HIV Home in Goa (Ages 18+)

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.

Volunteer Responsibilities
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.

Location
The HIV shelter is located in the state of Goa, on the western coast of India, which is the country’s most well-known beach destination. Its unique music, food and climate distinguish this region from all of India.

Orientation
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.

Accommodations and Meals
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.

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*
• Weekend Excursions
• English Translator Nearby
*All transportation to/from the excursions are included.

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

Dates for 2009
This is an eight week program, and below are the start dates for 2010:  

• March 8
• April 5
• May 3
• May 31
• June 28
• July 26
• August 23
• September 20
• October 18
• November 15
• December 13

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