Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Highlights

Himalayas
Nestled in the valleys of the Himalayas, the state of Himachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful nature and pleasant climate during the harsh Indian summer. Volunteers coming on our projects in Himachal Pradesh can not only enjoy beautiful snow capped mountains outside their windows, but also take up adventure activities like trekking/rafting or cultural trips to places like Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama and centre for Tibetan culture.

Child care projects are located in the Kangra district of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The area is a popular place for visitors that seek to enjoy tranquility along with a beautiful view of snow capped mountains, lush green valleys, vast stretches of tea-estates, numerous streams and water falls.

Rajasthan
The State of Rajasthan in the north-west of India is often called the most colourful desert in the World. Known for its rich heritage, colourful folk culture and festivals, Rajasthan is the Number One attraction for visitors from all over the world. Special experiences like Camel Safaris, Tiger Safaris, excursions to visit famous forts and palaces offer some of the most distinct experiences to our volunteers coming to this part of India.
The Child care volunteer project is located in the Barmer district of western Rajasthan. The region is known for having some of the best folk music and craft forms and has been home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations. Volunteers choosing to work in Barmer are likely to experience the most authentic rural life and culture while helping some very needy communities.

Goa
This, most well known, beach destination of India has its own share of famous personalities visiting to enjoy its sun-kissed beaches with temperate climate. A Portuguese colony until the 1970s, Goa offers a totally different cultural dimension of India. It’s been magnet to sun-seekers from all over and boasts of its own type of music, sea food and of course, lots of sun. Activities in Goa range from water sports and cultural sightseeing to breathtaking beaches.

What will I be doing?

The projects require volunteers’ assistance due to an utter lack of resources and to eliminate the apathy that surrounds issues of voiceless children. The activities that volunteers will be required to undertake in these projects are:
• Ensuring maximum attendance by the children of the area to child-care centres through awareness building in the community.
• Personal attention and care to the children coming to the centre everyday.
• Assistance to the local worker for record maintenance for each child based on health, vaccination, growth and nutritional condition.
• Making and feeding the children a specially prepared nutritious meal everyday with the help of a local worker.
• Continuous survey of all pregnant women and new born babies in the area for regular health check ups and vaccination.
• Creating a colourful and enjoyable environment for the children with games, stories and other creative activities
• Developing the motor skills of the little children by making them use their body parts in various games etc
• Beautification of Balwadi (special Child care centres) for making them more child-friendly and attractive for children.

Points to note:
• On receipt of deposit, you’ll receive a Welcome e-mail with access to your personal page.
• We provide helpful advice on flights, insurance and more.
• A staff member is in India all year round.

What will I achieve?

• You will have the chance to see some the world’s most amazing scenery, and experience a rich and ancient culture.
• You will have the possibility to network with teachers and see what life is like on the other side of the world.
• You will set your CV apart from the rest, through gaining skills and experiences which look favourable to employers.
• You will be having a massive impact on the local community and really make a positive difference

Where will I live?

In all project areas, volunteers are accommodated in comfortable, safe and supported facilities. Accommodations are structured around one central camp location, where volunteers meet to hold meetings, socialize, dine, and prepare resources and activities for project work. This setting allows participants to freely interact with other like-minded international people and to secure privacy and comfort. Volunteers are encouraged to be model citizens outside the camp, sensitive to cultural differences, but then to return inside and enjoy their freedom and personal space.

Camps include comfortable and accommodating facilities like

• Project leaders on duty during all waking hours, to assist and support volunteers in all work related initiatives, translation services, and any personal needs or concerns
• Dining area with full-time cooking staff for preparation of all meals served at the camp. Volunteers can also utilize the kitchen area to practice Indian cooking or prepare an individual meal of choice
• Television with international cable channels, DVD player, and a collection of DVD movies
• Common area, spacious and designed with an authentic Indian style, for relaxation, socializing, and the holding of workshops
• Internet Access, available through multiple computers
• A café, where volunteers can purchase local food/drink items
• Telephone services within a very short walking distance of the camp
• Refrigerators that may be shared by volunteers to store food/drinks

Money

• The currency is Rupees. The best way to carry your money is to split it between separate payment methods, e.g. cash, card and traveller’s cheques. Never carry a lot of cash as you can always get more out at a cash point or exchange money in all the major banks and hotels and large towns.
• Most credit cards are accepted in India.
• Your money will be spent covering your ground costs e.g. food and accommodation. Any money left over will be put back into Greenforce Projects.

Country facts

• Population/Area – 1.3 Billion / 3.2 Million Square Kilometres.
• India is home to several hundred languages, of which 17 are official with Hindi and English being most widely spoken.
• India is the largest democracy in the world.
• ‘Hello’ in Hindi is Namaste

Eligibility

• The trip is open to all nationalities.
• The minimum age for this trip is 17; there is no maximum. Expedition teams consist of individuals from a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Everyone is welcome!

What's included?

• A Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in central London.
• Being met at the airport by a Greenforce staff member then dropped off to your hotel.
• Comprehensive orientation period, including guest speakers and presentations by trained professionals, covering India’s culture, history, and language.
• All transfers/ transport to project locations and overnight journeys.
• All accommodation and meals.
• Assistance in setting up local support for the volunteers’ activities in coordination with the local NGOs.
• On site assistance and all materials for the activities.
• Cultural Workshops during your on a variety of subjects like Indian dressing, Yoga, Indian cooking, Henna painting and Bollywood dance.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in selected location
Day 2 Transfer to project area.
Day 3 Arrival at project and orientation
Day 4 Project work starts
Day 5 - Day 26 Project work continues on weekdays. Weekends are free for leisure or travel options.
Day 27 Conclusion of project and completion of project reports.
Day 28 Arrival in departure location and end of program.

Maps

Feedback

Coming Soon