Dr. George, Ajit and the entire team. These students truly represent the good that our world has to offer and will become in the future with them as active participants.

Kind Regards,

Susan C

This NGO is probably the most innovative project I have seen since I started working in Education. The students are incredibly creative, determined, and just great people!
Shanti Bhavan has been elevating education to another level since its start and every day, impacting more than the students themselves but also families, teachers, and people all over the world.
There are also no words for the staff! Everyone is so warm and welcoming and genuinely good people.
If you have a chance to help Shanti Bhavan, it will change not only the students' life but also yours.

Shanti Bhavan is an impactful and meaningful organization that I’ve had the honor of following for many years now. I have a number of friends who have shared their personal experiences with SB over the years that can be summed up as life-changing. The work they do is so important and meaningful, and the more support they receive, the more positive change they can enact. Please support SB in any way possible!

I was a part of the onsite staff at Shanti Bhavan for a year. To care for and meet the needs of around 250 children between the ages of 4-17 is no easy feat. Shanti Bhavan does so with compassion, positivity, and love. I’ve watched the organization grow over the last few years and have been impressed with how they are always coming up with new ideas to support their current and former students. For example, offering SAT classes and college prep to high school students and organizing professional development events for the alumni.

Shanti Bhavan is not blind to the broader needs of society. During the pandemic, they offered relief packages to families in the nearby villages. When I was at Shanti Bhavan, one of the most prevalent goals in the minds and hearts of all the students were to help 100 others, a vision internalized by the founder. When Shanti Bhavan reaches out to their neighbors, it sets an example of what it really means to help others, especially in a time when many people are suffering.

I’ve returned twice since I left campus, and each time, it felt like I was coming back home. I can’t wait to visit again soon!

I volunteered with Shanti Bhavan for two summers and I can honestly say they were the best two summers of my life. The project is truly incredible, life-changing, inspiring, and empowering. I am lucky that I got to be a small part of this amazing, thoughtful initiative and am counting down the days until I can go back!

Shanti Bhavan is such a special community. Their team has been working tirelessly to support students and their families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the many challenges posed by COVID-19, the organization has continued to offer rigorous academics, numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement, and coaching and support for future career success. I highly recommend getting involved with Shanti Bhavan.

I've had the opportunity to intern at Shanti Bhavan and I've seen up close how hard the team works to ensure that their children have amazing opportunities. I'm always amazed at how big of an impact Shanti Bhavan has reached. Members of the Shanti Bhavan team truly make it a school where students feel loved and ready to take on the future. I can't wait to continue supporting Shanti Bhavan and see how many more lives they postitively impact!

I first heard about Shanti Bhavan when I watched Daughters of Destiny on Netflix. The impact that Shanti Bhavan has on the students truly fascinated me and I was thrilled when I got a chance to volunteer as a fellow with the school. I truly got to witness how much of a focus they put on the children and their future at every step behind the scenes! I feel honored to be associated with such an amazing organization.

I’ve been so fortunate to work with Shanti Bhavan as a high school intern. It was an invaluable experience to write detailed blog posts, create engaging social media graphics, and even database management. Not only was I able to explore my interests of art, writing, advocacy/current affairs, I was so fulfilled knowing that whatever I was tasked with works towards such a noble and dear goal to my heart: breaking India’s generational cycle of poverty. As an intern, SB provided the foundation for me to learn networking and professional development skills so I can better face the world with my love for social change. The SB team has been nothing but helpful, kind, and sincere, and I was honored to work under their guidance. I hope to rejoin the team as soon as I can, and I’m grateful to Shanti Bhavan for everything.

We have volunteered at Shanti Bhavan annually for more than 10 years. We keep returning because the ethos of Shanti Bhavan leads to long-term positive changes in these children, and these changes reverberate through their families and their communities. We have been privileged to watch cohorts of children develop into responsible multi-talented adults - articulate, academic, athletic, musical young people, with solid values and an ethic of care for their fellow human beings.

The summer I spent at Shanti Bhavan had an immense impact on my life and forever touched my heart! The children are smart, compassionate, hilarious, athletic, loving, and talented. The staff are all true leaders and are doing work that directly improves the Lives of so many people all around the world. Being amongst a blend of volunteers from varying backgrounds enriched my time on campus and the children love learning about the lives of the volunteers. I look forward to the day I can return to campus!

An incredible vision that has been brought to fruition and continues to push boundaries. What they have accomplished is inspiring.

I worked with this charity for a year, and have supported Shanti Bhavan for many years through donation and I can wholeheartedly say this organization is truly changing the lives of children and their families in India.

From the quality of the education, to the values/work ethic they instill in the children, to the love/support they provide, this is truly a top notch organization. Nothing makes me prouder than to see on the kids on Facebook or Linkedin doing amazing things and living up to their full potential. Without Shanti Bhavan, these children would have become a statistic. Now they are getting college degrees and lifting their entire family out of poverty.

I wish there were 1,000,000 Shanti Bhavans so all the disadvantaged children of the world had the same opportunities!

I was a volunteer teacher at Shanti Bhavan and this organization is incredible. This is the solution to break the cycle of poverty. Shanti Bhavan is incredibly well run and the organization is transforming lives of so many children and their families.

This place is truly a haven of peace. I have volunteered there 3 times and every time I am in awe of the students, the volunteers/teachers and the place. To break the cycle of poverty sometimes you need a heavy investment in education and the human spirit...I have seen first hand how wonderful these kids become and how they change the world after Shanti Bhavan.

It is very rare to find a place to volunteer at for long periods of time. It is even rarer when you feel that your impact and your experience just keep getting better and stronger with each day that passes by.

The Shanti Bhavan experience was by far the best volunteer experience I've had in my life. It had brought me perspectives about the world, India, poverty, myself and life that I had not seen or known before. And it showed me the power of human connection and honest intention. The founder of Shanti Bhavan is still active, and being part of his team for a brief moment in time was something very special. The amount of heart and strong intellect that goes into educating the children of Shanti Bhavan, so they and theirs can escape the bonds of poverty and social injustice is incredible. Taking part of it carries the feeling of truly being part of something meaningful -- something real.

At the end of my time at Shanti Bhavan, I felt as if I had been enveloped by a blanket of love. Over two hundred kids bringing me into their family slowly, slowly and day by day was like nothing else I had ever known. For the first time in my life, I knew what it actually means to be part of not just a family but a whole tribe.

I cannot recommend this enough!

I’m proud to have had the opportunity to volunteer at SB. The dedication of the staff to SB’s mission is inspirational, as are the joyful and amazing students.

A place that is built in integrity, wisdom, truth, vision, kindness and most importantly, a limitless capacity of love. A place that truly understands the impact of being a global citizen, breaking down socially influenced barriers to create a space of genuine inclusivity, joy, hope and opportunity through focussed intention, hard work and strong character. Counting the days to go back. Thank you Dr George and the entire team of leaders, collaborators and most importantly, students.

Shanti Bhavan is an incredibly unique model that does so much for not only the children who grow up there but the entire connected community of volunteer teachers as well. I’m proud to be a volunteer alum and hope you’ll join me in support.

Incredible organization. I was so lucky to spend a few short months at SB. They change lives, families and communities.

The Shanti Bhavan model works! I personally have spent time volunteer teaching there and have gotten to know a few graduates.

Kind staff, great experience involving the community and was so happy to enjoy the kids I was able to work with

I worked with Shanti Bhavan's admin team for two years and visited their original school twice. This is a remarkable place and they fully execute on their mission. Their students come from extremely vulnerable communities and they go through an amazing support system during their years at the school. Every visitor to the school witnesses how bright, healthy, happy, and motivated the children are to succeed. Their success is clearly visible in the college applicants and graduates they helped raise. Shanti Bhavan is a beacon of success in education and has stood the test of time over the last two decades.

I volunteered at Shanti Bhavan for two summers and had a truly life-changing experience. It is rare to find a non-profit with such a fantastic, quantifiable track record-- they are truly making a difference and it is quite moving to be part of it. The volunteer experience is also much more supported than other international volunteer opportunities, and offers volunteers actual responsibilities and ability to participate in Shanti Bhavan's awe-inspiring work.

I volunteered two months at Shanti Bhavan and cannot be more grateful that this school exists. They offer so much to their students and expect the best out of them, making this school an incredibly stimulative environment. The staff and its founders are truly doing their best and giving 100 percent to the project. I haven't seen a ngo that is so determined and dedicated in achieving their goal before. The fact that many volunteers return to work in the school speaks for itself.

I have stayed at Shanti Bhavan as a volunteer teacher twice, in 2015 and 2017, and been back once since for a visit. As a volunteer teacher, I have had the opportunity to teach everything from 1st grade dance to 9th grade literature.

Shanti Bhavan is a unique place that serves as a school, a home, and a family. The students and staff are each kind, smart, and inspiring, which keeps us, as volunteers, coming back time after time.

Simply put, the model works. Shanti Bhavan has proven to support students to overcome great challenges, preparing them for college and the working world, where they have been highly successful. Not only are the students positioned for professional success and to contribute to their communities, but they all uphold the highest values which Shanti Bhavan has instilled in them; this shines through in every one of their endeavors.

The journey from my home in NYC to Shanti Bhavan isn't a quick one, but it's one I look forward to making again as soon as possible; no other community exudes quite so much passion, drive, and genuine warmth.

Volunteering at Shanti Bhavan and observing their powerful mission, to free children from generational poverty through education, leadership, and compassion, has been one of the most enriching experiences I've ever had. Shanti Bhavan truly empowers their students by providing a world-class education and an extremely strong residential support system. Shanti Bhavan is filled with a dedicated staff, incredible children, and extremely passionate volunteers. Learn more about the school and their strong and determined students by checking out their documentary, Daughters of Destiny, on Netflix!

I volunteered at shanti bhavan for 2 months at the end of 2017 and it was by far the most rewarding experience of my life! I have every intention of returning again for a longer period of time withing the next couple of years. The children are absolutely wonderful human beings, the staff are very welcoming and the experience is beyond enrichening. Don't take my word for it, go see for yourselves ! Become a part of the SB family!!

I volunteered at Shanti Bhavan two summers ago and had an incredible experience. The children are truly remarkable and special, and the other volunteers and staff there helped me develop my passions in teaching and advocacy. If you haven't seen their documentary, Daughters of Destiny, I highly recommend watching for a glimpse of this incredible school. I recently visited the campus again and cannot emphasize how worthwhile a volunteer experience or donation to Shanti Bhavan is.

I had the opportunity to volunteer for two summers at Shanti Bhavan and had the most incredible time. It has by far been one of the most rewarding and illuminating experiences I have had in my life - I cannot even begin to describe how special of a place this is. The model is innovative, the staff is beyond dedicated, and the kids are nothing short of amazing. I highly recommend Shanti Bhavan for a volunteer experience or donations.

I volunteered with Shanti Bhavan three years ago, and am currently working within the field of Education Policy. Through my work I have visited many different types of schools and spoken with many different children from various backgrounds - there is truly no place as special or as dear to its students, staff, and teachers as Shanti Bhavan. Shanti Bhavan is not just a school - it is a culture all its own, exposing its students to a wealth of learning in core subjects, the arts, languages, sports, communication skills, and much more. No other school that I have ever seen offers such a broad canvas of learning and life skills, AND is a safe and loving home to children in need. Shanti Bhavan invests in their students. In their country. In the possibilities of a world without poverty and in which all children have a chance to grow up with the love and resources that they deserve - a world in which they can be their own person, and help others be empowered too. There is no place like SB!

I have volunteered for two summers at Shanti Bhavan and had an experience that far exceeded my expectations. I cannot more highly recommend an organization for volunteer experience or direct donations. I encourage everyone to learn more about Shanti Bhavan and check out the documentary on the school, Daughters of Destiny!

I volunteered at Shanti Bhavan during the summer of 2013 after graduating college, and I definitely plan on returning soon. I taught a range of subjects, including Business, Economics, History, English and Dance for grades 5-12.

Shanti Bhavan is a truly incredible place. Unlike many education non-profits, it goes beyond providing its students with basic literacy and seeks to break the cycle of poverty by instilling the knowledge and skills necessary to compete with and outperform more privileged peers. Students are fluent in English by the first grade, winning national poetry contests and landing jobs at Goldman Sachs--truly inspiring achievements by any standard.

The students are a joy to be around. They are children who do not take education for granted, and are genuinely excited to learn. Outside of the classroom, they are warm, inquisitive and non-stop fun. Though there are new volunteers almost every week, they welcome each one with open arms and make you feel like you really belong there.

Shanti Bhavan is for volunteers that want more than a "voluntourism" program with limited impact--it is a chance to form real relationships with the most incredible, intelligent group of children I've had the pleasure of meeting and an opportunity to witness the power of education. A year later, I am still in touch with many of the Shanti Bhavan children, and I intend to maintain these relationships for a lifetime.

I've been doing volunteering as a dentist for three years, spending a few weeks a year.
I've done my job in Baldev, a medical community center, a project of the George Foundation, which is about 1 mile from Shanti Bhavan.
I fell in love with Shanti Bhavan Children Project because it's the real demonstration of how it's possible to help disadvantaged people letting them grow in their own environment, supporting them in the struggle against social injustice and giving them the means to rescue themselves. A real reason to live for.

I arrived home two days ago after volunteering at Shanti Bhavan for two months. SB has been and will remain one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have taught students of all ages in various settings, but the students of Shanti Bhavan are some of the best. The facilities are beautiful, the staff is very helpful and accommodating and the students are incredible.

Living accommodations are simple, but nice and clean. The food is also simple, but very delicious (and certainly better than my college's choices)! The general schedule for volunteers is quite rigorous. Free time is spare during the week but the time spent teaching, planning, and guiding students will be worth your while.

Ultimately, Shanti Bhavan offers you the opportunity to join a family and give your time to a project that changes lives through providing exceptional education and tackling both economic and social injustices. The school raises children who are intelligent, confident, self-aware and motivated. They can think critically and creatively, speak confidently in public, and they genuinely care about other people. These students are living proof that beauty, love and goodness can be possible, even in the most broken of systems. It was my honor to teach them, and I will treasure that honor as long as I live. I look forward to returning to SB in the future.

As background, I have volunteered at Shanti Bhavan twice - the summers of 2013 and 2014, and certainly plan on going back many times. I am a recent college graduate who is working in consulting in New York.

Shanti Bhavan is truly one of the most incredible places I have ever been. Its mission, to free children from the cycle of poverty that has trapped their families and/or villages for generations, is a noble one, but what makes it especially unique is the way it goes about fulfilling that mission. Shanti Bhavan is not a quick-fix literacy program, nor a wide-ranging program that has a marginal impact on many lives. Rather, it is first and foremost an excellent educational institution that gives its students the resources to compete with anyone in India. Just as importantly, it is an extremely intensive, all-encompassing residential support system for children who sorely need one. Shanti Bhavan accepts students at the age of 4 and supports them until their college graduation - that's 17 years!

This strategy has already seen amazing results - Shanti Bhavan graduates have gone on to top colleges throughout Bangalore, and Shanti Bhavan's two classes of college graduates have landed jobs at major international firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young, among others. While this sounds impressive, it is exponentially more so when one considers the background of these children; those now working at Goldman likely would never have even known what finance was or ever been inside a building with an elevator without Shanti Bhavan.

Yet while Shanti Bhavan is a rigorous academic school that prepares its students well for these kinds of successes later in life, an equally important part of its mission is to raise all-around children with strong values. Anyone who has volunteered at Shanti Bhavan can attest that the children are so loving, so caring, and so genuine that it brings out the best in all those around them. In addition, their bravery and confidence is inspiring, whether it be on the basketball court, soccer field, or on stage, where they excel in dance, singing, and public speaking. These values and the character of the children stands out just as much as their intelligence and success in the classroom.

Volunteering at Shanti Bhavan has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I know I am one of many Shanti Bhavan's volunteers who feel this way. It has changed how I think about education, inequality, and even about myself. Truly an amazing place that lives up to its name 'Shanti Bhavan' - a haven of peace.

I have taught in both public and private schools in New York and California, and Shanti Bhavan stands out as one of the best schools in which I have had the privilege of teaching. Shanti Bhavan's model is truly unique--and it works. Shanti Bhavan's mission is to provide a world class education to some India's most socially and economically disadvantaged children. But what's more, Shanti Bhavan supports these students, academically, financially, and emotionally, from age 3-21. Shanti Bhavan is a home for these children in every sense of the word. As a teacher, I have simply never seen a school like this, and the results speak for themselves. Shanti Bhavan graduates go on to top colleges in India and work for major international companies--their lives, and the lives of their families are completely transformed because of the work Shanti Bhavan does. And what's more--each child is inspired to use the opportunities Shanti Bhavan has given them to support their families and communities. Shanti Bhavan is ending the cycle of poverty one child at a time.

I am currently working at Shanti Bhavani for the 3rd time, and if that doesn't say enough, I hope some of these stories will! It's impossible to describe this place. The children impress everyone they meet, the school is a loving and challenging environment to grow up in; once you know SB it will be in your heart and mind forever.

An article published on the website Everyday Ambassador from my first time volunteering: http://everydayambassador.org/2013/04/26/learning-to-love-being-wrong/

My first blog post since being back this time:
http://revealthehumanspirit.wordpress.com/2014/07/07/welcome-back-home-i-hope-to-meet-in-english-class-again/

Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project is a residential school and haven of peace for children from India’s Dalit caste. My first trip I taught English literature, grammar, spelling, and writing for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. My first persuasive writing assignment for the 6th graders was a mock-fundraising letter campaign. Each student devised a plan to raise money to help the poor or the sick. Kishore, for example, wanted help getting elected onto the Supreme Court so he could stop child trafficking. I was blown away by their compassion for others and determination to pursue such socially conscious dreams. I realized that my students had overcome more in half my lifetime than I will ever have to endure. This is just one example of the beautiful values and integrity these young children have developed. They take nothing for granted and engage with all their hearts. Each of my students are committed to their education in order to eventually provide for their own parents. Understanding their backgrounds provided me with new perspective to teach better.

This is my first time volunteering at Shanti Bhavan. I am here for a total of 7 weeks, during my gap year before medical school. Although I have visited India before with my family, this is the first time I have come alone. I heard about Shanti Bhavan through a family member and a high school friend who had volunteered at the school too. The school is in rural India, surrounded by villages, but because the school is close to Bangalore and family, my parents were more accepting of my decision. I was specifically looking for an international program where I could work with disadvantaged children.

A strict schedule is implemented here, teaching the students how to be disciplined. My days start at 6:30am, supervising Prep (study hall), and then I teach 2 - 3 classes every day. My classes are 4th Grade English (Writing, Grammar and Reading), 6th Grade Geography, 7th Grade History and 8th Grade Civics. I have never taught before, so I was quite anxious to start but everything has gone smoothly. A large part of that is because the staff and students are so kind and welcoming. Volunteers are an integral component of the system and the entire school is used to seeing new faces. The students are respectful, dedicated, talkative and excited to learn. Questions are constantly being asked in my classes. Most noticeable to me was how cheerful the students; they are always smiling and positive.

I would highly recommend volunteering at Shanti Bhavan. It is a great place, with amazing people. Besides the fantastic experience at the school, volunteers can also travel on the weekends and see different parts of the country. So many of the volunteers here have come back more than once and I can understand why. I already can’t wait to return, as a visitor or a volunteer. It will be amazing to see the kids grown up and see how the school continues to grow.

I was a volutneer back in 2009 and taught everything from social sciences to writing to dance to every grade, 1-12. I have also seen a lot of development nonprofits and Shanti Bhavan is so wonderful. There is a special spirit there and happiness abounds. The children are phenomenal. I can't imagine a better volunteer experience.

Since 2005, I've been to Shanti Bhavan 6 times. 3 times as a volunteer and 3 times as a visitor.

You can read my first volunteer report (2005) here: http://www.tgfworld.org/volunteer-Eduard%20Muntaner%20Perich.htm

Some excerpts:

During my stays I taught computer science and maths, I conducted programming and robotics workshops, I trained some teachers, I gave some students individual help in maths, I taught basketball, and helped in the school library and the museum.

Shanti Bhavan is a very beautiful school, with many gardens and fine buildings. The environment and the surroundings are spectacular. The school is in a remote village called Balliganapalli, quite near to Hosur and Bangalore, so you can spend the weekends there for shopping and Internet. My room was comfortable and clean, and the food was very tasty, a little spicy for the Spanish taste, but I soon got used to it. I think that an easy improvement for the school would be an Internet connection; it would be helpful for the staff, the volunteers, and of course, for the children’s education.

With reference to the children of Shanti Bhavan (the most important part of the school), they are lovely, smart, very friendly, and more disciplined and respectful than most European children. I really enjoyed teaching them as well as playing basketball with them or simply talking. I think they enjoy studying and living at Shanti Bhavan, and their spectacular bright eyes and permanent smiles are proof of their happiness and health.

All the staff at Shanti Bhavan is very professional, they are very kind to the volunteers, and lovely to the children. I think all the teachers, aunties, facilities managers, etc. enjoy working at Shanti Bhavan and are happy contributing to Dr George’s dream.

After mentioning all these things, I think is obvious that I recommend the experience of volunteering at Shanti Bhavan to anyone who wishes to help poor children and has a desire to live a fine experience in a beautiful place and country. I can affirm that my stays in Shanti Bhavan were fantastic and unforgettable.

I volunteered at Shanti Bhavan for 6 weeks in the summer of 2009. I taught physics to the 11th and 12th grade students. I loved interacting with the students there. They were incredibly friendly, engaging inside and outside the classroom, energetic, etc...

Having been a teacher in different schools that are reaching students of low economic status in America and India, I was amazed that their attitude to want to do well and also their social maturity for such a young age. It's obvious that the school is able to change their whole outlook on life compared to what it would be if they were still in their original communities.

I still look back at that experience fondly and do wish that I will have a chance to go back.

I've been working in the non-profit/NGO industry for nearly a decade and have seen my fair share of the ups and downs, good and bad. I came into contact with Shanti Bhavan almost a year ago now and have been steadily observing the organization through my work with them.

It is really hard to explain just how incredible their work is. How groundbreaking. I wish I could type it in big red flashing letters: What Shanti Bhavan does is revolutionary.

Ostensibly non-profit education for the poor and disenfranchised is supposed to help make their lives better. But often these programs focus on basic literacy and not much else--they aim low. This shows our own shortcomings; we don't expect much from the poor. And insidiously, maybe deep down we are uncomfortable with the idea of of sudden and radical equalization.

But this is exactly what Shanti Bhavan does. The school carefully selects children from the untouchable, or Dalit cast. The poorest of the poor with no chance to escape generational poverty. These children are then educated, and more importantly instilled with an ethos of community, caring, and social responsibility. It's intense intervention, and it costs more than a basic literacy program would. But it works.

Shanti Bhavan guides these children through all of their schooling, helps them place in top tier universities, and then supports them both financially and emotionally to ensure their success throughout college. As adults, they have gone on to place in incredibly prestigious jobs. Ones far above my own pay grade. And rather than run off with their incredible lease on life these adults return to their placse of origin, dig their families, sometimes their entire communities, out of poverty too. It's an ever compounding equation that makes the initial investment some of the most efficient dollars you can spend on ending poverty.

As non-profit professionals, volunteers, and donors, at the end of the day we have to reflect on the meaning of our work. What do we want to see reflected back at us? Is it a woman living in a hut with the luxury of running water and a light bulb, scraping out an existence with her micro-business making purses out of plastic garbage? Or do we believe that we can do more, do we trust that those we are trying to help are capable of standing equal to us, on their own two legs if only given the tools to do so?

Shanti Bhavan represents that trust and the radical changes it can make, not just in the lives of the students they educate, but everyone those students touch.

I had the opportunity to spend two months at Shanti Bhavan as a teach. It's a one-ok-a-kind organization that transforms the lives of the students and the communities around them by education students in all facets of life. By equipping students with a world class education, they can go on to help themselves, other students, their families and communities, to bring them out of poverty. Students' exposure to all walks of life through the diverse and highly qualified volunteer group that come through, sets them apart from other expensive boarding schools in India because their acquire global communication skills. These skills and education catapult students into having opportunities that would have taken generations to reach based on their existing financial situations and stigmas associated with being 'dalit'.

Shanti Bhavan, the name literally translates into haven of peace, which describes this place perfectly. With 200+ children running around the campus you think this wouldn't be true, however they are some of the most amazing, intelligent, talented, polite, funny, fun loving children I have ever met. This, along with the beautiful campus makes for a truly unique and inspiring atmosphere to be in. I have volunteered twice so far and can not emphasize enough on what an incredible experience I had. If you are looking for an organization to volunteer for, look no further because this one is about as fantastic as it can get!

We planned to volunteer at Shanti Bhavan once and then move on to other volunteer projects. We have now volunteered four times. Shanti Bhavan is the most sustainable volunteer project we have ever seen. They have serious long-term goals, to lift very poor children and their families out of poverty for good, through all-round education right through to tertiary level. The children never forget their roots and many will one day be in positions where they can do something to change the destiny of the very poor forever.

The school administration is as lean as it could be and they waste absolutely nothing. Everything is used and re-used in a way that would put western schools to shame.

These are all reasons we keep coming back but the biggest reason is 200 happy kids who, despite their horrific backgrounds, keep smiling. Shanti Bhavan means "haven of peace".