Special Needs & Elderly Support in Goa, India

Anyone seeking to experience first hand the richness of Indian community spirit while offering services to those in need. This project would suit anyone willing to put themselves out their comfort zone, to interact with the community with a caring and understanding nature. The projects here are truly rewarding. 

• 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

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 to Friday

You can choose to join either the Elderly Care program or the Special Needs Education and Care program.

Elderly Women Care program

• Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m
• After lunch you can prepare your work for the next day.
• Dinner will be served at the accommodation.

Special Needs Education and Care program for Adults

• Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m for Special Needs Care and Support

School for the Deaf and Blind

• Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m

***You will have the option to join the slum outreach program in the afternoons between 4 pm to 6 pm***

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

*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:

1. 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.

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3. 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.

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5. Goa Carnival: If you’re visiting during February, don’t miss the colorful and lively Goa Carnival, featuring parades, music, dance, and cultural performances.

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7. 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.

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9. Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Embark on a scenic trek or take a jeep safari to witness the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls,

10. cascading from a height of over 300 meters amidst lush greenery.

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12. 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.

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14. 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.

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16. 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.

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18. Anjuna Flea Market: Browse through the colorful stalls of Anjuna Flea Market, offering a diverse range of goods including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Additional Requirements

The following are further necessary in order for both the participants, local staff and everyones involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe community program.

• Older participants or over 65 years are required to have a medical clearance as proof of their physical fitness as they may perform various activities.
• Participants below 18 years old need a signed parental consent as proof of involvement of their children for the program. If possible, accompaniment by an adult is highly advised.

• Genuine interests and passion with taking care of the elders and children with special needs.

• Since you are working with special needs and elders with different needs and medical and physical conditions, a decent level of energy and patience is required.
• Excellent time management and self – organizing and strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
• You are advised to purchase travel and medical insurance prior to your arrival.
• Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis.

Additional Equipment

Materials such as (for children with special needs)

• Games, books, color pencils, etc.
• Pictures from your country, family, and friends.
• Other small cultural objects from your country of origin.

Personal belongings such as:

• Bring with you comfortable clothes  so you can move comfortably and easily.
• Bring personal toiletries such as basic soap, shampoo, toothpaste and towels.
• An environmentally friendly sunscreen or lotion is also advised to protect you from the heat of the sun and please carry with you preventive agents during outdoor activities, such as mosquito repellents for insect bites or other insects that may irritate your skin.

• Moreover, bring Medicines with you especially if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis as well as other medicines for headaches and stomach aches.
• Refillable water bottles and hydration packs to stay hydrated throughout the day particularly in performing your duties and activities of the program.

Dress Code:

• India is a Conservative Country, please wear modest clothing covering knees and shoulders. Loose and long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates. Cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment.
• Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.
• It is completely fine to wear western clothes as long as they fit the local standards.
• Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols or text printed on your clothing and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate most especially when visiting temples, monasteries and schools during your spare time.

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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