India – Teaching and Community Work in Goa

Goa is one of India’s most cherished states. On India’s western coast, Goa has long been renowned for its natural beauty and warm, humid climate throughout the year. People consistently rank Goa among India’s top tourist destinations because of its golden sandy beaches, coconut groves, vibrant green paddy fields and dense forests. This project is in North Goa, in a small countryside village called Saligao, which is about 20 minutes away from the coast.

The volunteer lodgings are in Porvorim and it is a maximum of half an hour to 45 minutes to get to the placements.

As a volunteer on the teaching program in Goa, you can pick a teaching program at the Kindergarten School (for the entire day) or/and the Slum Outreach program (in the evening for two hours).

1. Teaching at Kindergarten School

Run by a local Goan family, this kindergarten offers education to over 100 children who cannot afford regular school fees. As a participant, you’ll engage in creative teaching and learn from experienced staff. The program is also suitable for aspiring educators, providing opportunities to teach subjects like English, music, arts and crafts, and sports.

2. Slum Outreach

This program is dedicated to children aged 3-16 from migrant families who live in slums on the outskirts of the city. The Slum Outreach program runs for two hours in the evening, in which the volunteers interact with the children through playing games and engaging in activities to help them understand the importance of education and learning new skills other than English.

Please note: During the months of April and May, summer camps are organized for the children.

General daily schedule from Mon-Fri

• Breakfast
• Teaching at the kindergarten school
• Lunch at the accommodation
• Teaching at the Slum Outreach program
• Return to the accommodation
• Work with your team to plan the classes for the following day.
• Dinner

Holidays: During school holidays such as Christmas in December, summer break around May/June, Ganesh Festival around Sep, and Diwali around Oct/Nov, the children will be out of school and the Teaching Project will not run. During this time, volunteers will be primarily involved in repairs and renovations and other outreach programs. The Monsoon season may also affect the projects between the months of June and October. Volunteer work also does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration. We can look at these dates during your application interview and adjust your volunteer program as needed.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer center.

Laundry: Volunteers can wash clothes by hand. There are laundry services available for an additional fee.

Accommodations: You will stay at the volunteer house in Goa, which includes a garden, lounge area, dining room, kitchen, western toilets, hot showers and a computer. The single-gender rooms with en-suite bathrooms are shared with up to 6 people. There are fans but no air conditioning. Upgrades to double or private rooms are available for an additional fee, pending availability. Families must upgrade to private accommodations for an additional fee.

Food: You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Indian foods, consisting mainly of vegetarian foods, including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.

• GoEco interview
• Basic level of English
• Police clearance
  High level of independence and emotional strength
• Motivation to work with children and/or animals
• Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic)
• A tourist visa is required to enter India and most volunteers apply online.

Culture Week (Highly Recommended):
Before your volunteer placement begins, you can enjoy an exciting orientation week designed to familiarize you with the rich Indian art, culture, climate and customs. During this week, you will take part in yoga, language and cooking lessons, join two self-defense classes, as well as travel to many of Goa’s cultural and historical sites, including Old Goa, local temples, a spice plantation and traditional markets. This introduction week covers issues such as adapting to a new culture and culture shock and helps volunteers ease into Indian culture. This is also a great opportunity for you to bond with your fellow volunteers and get to know your surroundings. The orientation program runs from Monday through Friday, giving you the weekend to relax or explore the area on your own before you volunteer at your project. Please note that there is an extra fee for this week. See Additional Options below.

Program Add-Ons:
Consider joining this special program (at an additional fee) before or after your volunteer placement to add another dimension to your experience in India:

Body and Mind Week: Learn about yoga, meditation practices and Ayurveda treatments to improve your health and well-being.
Please note that there is an additional fee for this program.