This program is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and experiences between people from different cultures or countries. The program typically involves a group of individuals traveling to another country or region, where they can learn about the local culture and share their own knowledge and experiences.
The goals of this culture and knowledge exchange program is to foster greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, promoting cross-cultural communication and collaboration, and increasing participants’ knowledge and skills in their chosen field. These programs can provide valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as help to build stronger connections between people and cultures around the world.
UN-LEARN COMPETITION AND RE-LEARN COLLECTIVENESS (ONSITE PROGRAM AT RHM CENTER)
EXCHANGE PROGRAM:- 5 hours of office & creative work to generate revenue to set-off the Accommodation Cost exchanged by the foundation.
VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM:- Community development projects are aimed for the development of the community and it is volunteered by the participants as part of their social responsibility or to express their gratitude to the community.
PROJECT-1 (GLOBAL CITIZEN) FOR INDIVIDUALS AGED 25 TILL 60 YEARS OLD WITH A GLOBAL PRESPECTIVE AND EXHIBITS RESPONSIBILITY :
The Minimum 20-day Volunteering Program, integral to the creation of the Nomad Community of Responsible Humans (NCRH), caters to those in pursuit of an unconventional yet purpose-driven lifestyle, all while nurturing personal and professional development. To participate, it’s essential that you can clearly articulate the skills and knowledge you intend to contribute within the exchange program, as well as the volunteering activities you aspire to engage in. This program is designed to help individuals conquer the fear of survival by imparting various essential skills, promoting cost-effective practices, embracing minimalism, harnessing the power of technology, mastering the art of zero-cost living, and fostering self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. It offers a unique opportunity for holistic growth and sustainable living. (VOLUNTEERING/EXCHANGE/BOTH)
Volunteering activities: Community development projects.
Exchange activities: Promote Experiential Learning Program, Fundraise for the development of RHM Center, De-weeding using brush cutter, Art work, construction & maintenance.
RHM Registration: Obtain an RHM Registration by opting “Shorter term engagement” and “Volunteering at RHM Center (Project-1)”
PROJECT -2 (BRIDGING-THE-GAP) FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS BETWEEN THE AGE GROUP OF 20-24 YEARS OLD WITH AN ASPIRATION TO SELF VENTURE:
Our 5-week “Bridging-The-Gap” program is tailor-made for undergraduate students hailing from diverse academic backgrounds, united by a shared passion for sustainable development, an openness to cross-cultural encounters, and a genuine desire to drive meaningful change. This exceptional opportunity offers a hands-on learning experience, complete cultural immersion, and a chance to actively contribute to the pursuit of sustainable development goals in rural communities. Throughout the program, we will equip you with essential life skills encompassing technology proficiency, productive social media usage, strong work ethics, core values, and practical survival abilities including cooking, laundry, and vegetable cultivation. Furthermore, our program encourages knowledge-sharing through open discussions and explorations, fostering personal growth and enriching your understanding of sustainable development. A certificate of participation will be issued to all students who successfully complete the Bridging-The-Gap program. (VOLUNTEERING & EXCHANGE)
Volunteering activities: Community development projects.
Exchange activities: Promote Experiential Learning Program, Fundraise for EmpowerOne Campaign, De-weeding using brush cutter, Art work, construction & maintenance.
Incentive trips: Based on the performance and interest of the volunteers, short/long term incentive study trips are sponsored by TGG Foundation during the volunteering period .
RHM Registration: Obtain an RHM Registration by opting “Shorter term engagement” and “Volunteering at RHM Center (Project-2)”
PROJECT-3 (CREATIVE ASSOCIATEION) ASSOCIATE WITH TGG:
If you’re a passionate and creative individual with necessary qualification (professionals) and with relevant experience, looking to make a tangible impact and leave a lasting legacy, consider joining TGG on a journey towards societal progress and self-reliance. To elaborate, our focus includes the Global Volunteering Program, the seamless integration of Experiential Learning Modules, innovative Tiny Home design and development, comprehensive Soft Skills Training, strategic Social Partnerships, and various other impactful initiatives within the TGG Foundation. Together, our mission is to achieve sustainable rural development goals. Now, we are launching the transformative RHM Center project, which entails providing vital accommodations for dedicated volunteers, serving as a “home away from home” for faculty and members, and fostering creativity and research. By participating in onsite volunteer program at the RHM Center for a minimum period of 5 days, you’ll drive positive change in our communities while actively engaging in projects aligned with your passion, thus contributing to global common goals. In essence, join us in making a difference and carving your unique place in this meaningful journey. (VOLUNTEERING/EXCHANGE/BOTH)
Volunteering activities: Community development projects.
Exchange activities: Promote Experiential Learning Program, Grant raising for Social Partnership projects, De-weeding using brush cutter, Art work, construction & maintenance.
RHM Registration: Obtain an RHM Registration by opting “Associate with TGG”
PROJECT-4 (SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY) JOURNEY WITH TGG:
This unique opportunity is tailor-made for self reliant individuals who possess a strong sense of social responsibility and are eager to dedicate their time to participate in TGG Foundation’s community development initiatives without any expectations in return. Those who resonate with this mission can choose to engage in this project, where they are kindly requested to contribute a donation of your choice towards the development of RHM center in exchange of accommodation and food. (VOLUNTEERING)
Volunteering activities: Community development projects.
RHM Registration: Obtain an RHM Registration by opting “Journey with TGG”
COMMON ACTIVITIES: Cooking & cleaning, collecting dry leaves, vegetable garden maintenance, harvesting, watering plants, social media promotions, videography & photography, etc.
OUR PRACTICE: We practice minimalism at the RHM Center hence we encourage two major meals a day, recycling & upcycling, simple living, low carbon footprint, sharing resources and cost effective travel. Alcohols and Smokes are strictly prohibited.
ACCOMMODATION : For volunteers who are not opting for the Exchange Program, we can offer a double room with private bathroom in our natural Earth House, priced at an affordable rate of Rs. 2000 per day for couples. Alternatively, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, participants can opt to share a room with fellow volunteers, paying just Rs. 500 per day. In this arrangement, a shared washroom facility is conveniently located at 25 meters from your room, fostering a sense of belonging and trust among volunteers while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
For volunteers opting for the Exchange Program, shared dorm (on twin sharing basis) with toilet facility located 25 meters from the room are exchanged.
COOKING FACILITY & GROCERY FOR VOLUNTEERS: At the RHM Center, we’ve set up a community kitchen for everyone who comes here. We like to keep things simple, so we have all the basic things you need to make Indian meals. We have rice, wheat flour, lentils, spices for South Indian curries, tea, coffee, powdered milk, sugar, salt, coconut oil, and fresh seasonal vegetables. If you want anything else for your cooking, you can source it from a store about 3 kilometers away from the RHM Center. On a phone call, they will deliver it to the RHM Center for you, but you’ll have to pay for it.
CULTURE EXCHANGE: We, the hosts at the RHM Center, are also the founders of TGG. We enjoy meeting people who are truly interested in a simple way of life and are transitioning from thinking about “I” to embracing “WE”. We’ve already lived most of our lives and doesn’t have much desire for material needs, and are dedicating our time to help those who are starting a transformative journey. In our daily routine while we are at the RHM Center, we prepare morning refreshments at 8 AM, breakfast at 10 AM, tea and snacks at 2:30 PM, and dinner at 6 PM. We’re happy to share our meals with everyone here if you express your willingness in advance and respect our meal times. During dinner, we encourage sharing dishes, so you can cook one or two items and we can have a potluck dinner. Additionally, from 7 PM to 8 PM, we encourage informal conversations to strengthen our bonds without any barriers or cultural differences.
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE: We will assess your enthusiasm, dedication, abilities, and talents while you volunteer with us, and we will provide opportunities for you to explore and develop them until you feel confident and excel in your chosen area. Throughout your volunteering period, you will also gain knowledge about our alternative way of living and the advantages of collaboration in a competitive world. On Sundays, there is no obligation to participate in any activities, especially if you plan to be out for the entire day. All participants who successfully complete the program will become members of the Nomad Community of Responsible Humans / RHM Club / Associate, depending on their interest.
ONLINE INTEGRATION: Volunteers planning to join us from November 1st to March 31st, are kindly asked to complete an online orientation program before their arrival. This will ensure a smoother transition and reduce the need for extensive assistance upon arrival, enabling them to seamlessly integrate into our volunteering project. Our Experiential Learning Programme takes place from November to March, and as our daily schedule is quite packed during this period, we may have limited availability to personally introduce volunteers to the project and activities, potentially causing them to feel less connected.
YOGA PROGRAM: Under NISD School of Yoga, yoga training is offered through approved yoga school in Wayanad at an additional cost. Interested candidates can opt for it by paying the fee.
EXPLORE WAYANAD: Many tourist places are closed on Mondays, so it’s a good idea to plan your visits on your days off. You can find more information at Wayanad Tourism. The nearest bus stop to the RHM Center is ONNEYAR, just 1 km away. You can also take an auto or taxi to get around. The closest train stations are Kozhikode and Mysore, both about 100 kilometers away. The main bus station near the RHM Center is Sulthan Bathery, approximately 18 kilometers away. The nearest airports are Calicut International Airport, Kannur International Airport, and Mysore Airport, all approximately 100 kilometers from Wayanad.
PHOTOS OF THE ACCOMMODATION & FACILITY
PROJECT -5 ( SUSTAINABLE LIVING PRACTICE ) AT THE GREEN GARDENS FARM
VOLUNTEERING PROJECTS:
Project-5 (Sustainable Living Practice):- Couples can embark on a long-term endeavor, either by taking charge of farm management or immersing themselves as enthusiastic and adaptable learners. Their responsibilities would encompass a range of tasks such as cooking, maintaining cleanliness and order, tending to ducks and plants, ensuring visitor satisfaction, teaching yoga, and utilizing their creative thinking to enhance all aspects of the farm. This opportunity requires a minimum commitment of one year for volunteering.
Time allocation per day:- Flexible timing based on the requirements at the farm.
CULTURE & KNOWLEDGE EXHCANGE:
Food materials (Vegetarian) for cooking 3 meals, Tea & snacks per day. Room on a single/shared basis with a non attached washroom (25 meters away). Sustainable Living Practice in the midst of nature. A warm welcome and loving heart. Flexible off days based on the visit of members and activities at the farm.
YOGA PROGRAM:
Under NISD School of Yoga, yoga training is offered through approved yoga school in Wayanad at an additional cost. Interested candidates can opt for it by paying the fee.
PHOTOS OF THE ACCOMMODATION & FACILITY
Are you responsible for all your actions and its impact? If yes, we have a space for you in the TGG Family (A family within a warmth that transforms the lives of many and have inspired even more) and become part of the Nomad Community of Responsible Humans!
Be willing to give your best without any expectations. TGG Foundation is developing a global community of responsible humans through its various programs. By opting to volunteer for our mission, you are ideally contributing your time and energy to make this world a beautiful place to live. In short it is a collective action for common good.
Feel the responsibility and commit yourself. As we follow a linear structure, you are responsible for the interventions you make consciously and as a consequence you are accountable for the impact you create. The first 3 days of the volunteering period is to enquire and understand how you could contribute to the mission through various projects. Thereafter, you will be responsible for creating a module that can compliment an ongoing project of your choice and sharing it with the respective project head for discussion and implementation. Once the module is approved, your will follow a systematic path to accomplish the goals set by you. PROJECTS: Responsible Tourism Research , Energy Efficient Tiny Home Implementation, Experiential Learning Programme, Center for Sustainable Rural Development, RHM Club, TGG Aid and In the Agriculture segment we have opportunities for Research on Tea, Vertical Farming & Mushroom Cultivation, Composting & Natural Fertilizers and Oil Extraction.
Felicitation: We will assess your capacity to effectively create a functional module by securing the required funds for an activity that can offer or improve livelihood opportunities with a sustainable source of income successfully with a positive impact will be awarded a Certificate of Participation. Considering your community development initiatives, you might also receive an invitation to join the Nomad Community of Responsible Humans OR you might also get an assignment during your volunteering period to visit a partner organisation to conduct a need based assessment study, impact assessment of their existing projects and to develop a beneficiary engagement program #bettertogether
PLEASE NOTE: Participation in any of the activities of the TGG Foundation is subsequent to the submission of the RHM Registration Form by selecting “short term engagement”. Please make sure that you are in perfect alignment with the Ethos of TGG and it’s code of practice.
I was there for a little less than 20 days. It’s amazing how much I got to experience during my short stay there.
We prepared a spinach and passion fruit bed. We designed the kitchen layout and counters for the community kitchen. Also got them fabricated and fixed.
What else, did a bit of painting, helped with some emails, plucked avocados the size of muskmelons, took down fresh coconuts, built a wedge for the pathway, and I could go on and on.
To sum it up, I had some interesting conversations, delicious food and a bunch of novel experiences.
Laiju and Namita were like family. From day one we connected like as if we started from where we left off. We always worked as a team to see what best could be done for future projects in mind. We cared, we laughed, we shared some beautiful moments, we comforted each other. They always took me along everywhere they went, and I so enjoyed being a part of their life for 17 days. More than anything, “We were one!”
| Name | Program | Profession | Institution |
| Mohamed Najah | Bridging-the-Gap | Student | Ideal Arts and Science College, Kerala, India |
| Renee Ramos | Global Citizenship | Student | National Autonomous University of Mexico |
| Fadhya Abousher | Global Citizenship | Theater Artist | Indian Film Industry |
| Adhithya Narayan | Certificate of Internship | Student | Symbiosys School of Economics, Pune, India |
| Allison Platt | Need Assessment Study | Student | Tufts University, USA |
