Location
Goa is one of India most cherished places. This tiny state located half waydown India's western coast, has long been renowned for its naturalbeauty: golden sandy beaches, coconut groves, vibrant green paddy fields and dense forests.This Project is located in North Goa, in a small countryside village called Thivim, which is about half hour away from the coast.
About the project
Volunteers will have the opportunity to volunteer in one of four organized settings. These include a short stay shelter for women and girl in distress, a public school in desperate need of staff, a boys orphanage or an HIV+ orphanage. Each of these projects are seeking volunteers to teach English to students, give care and love to students, and help out with other various tasks as needed.
Your goal will in general be to provide all of the children you encounter with a safe, healthy and loving environment, and a chance to share your personal experiences and knowledge from abroad. The main aims of these projects is to teach basic knowledge of English, interact with children and help them with daily needs, and to provide awareness to the surrounding community about the importance of education for the future of each child.
Volunteer work and contribution
Teaching Project: Education is an extraordinary tool when it comes to development. The students' ages range from preschool age to high school age. We are looking for volunteers to teach sports, English, and/or computer science. The most important thing is that you have a passion for education and children during your voluneer project.
Orphanage Project: Volunteers that choose the orphanage program spend their days playing with the orphans, teaching them English, and generally facilitating the children's over all happiness. Most orphanages in India have integrated on their grounds their own primary (and secondary) school for their pupils. The school is also open for poor families. Of course the orphanage provides housing, food and teaching materials for these poor students as well. Volunteers are very welcomed to join this project and spend time with the students.
Elder's Home Project: Volunteers participating in the Elder's Home Project will work at assisted living facilities. These facilities are home to elderly men and women who have been abandoned by their own children. These people are in desperate need or your attention, care, and love. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers for this project to listen to residents, tell stories, and hear about their amazing past.
Women's Shelter Project: Currently our volunteers have been helping with the studies of some of the girls by teaching them English in fun and interesting ways. They have also been playing various games to promote both relaxation and some physical exercise as some of them have become demoralized and really relish time spent thinking of other things. The cultural exchange and interaction with international volunteers provide the girls/ women with much needed confidence and exposure (available to women volunteers only).
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay at the program center in Goa. This is a beautiful old Portugese styled house which includes a garden, kitchen, western toilets and a computer.
You will be provided all three meals. The food is typical Indian food, and there are also facilities to cook available. The rooms are shared with 2-4 people per room, and there are fans.
Not just work...
You will have weekends off to travel, and will be able to travel before or after your project. You will get the opportunity to meet other volunteers and travel.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Basic English Proficiency
- High level of independence and emotional strength, and ability to adjust to culture shock
- Motivation to work with children
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)