Goa Voluntourism

  India

Goa

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Sept & Dec 2008 + other times available for bespoke group requests

Description: Not long ago Sister Christobel, a catholic nun who works with the extreme poor and needy on the streets of Bombay as part of the "Mother Theresa's Roses" trust she founded, was bequeathed a large house in Goa. It was left to the trust by an Indian lady who died without issue and wanted her property to go to charity. On the downside, the property has not been lived in for 13 years and is pretty decrepit. It has no kitchen, no bathrooms, no (safe) wiring, no furniture...

We aim to bring together a team of volunteers to reverse the years of neglect of the building and the lifetime of neglect for the people it will support, to really get them off the ground with renovating the house and creating a home.

There is much more work to be done to at least make the place habitable and there is certainly no money for 'luxuries' - furniture, toys, clothes, paint, proper kitchen ... the list is endless.

There is something for everyone, regardless of skills, to get stuck into and help - painting, decorating, cleaning, maybe skills-sharing with the women, or doing activities with the children to build them up as well. This is as much about people as it is about bricks and mortar.

We'll generally work at the house in the mornings until lunchtime, though you are free to do as much volunteering or as little as you like, with the afternoons and evenings for exploring, relaxing on the beautiful goa beaches and socialising.

For more information, see the Different Travel website or click to send us an email

Highlights: Do something different - volunteer to help a Bombay charity make habitable a bequeathed Goan house. Make a difference to get the destitute and orphans off the streets into a loving, warm and safe home.

Experience the cultural melting pot that is Goa with its meeting of races, religions and cultures of East & West. See the architectural splendours of Goa's temples and churches. Relax beach-side in the "Pearl of the Orient" beautiful tropical paradise.

This is a great responsible tourism career break, voluntourism trip or ethical travel adventure holiday to Goa.

For more information, see the Different-Travel website or click to send us an email

Qualifications: No requirements, specific skills, education or certifications are necessary to book - just a desire to do something different and make a difference.

Those with building or renovation experience would be greatly appreciated for helping with re-wiring, plumbing and roofing but there is something for everyone, regardless of skills, to get stuck into and help - painting, decorating, cleaning, maybe skills-sharing with the women, or doing activities with the children to build them up as well. This is as much about people as it is about bricks and mortar.

Only people permitted to work with children unsupervised (and who can supply the relevant paperwork to prove this) will be permitted to work unsupervised with children on our projects - and then at the discretion of those who run the projects.

Cost in US$: $2000 approx ex UK

Experience Required: yes

No requirements, specific skills, education or certifications are necessary to book - just a desire to do something different and make a difference.

Typical Volunteer: Anyone can be eligible: Our holidays are for anyone who wants to use their holiday to have a great time and do something positive, altruistic and with a purpose.

Age Range: 18+ generally

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Different Travel's Mission Statement: We are a volunteer and adventure travel and tourism group specialist, set up in the wake of the Asian Tsunami on 26th December 2004, offering bespoke group challenges and volunteer opportunities to work alongside local people on international development projects abroad combined with responsible travel and great accommodation. We make sure we work to meet the needs of the communities who welcome us into their world - and at the same time offer our travellers amazing experiences which will stay with them a lifetime.

Year Founded: 2004