Description

Although Goa is a booming tourist destination, there are many shelters that serve as reminders of the growing problem of overpopulation the city faces and the health risks associated with that. The spread of HIV/AIDS is an important issue that the community is trying to combat through increased access to treatment, care and education. This shelter serves as a transition home between the hospital and the patient's family residence. By volunteering at the shelter you are giving attention and companionship to those suffering from HIV who are commonly forgotten and thought of merely as a statistic.

A volunteer's main activity will be helping the nurses with their daily duties and caring for the patients. In addition, volunteers may also assist resident children with their homework, improve or maintain the facility and build awareness about HIV/AIDS through the community.

Highlights

Volunteers will be picked up from the airport in Mumbai and stay the first night in a hotel arranged by Greenheart Travel. Participants will then head to a smaller town nearby to participate in a two day adventure program that includes trekking and overnight in a local Indian village as well as a two day yoga course at a local Ashram. From there, volunteers will head by train to Goa and begin there four day orientation to learn about cultural differences, health and safety, local customs and language, as well as any additional information you will need to know for your project. There will also be weekend excursions and an English translator nearby.

Additional Activities:
* Weekend Excursions
* English Translator Nearby

Qualifications

There is no language requirement to participate in this project. Previous work with children or HIV patients is helpful but not necessary.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please Contact Us for more information.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Volunteers will stay at a "base-camp" located on Colva beach in Goa. With fifteen miles of white sand, the beach will become a comfortable home for you during the program. All meals are included at the "base-camps" and are prepared by project staff. There will be many vegetarian options available, and meat is generally prepared 2-3 times per week.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Greenheart Travel volunteers are all ages and come from diverse backgrounds. All are caring, flexible individuals who are interested in an authentic cultural experience rather than a typical tourist experience.

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement

Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded

1985