Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in India
- India is one of the poorest countires in the world, with 2 thirds living in poverty.
- According to UNICEF, about 25% of children in India have no access to education, with higher rates of girls not attending school.
- 43% of childen under five years are underweight and around 61 million children are stunted due to malnutrition.
- Even though there is a law about no child labour under age 14, it's estimated by aid agencies, that there could be up to 65 million children aged 6-14 working.
HOW can you help?
- Help on-going community projects designed to help underprivileged families
- Help give local schools a new lease of life!
- Work under the supervision of a local coordinator
- There are multiple areas you can get involed in!
WHAT you can do?
- Paint murals on classroom walls to make it look brighter
- Assist in basic landscape gardening
- Get involved in digging, fixing broken chairs/tables and repairing walls
- Help to improve the living facilities of the local children and community
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION
LOCATION: GOA
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
In the poorer regions of India, there is often a lack of infrastructure and simply not the budget to build or maintain vital community buildings and schools.
On this project, you will get your hands dirty, focusing on working at the slum and children schools allocated to the poor. Despite the previous efforts, the work here is far from done and we continue to renovate pathways, toilets, walls, etc. Moreover, those with artistic talents can help decorate the walls by painting images and sketches of their home countries and cultures. This is a great way for volunteers to leave their mark, and to see over time the efforts from volunteers from all parts of the world!
Other construction work may be carried out in a local village (renovating and building houses and sanitation facilities) or working on construction projects at local hospitals – this very much depends on the needs of any particular time. Volunteers’ skills will be used where they are most needed at the time.
Location
Goa, Kerala
The beach goers destination with the right mix of infrastructure and order coupled with that crazy un-ordered Indian charm. Goa is a really fun destination, with plenty of party goers and a relaxed funky vibe great for the free spirited types who want a more ‘westernized’ taste of India!
Project Tasks
- Improve the quality of life for underprivileged communities
- Paint and decorate school buildings
- Repair broken objects and walls
Food & Accommodation
The Goa Volunteer centre is a large western style house with a lovely garden and large outdoor area. The house features and hot water (solar powered), WiFi, dining room, mini library and travel desk, lounge areas, television with satellite connection, safety lockers and lockable rooms, fridge and western style toilets and purified water. Bed linen is provided, however you should bring your own towel. You’ll be sharing a room with max of 2-4 volunteers at any one time in single gender rooms. You can wash your clothes by hand otherwise there is laundry services available for an additional fee. The centre is located located about 1 hour from the airport and about a 15 min walk to the nearest supermarket with ATM and personal SIM card for additional Wifi if desired as the quality of internet is not the greatest! The closest city is Mapusa.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Standard Projects
- Cultural Orientation Week, Darjeeling
- Kindergarten Teaching, Darjeeling
- English Teaching, Darjeeling
- Community Support, Goa
- Community Construction, Goa
- Kindergarten & Slum Outreach, Goa
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1 Week - $395
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2 Weeks - $410
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3 Weeks - $620
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1 Month - $960
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2 Months - $1980
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3 Months - $2760
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you have a good level of fitness, love working in a team and don’t mind getting a little creative, then yes!
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
- Introduction meeting, General rules, Setting Expectations, Advice on Health and Safety and insuring you have all your documents.
- Indian Do’s and Don’ts, Cultural introduction, learning about the countries history
- Tour around the accommodation and local area.
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Dabolim International Airport (GOI). You must arrive between Sunday 00:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by road.
Monday
On your first day of the program, you will have an orientation, to better understand your new environment and program. Our coordinators will take you to an enchanting spice plantation, a visit the local market, and a few supermarkets located close to the volunteer house. You can use this opportunity to exchange currency or purchase any of the essential items you might need during your stay.
Tuesday
On the second day of your first week, introduction to the local projects and program will be given through an observation time at the project site. You can also choose to assist alongside existing participants on the project. Our coordinator’s will also be there to train and teach you what to do on the project.
Wednesday to Friday
You will begin with meeting the coordinator and discussing the things to do on the renovation project. There is a focus on light construction work, and you will be expected to help paint the school buildings, fix broken tables and chairs, make pathways, renovate toilets, repair school walls, help to renovate classrooms and gardening. Construction and renovation work is available in more places when required in the local area.
This project functions in the mornings and in the afternoon. You will volunteer for 4-6 hours a day.
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
Here are some things you can do when visiting Goa, India:
Beach Hopping: Goa is famous for its stunning beaches. From the vibrant nightlife of Baga Beach to the serene beauty of Palolem Beach, there’s a beach for every mood.
Water Sports: Try your hand at thrilling water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating, and windsurfing, available at many of Goa’s beaches.
Goa Carnival: If you’re visiting during February, don’t miss the colorful and lively Goa Carnival, featuring parades, music, dance, and cultural performances.
Historical Sites: Explore the rich history of Goa by visiting ancient forts like Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort, as well as historical landmarks like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Embark on a scenic trek or take a jeep safari to witness the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls,
cascading from a height of over 300 meters amidst lush greenery.
- Cruise on the Mandovi River: Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Mandovi River, offering stunning views of the Goan coastline, live music, and entertainment, especially during sunset.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary or Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to spot a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, deer, and exotic bird species.
Spice Plantations: Take a guided tour of one of the spice plantations in Goa, where you can learn about various spices, herbs, and traditional farming techniques, followed by a delicious Goan meal.
Anjuna Flea Market: Browse through the colorful stalls of Anjuna Flea Market, offering a diverse range of goods including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Due to the active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Participants below the age of 18 should have parental consent.
- Participants above the age of 65 should have medical clearance.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: IN – Holidays – All Programs
India is an eclectic and intoxicating cultural experience like no other! Home of the famous Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, the sacred Ganges river, and over 1 billion people of varying languages, cultures and beleifs, India is sure to push you to the boundaries of your comfort zone.
IVI is focused on establishing sustainable employment and education through volunteering efforts in India. Children in some of the regions we service have not had basic nutritional background. Over 950,000 newborns per year in India die from infections. Education about health for families provides a strong foundation for self-care in the communities we service in India.
India’s climte ranges from tropical down south to alpine up in the northern mountain regions.
From April until the start of October is summer, and in most places in India, is very hot. In June the monsoon rains start in Kerala down south, and move inland. Further north and in the rural areas of Rajasthan, it can get pretty cold from December to January- sometimes as low at minus 5 degrees!
Be prepared for some hot temperatures but if in the Sikkim region, bring along some warmer clothing as it can get cold in the mountains.
India is a country FULL of culture! From the beautiful colours, different religions, ancient traditions and the smells of spices- India is a country like no other. It’s the the second most populous nation after China, with over 1.2 billion people.
The most prominant religions are Hinduism and Buddhism and around 13% of the popualrtion are Muslim. Because there are so many religions, India celebrates a large number of festivals throughout the year. Some of these include Diwali, Holi, Eid and Good Friday.
In India, the cow is considered to be a Holy animal and you will see cars either driving around, or simply waiting if a cow is in the road holding up traffic! In some parts of India it is forbidden to eat meat or drink alcohol.
You will see many temples in India, as well as colourful clothing, particually the sari’s that the local women wear, and many cultural dance shows and activities.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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