PeaceWorks was formed after the 2002 Gujarat riots to deal with communal violence {and violent tendencies in individuals while they were still young}. They combined creative forms of education like storytelling, puppetry and performance to sensitise children to real-life issues and problems of communalism and gender.
Since it is a Seagull India initiative {it is a city-based arts group}, many artists, theater persons and academics contribute to this community-led process which works almost entirely on a voluntary basis. At the end of the year they hold a festival called Golpo Mela, where all the children from different centers come together and perform their stories.
They take the volunteering work very seriously so it is preferred that you are aware of the time you are able to contribute and you don’t flake! They’re always looking for artists, videographers, photographers or writers {anyone who can document the work and changes from day-to-day classes} Being creative, sensitive and enthusiastic about stories is a pre-requisite for this work. People who volunteer for a prolonged period of about three months also get an internship certificate. Check them out here.
Contact: feedback@seagullindia.com