Community Development in Rajasthan or Himachal Pradesh (Ages 18+)

This is a short term project with long term results. By motivating a community to clean up their village, repair and build schools and community centers, and educate the members on the importance of health and hygiene, volunteers are able to make an impact that lasts longer than their stay in India. The hope is for the community to continue teaching the young about sanitation and other health issues even after volunteers return home.

Volunteer Responsibilities
Actual activities of the volunteers vary depending on the village you are helping. In general, volunteers work alongside community members to assist with the refurbishment of day care centers, primary schools, community centers and even homes of local families.
Volunteers will be painting, planting, gardening, picking up trash, and building or repairing structures throughout the village, while at the same time, encouraging villagers to value and continue the efforts. Volunteers will also motivate groups of children in the village to pick up garbage and help maintain gardens. Social development work can also be incorporated by educating the village about health issues.

Location
This project is offered both in the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh in northwestern India, or Rajasthan which is the most often visited region of India.

Orientation
Volunteers will be picked up from the airport in Delhi and stay the first night in a hotel arranged by Greenheart Travel. Participants will then travel to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal. Later in the day, volunteers will travel to their “base-camp” near the project and begin their orientation that will address cultural differences, health and safety, local customs and language, as well as any additional information you will need to know for your project.

Accommodation and Meals
Volunteer stay at local guest houses that are located close to the project sites. All meals are included at the guest houses and are prepared by project staff. There will be many vegetarian options available, and meat is generally prepared 2-3 times per week.

Transportation and Travel Arrangements
All travel arrangements must be booked according to Greenheart Travel instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed.
Transportation to and from the airport in Dehli is provided for the volunteers, as is all ground transportation to and from the volunteer “base camp” and the work site.

Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Your local coordinator and volunteer site supervisor are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program.

Additional Activities*
Himachal Program
• Visit to Amritsar, holy city of Sikh religion
• 2 day excursion to McLeod Ganj, home to Dalai Lama (3 week volunteers only)
• One week of morning yoga sessions
• English translator nearby

Rajasthan Program
• Tiger Safari
• Visit to Hindu town of Pushkar with a desert camel ride (3 week volunteers only)
• One week of morning yoga sessions
• English translator nearby
*All transportation to/from the exclusions is included.

Dates for 2010
This is a two or three week program. Programs begin on Thursdays on the following dates in 2010:

• April 8
• May 6 (Himachal only)
• June 3 (Himachal only)
• July 1 (Himachal only)
• July 29 (Himachal only)
• August 26
• September 23
• October 21
• November 18
• December 16

Requirements
There is no language requirement for this project. The ability to work well in a team setting is necessary.

Program Costs 

Included	Not Included
Lodging/3 meals per day	Airfare
Pre-departure and arrival Orientation	Phone cards
Medical/Accident Insurance	Cell Phones
In country transportation	Incidentals (Bottled Water, etc)
24 Hour Emergency Staff	Spending Money
Cultural Activities
Internet