YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION Ranchi
Johannessen Building, Old H.B. Road, Ranchi - 834001, Jharkhand
Phone No.: 0651-2351720, Fax: 0651-2350471, Mob.: +91-(0)947033943
E-Mail: chonhaskujur@yahoo.com, gsymcaranchi@yahoo.com, admin@ymcaranchi.com
Website: www.ymcaranchi.com
weltwärts volunteering
Weltwärts (German, = “towards the world”) is a program started by the German Government in 2008 to give young people from Germany between 18 and 28 of age the chance to do a volunteer service in a country of the so-called Global South where they would actively engage and assist in activities in the social or development related sector. Local NGOs working in such areas related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations take the volunteers in as a voluntary full-time staff member. In the year 2013 weltwärts has added the South-North component which also allows volunteers from the Global South to do their volunteering in the social field in Germany.
North-South
Through the North-South component of the weltwärts volunteering program, young Germans between 18 and 28 get the opportunity to carry out a development volunteer program at our YMCA Ranchi. For a period of 6 to 12 months they are part of our team and practically get to know many aspects of life and culture in India while contributing to the work in the social field.
"I am extremely happy to be in Ranchi … I love it here and have made some very good friends.
The work of YMCA Ranchi is impressive, and I am constantly learning new things during my time as a volunteer."
Salome
Hello, my name is Salome, I am 19 years old and from a small town in Germany. After my 12th-grade final exams, I decided to leave my small town and do a volunteering service in India, and I want to tell you a little bit about it.
Since I was young, I have always been interested in learning more – whether it was music, history, cultures, or languages. But what always interested me the most was seeing the world not just by reading a book or watching TV, but by going to different places and learning about the culture and language from local people. That is why I am so grateful that I got this opportunity at such an early age.
In March 2025 I started my volunteering service here at YMCA Ranchi. Initially I was working in the YMCA Public School Kantatoli, which I liked, but later I switched to working in the UCDP Project, while the school went to summer break.
Through working in the project, I was able to learn many things, such as how to interact with preschool children, how to speak in front of a larger group, ways to teach children, and much more. I was also able to improve my computing skills in Excel, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, learn how to write professional reports and letters, and how to best plan and implement a program.
Through the project I was also involved in many programs like Mothers Day Celebration, Career guidance seminar, youth works, health camps and many more. I was also able to learn some Hindi during these few months. Although I can't really speak it yet, I already understand a lot of Hindi in everyday situations.
At first, it was challenging to get used to the different understanding of time and different manners, but I am finding it easier and easier to adapt. Above all, close personal contacts and the general community spirit differed from what I was used to, but I must say that in a lot of ways I find it better, compared to the German way.
So far I am very happy with the decision of coming here I am learning something new everyday and I look forward to the coming months.
South-North
YMCA Ranchi as a partner organisation in the weltwärts volunteering network is eligible to send young Indians between 18 and 26 years to Germany as volunteers under the South-North component of the weltwärts program.
Presently we are working with two German Host organisations as partners who provide placement in the different social institutions for the volunteers to work for 1 year.
During that time the volunteers enjoy various benefits like health insurance cover, accommodation & food allowances as well as pocket money.
"This entire preparation has changed me. It sharpened my discipline, strengthened my confidence, and broadened my sense of responsibility. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to raise my standards. I am heading to Germany not just with excitement, but with a clearer sense of who I am and what I need to grow into. The lessons I have learned here will stay with me, and whatever I gain abroad, I aim to bring back home and apply with the same sincerity that my mentors invested in me."
Hrithik
This year, YMCA Ranchi managed to send its first batch of 5 volunteers to Germany through the South-North Component of the weltwärts volunteering program.
Monalisa, Nikita, Hrithik, Divya & Atoot have been selected in the month of May 2025 and started their preparation and training period to accustom themselves with the different aspects of life in Germany.
Part of the preparation was to start learning the German language and many input sessions dealt with German History, Culture, Society Education System and other topics.
