The Importance of Communication

What I Learned from Volunteering with Prime Trust by Amritha

When I first arrived in Pondicherry as part of my eleven-month voluntary service from Germany, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had read about Prime Trust and its mission to support underprivileged women and children, but as with any international experience, the reality is always more nuanced than what you read online.


In the past nine months, I’ve grown into my role within the organization. My work began with tasks at the office: supporting social media, writing content, and assisting with fundraising. These weren’t the hands-on activities I initially imagined, but they turned out to be valuable in their own right. I learned how an NGO actually functions behind the scenes, and how crucial visibility and communication are to sustaining this kind of work.

Right from the beginning, I was able to build a steady and rewarding rhythm with the local children in the evening school program. Every day from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, children from the community come to the Prime Trust office to study. I support them with their homework and offer help especially in English. While the language barrier was challenging at first, it also pushed me to develop more intuitive ways of communication and connection.

I also had the chance to visit rural evening schools, where I saw a different side of the education landscape. The children there often spoke little English, but the enthusiasm to interact was always present. So instead of words, we exchanged dance moves.

One thing I appreciated was the flexibility that Prime Trust allowed us as volunteers. There was space to bring in our own ideas and initiative, but also support when things weren’t clear. At times, communication required persistence and patience — especially when roles weren’t immediately defined — but in the long run, that helped me become more independent and resourceful.

Volunteering isn’t about "saving the world." It’s about showing up, learning, sharing your time and skills, and being open to growth — both personal and mutual. I’m grateful for the people I met, the children I worked with, and the insight I gained into grassroots social work in India.

If you're considering volunteering abroad, come with realistic expectations and a willingness to adapt. And if you're working with Prime Trust, know that your contribution — however big or small — is part of something bigger.