Community Volunteer Project in India, Goa

To book an activity with us we require you to participate for a minimum of two weeks. Therefore, you would need to book a quantity of two for this activity, unless you choose a separate activity to go with it. See the ‘Related trips…’ section for more options.

Care Work in Goa
There’s no escaping Goa’s legendary reputation; with its golden sand beach, lush green landscapes and infectious energy it has surely become a must for the more nomadically inclined of us. 450 years of Portuguese influence set aside rich Indian heritage makes for an exciting fusion of East meets West in this diverse and eclectic state; experience a mixing pot of cuisines, architecture and music it surely is a feast for all the senses. One thing is certain, you will never get bored, with so many activities to offer Goa is a hub of Indian energy and the perfect destination for those looking to experience a colourful array of Indian history whilst meeting other like minded travellers. However, there are two sides to this popular destination and despite the booming tourist trade Goa still remains a poverty stricken state with many living in unhygienic and unsafe conditions without any structured education. Beneath the fun loving exterior, Goa has a range of care centres that work closely with the locals to provide adequate care to the vast number of those living below the poverty line. This care work volunteer placement in Goa is the perfect opportunity for you to give back to this deserving community by joining the local staff to lend a helping hand to those in need.

The care work placement is split into three different areas. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in all areas.

ELDERLY CARE
Who the Project serves:
With modernization, people are at a race for achievements which puts the concept of the nuclear family in focus. When the grown children in the family are pursuing their dream jobs and leave their family behind, there is no one to look after their parents. Therefore, they are placed in an Elders care home.

In this program, you would visit an old age home and spend time with its residents as they need someone to listen or talk to and it is all that they need sometimes. Your visits would make them feel happier and less lonely. You will spend time as a companion to the residents where you can talk to them, play games, do reading, colouring and various other exercises with them.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 09.30 to 1200

Your role:
To engage the residents at the Old Age Home in different activities

• Play games and entertain them
• Talk to them and listen to what they have to say
• Read to them
• Organise recreational and entertainment evenings for the elderly
• Arrange sharing and discussion sessions on interesting topics
• Teach the residents skills such as how to use their mobile phones better to store numbers, send text messages, take pictures, etc
• Take the residents to museums and other places of interest
• Celebrate festivals and birthdays with the elderly

SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION AND CARE
Who the Project serves:
It is a home for adults with different levels of abilities. This Home was born out of a need to create an inclusive place where adults with intellectual disabilities feel welcome. With your help, we hope to create a healthier society for these differently-abled individuals.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 to 1200

Your role:

• Assist the members to learn and improve their skills as per their abilities and interests
• Share moments of happiness and love with the young and old in the free time
• Assist them physically with basic tasks like walking them to the garden, having lunch or helping out at the work table
• Give them a sense of value in their lives and the attention they seek
• Teach them simple singalong songs
• Assist the residents with physical exercises

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Who the Project serves:
We have recently started the “Women Empowerment Program”. The objective of this program is to make the women self-reliant and to make them able to support their families. This program aims to empower women in various ways such as financially (in the beginning), mentally as well as physically. The target group of the program are women from less privileged backgrounds residing in various villages Goa.

Most of them are illiterate and work as housemaids and other unskilled jobs. In the mornings, some of them work as maids, cooks or engage in other small jobs where they are able to earn a living. And in the afternoon, they join our program to learn new skills and improve their lives better for a brighter future. In this program, through a step-by-step process, our main task is to give them English education (communicative and written English), awareness on health and hygiene, vocational training so that they can be financially stable in the future with their own businesses.

This project has started with teaching basic communicative and written English so that the women can read signboards, news papers, magazines and also help their children in their homework.

The project is conducted on a one-to-one basis where each participant takes part to teach women at the project.

Working hours: Monday to Friday 14.30 to 17.00

Your role:

• Help improve the quality of life of the women and their families
• Provide vocational training and training material for women
• Inspire them to start their own business

Throughout the year there are various courses being conducted in this program such as baking, honey harvesting, tailoring and computer skills.

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
It is required that participants complete a CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project.

Gap Year and Career Break Care Work in Goa
Take part in this care work gap year or career break placement in Goa and help to support and educate children from disadvantaged communities whilst exploring a beautiful beaches, making lifelong memories and immersing yourself in the rich Indian culture.

Start dates are every week of the year with your activities starting on a Monday. We therefore request you arrive anytime on the Sunday before to receive a free airport pick-up and transfer. Early or late arrivals will incur an additional charge for the transfer and extra night including food, so arriving on the Sunday will be your better option.

Your trip will finish on the Saturday morning when you will need to vacate the accommodation.

Please also note that India is known for it’s festivals, so during some periods of your trip this may disrupt normal schedules. However, our in-country team are there to make sure you are kept busy and enjoying all aspects of your India experience.

Aims & Objectives
The objective of the project is to inspire, care and help those who are in need in ways you can.

Schedule
Monday
On your first day of the program, you will have an orientation in order to better understand your new environment and the program. Our coordinators will take you to an enchanting spice plantation, the local market, and a few supermarkets located close to our centre. You can also utilise this time of the day to exchange your currency or purchase any of the essential items you might need during your stay.

Tuesday
On the second day of your first week, an introduction to the local projects and programs will be given through an observation time at the project site. During this project introduction, you can also choose to assist the existing participants on the project. Our coordinator will also theoretically describe and train you on the activities of the project onsite so that it is easy for you to understand the project in a step-by-step manner. Your time on the project will commence on Wednesday.

Wednesday to Friday
Morning
In the morning, you can choose to join either the Elderly Care program or Special Needs Education and Care program.

09:00 – Departure to Elderly Care program /Special Needs Education and Care program
13:00 – Lunch

Afternoon
In the afternoon, you can choose to join the Women Empowerment program or continue at the Special Needs Education and Care program.

14:00 – Departure to Women Empowerment program
14:30 – Engage in tasks and activities at the project
17:00 – Return to your accommodation

Location
Consistently ranked among India’s top tourist destinations, Goa is the ideal place for first-time travellers and adventurers alike to acclimatise to a different culture. From caves behind waterfalls to villages hidden in sandy coconut forests, there is always something more waiting to be rediscovered. The mountain ranges and spice plantations enhance the beauty of this glorious state. Apart from its natural beauty, this former capital of Portuguese India and home to various UNESCO World Heritage sites has a lot to offer in terms of architecture with churches, cathedrals and forts abounding. Put together, it is all of these aspects and more that make Goa the ultimate travel destination.

Accommodation & Food
About the Accommodation
In our centre, there is a mini library, a dining room, a lounge area where you can hang out with fellow participants and a beautiful garden to relax.

Furthermore, there is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages.

Available Room Types

* Three meals per day during weekdays and two per day on weekends
** Water, Coffee, Tea, and Milk
*** At an additional fee

Food Arrangements
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.

Facilities
ATMs: There are ATM’s around our centres. The closest one to our residence is about a 15-minute walk from the house.

Shop: The closest local supermarket is a 15-minute walk from the centre.

Mandatory Orientation Day
On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Welcome, introduction to India, House rules, Code of Conduct and handling of documents
• Visit a spice plantation, visit the local market, and a few supermarkets located close to our centre. You can also utilise this time of the day to exchange your currency or purchase any of the essential items you might need during your stay.
• Lunch
• Visit Slum Outreach School & join the education program for migrant slum children of all ages (This activity is optional)

Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.

Sights & Surroundings
Goa has a very long coastline with an almost unbroken sand cover. So, if you’ve come looking for sun, sand and sea without the crowds and the fuss you’ll be pleased to discover these beaches tucked away in quiet recesses where you can go to truly escape the world. Here is our list of secluded beaches to try during your Goa weekend getaways. You might have to take your own food and water as there are no eateries or accommodation near some of them. And though some of them may seem out of their way, you’ll be glad for the peace and quiet when you get there.

• Butterfly Beach
• Kakolem Beach
• Galjibag Beach
• Hollant Beach
• Betul Beach
• Arambol Beach
• Agonda Beach
• Cola Beach
• Velsao Beach
• Sinquerim Beach
• Siridao Beach

Goa has a pleasant climate all around the year. Monsoon season is from June to September which is the rainy season for Goa. Goa gets an average rainfall of 330 cm annually which is about 90% of its annual rainfall. This season also happens to be the favourite of the travellers coming to Goa with its various celebrations happening. And from October to March it gets a very pleasant climate with clear skies and nights being busy with the festivals and sky full of fireworks. Summer starts in April and the long sandy beaches and the sunshine are so welcoming.

Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.

Accommodation
Volunteer camp with shared rooms (2-8 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation designed with an authentic Indian style; internet access and use of a TV with international cable channels; Single and double rooms may also be available – contact us.

Food
3 meals a day are provided on weekdays, and then 2 meals per day on weekends; Basic but nutritious vegetarian meals are provided. Meals are of a typical Indian fare.

Airport Transfer
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early/late. You be supported at the end of your trip in your onward travel.

Training
A full orientation and project induction takes place. You will also receive full training relevant to your volunteer role.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Donation
Part of your fee is used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. If you wish to bring further donation, please make sure that this is in the form of equipment and not monetary donations.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary; Departure transfer.

Preferred Duration
There is no preferred duration but we believe that the longer you can stay the more you will experience and benefit.

Pre-requisites
No prior experience or qualifications are required, but an interest in working with children, and a desire to help others is required. It is important that you can speak English. Volunteers are required to complete a CRB/DBS check prior to starting the project.

Ideal for
Care Work Volunteer Holidays and Placements in Asia; Women Empowerment Projects in India, Community Work and Activity Breaks in India; Volunteer Gap Years and Career Breaks in Asia; and Student Summer Holidays in India.

Suitable for ages 17 to 80

Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. Those under 18 must have parental consent. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community but if you are older than 65 then please get medical clearance from your doctor.