Plant 4 India Fellowship
Application deadline 15th Aug 24
Plant 4 India is building a model of grassroots ecological restoration. We support young people to grow into environmental leaders and work on climate change mitigation across rural India. Plant 4 India offers a one year long Fellowship in Rural Development, Land Restoration and Environmental Education. This Fellowship will offer you the unique practical experience needed to run a successful water conservation and reforestation project. You will be involved in effective action to reverse and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation in rural locations. You will be immersed in an active sustainable living community and will work and train while contributing to the daily functioning of the community. This will be a life-changing opportunity to make a meaningful, effective and long-term impact on the natural world and to improve the livelihoods of people in rural India. You will receive a practical experience of putting compassion and sustainability into action!
Program
The Plant 4 India Fellowship will offer the skills and practical experience needed to design and implement a successful water conservation and reforestation project. You will be involved in effective action to reverse and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation in rural locations in India.
This is a vegan Fellowship. You will experience putting compassion and sustainability into action! You will be immersed in an active vegan sustainable living community and will work and train while contributing to the daily functioning of the community.
This will be a life-changing opportunity to make a meaningful, effective and long-term impact on the natural world and to improve the livelihoods of people in rural India.
Locations
The Fellowship will start at the campus of Sadhana Forest in Auroville, Tamil Nadu. Here fellows will receive orientation and initial training. Upon completion of this stage, Fellows will be posted in one of the following Sadhana Forest centers in rural India:
- Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu
- East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya
- East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya
- East Garo Hills District, Meghalaya
In Virudhunagar, Sadhana Forest is working with communities that are struggling with the effects of deforestation and climate change. Erratic rainfall patterns and repeated droughts are making it impossible to practice rainfed agriculture.
In Meghalaya, Sadhana Forest is working with tribal communities. Massive deforestation has lead to rainwater run-off, soil erosion and degradation.
Your role
In Meghalaya
- Training tribal people in water conservation techniques such as on-contour swales, trenches and gabions
- Planting indigenous food-producing trees
- Tree care and nursery maintenance
- Maintaining existing water conservation structures in the centers – mulching, watering, planting nitrogen fixing plants, etc
- Guiding visitors in the center
- Facilitating groups of local children in a natural learning space
- Preparing wholefood and plant-based meals for the team
- Maintaining the immersion centers using natural zero-waste practices, including cleaning dry compost toilets, waste management, composting, cleaning the space and solar panels
In Virudhunagar
- Planting indigenous drought-resistant food-producing trees together with local people
- Tree care and nursery maintenance
- Guiding visitors in the center
- Preparing wholefood and plant-based meals for the team
- Maintaining the immersion centers using natural zero-waste practices, including cleaning dry compost toilets, waste management, composting, cleaning the space and solar panels
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the one year, you will have significant knowledge and experience in:
- Water conservation – design and implementation
- Reforestation
- Biodiversity and ecosystem regeneration
- Long-term rural development
- Children’s environmental education
- Sustainable living (renewable energy, composting, etc.)
- Adapting to different cultural contexts
- Leadership
- Effective and compassionate communication
- Time management
Eligibility
The Fellowship is open for Indian citizens or residents of age 18 years and above.
Training will be provided during the Fellowship. Prior experience in the environmental field is not needed.
In-Fellowship Support
Food and accommodation will be provided on-site. When posted in rural India, a monthly stipend will be provided to cover for expenses. Fellows will also have the support of a mentor.
Applications
The next batch of the Plant 4 India Fellowship will start on Tuesday 1 October 2024.
Applications are open until 15 August 2024.
Applications are accepted only through this form.
Selection Process
The Plant 4 India Fellowship starts with a rigorous selection process. This ensures that applicants fully understand what it means to be committed and dedicated to long-term environmental service. It will start by filling out this form to see if this program is suitable for you. The selection process for the Plant 4 India Fellowship is designed to ensure that applicants fully understand the commitment needed to be a Fellow. We will assess whether this program is suitable for you and if you are the right candidate for the program. Limited spaces are available.
The selection process step by step:
Step 1 – You would need to fill out this application form.
Step 2 – If your application form meets the criteria, we would update you and reach out to the references that you provide us in the application form within 21 days of form submission.
Step 3 – Your references have to respond within 14 days of us contacting them. If we do not receive both references within 14 days, your application process will be stopped.
Step 4 – We will evaluate the responses of the references and get back to you within 7 days of receiving both of your references.
Step 5 – If your application and references fit the selection criteria, we will invite you for a Zoom interview with our team.
Step 6 – We would let you know the final status of your application within 7 days of the interview.
Timeline
30 September 2024 Arrival to Sadhana Forest in Auroville.
1 October 2024 Start of the Fellowship initial training.
November – December 2024 Fellows will be assigned and travel to one of the Sadhana Forest centers in rural India.
30 September 2025 Fellowship completion.
1 October 2025 Post-Fellowship oppurtunities will start for those who successfully completed the Fellowship.
Post-Fellowship Support and Opportunities
Every person successfully completing the one year Fellowship will receive a Fellowship completion certificate, along with a personal reference based on their performance and future goals.
Upon completing the Fellowship, you will be eligible to continue the Fellowship in the same Plant 4 India site or in another Plant 4 India location in rural India, expanding your skill set and abilities.
Those demonstrating exceptional commitment will be offered a six-month long opportunity to participate in one of our projects in Africa.
Those demonstrating exceptional leadership skills will be offered the position of Project Director in one of our projects in India or abroad.
The Organisation
Plant 4 India is an initiative of Sadhana Forest.
Sadhana Forest is active in the field of reforestation and water conservation since 2003 and won third place at the 2010 Humanitarian Water & Food Award.
Sadhana Forest’s partners include: UNDP, UNCCD, UNFCCC, World Resources Institute, World Bank, Government of Meghalaya, 1% for the Planet, Restor and Global Giving.
