India - Teaching and Community Work in Goa

Volunteers will be assigned to a morning project, depending on your preference and the needs of the community. All volunteers will participate in the Slums Outreach project in the afternoons.  Please see below for project details:

Slums Outreach Project: Many of the children living in the slums around Goa cannot afford to go to school. This project aims to organize fun, educational activities for these children in order to inspire them to learn and give them some much needed attention. You’ll play games and sports, sing songs and do some arts-and-crafts, all aimed at teaching the kids basic English, while giving them the attention and love they need and deserve. You might also expect to prepare and teach your own lessons as well, depending on the local need. Some volunteers may also be asked to assist with some painting and renovation work as well.

Women's Shelter: The women and children that live at this shelter have left abusive or unhealthy home environments in the hopes of finding a better life. Here, your efforts will be geared towards providing support for the women and children in different ways. This can include supporting the women while their children are at school, and then helping the kids with their homework when they return, helping the women find employment, and teaching them computer skills.
Please note: This placement has a minimum 4-week committment. There are not many women at the project during April and May, as they are usually visiting their families during this time.

Elders Care: Public services for the elderly are limited in India, which makes this Senior Home special. As a volunteer, you will not only provide the residents with basic care such as cleaning the home, preparing food, distributing medicine and bathing the residents; you will also act as a friend, talking with the residents, listening to their stories and helping to keep them entertained.

Animal Welfare: At the animal rescue center, volunteers make a lasting contribution by caring for injured cows, dogs, cats, and goats. The center's patients are mainly animals injured in motor accidents and orphaned young animals who could not survive on their own. The rescue center provides emergency surgeries, medication and rehabilitation as well as adoption services. Volunteers have a range of possible tasks, including rescue and rehabilitation, animal husbandry, construction of enclosures, animal transportation, preparing meals, first aid and more. During monsoon season, between the months of June and October, volunteers may also be involved in feeding the wild dogs on the beach. Since the beachside restaurants are closed, the dogs have less available food during this time of year.

Teaching Project: This indoor/outdoor school provides free education in a local village for the children of migrant families. The children who attend this school attend for only a few months and then migrant elsewhere, and are between the ages of 5 and 14. Volunteer tasks may include teaching English and other basic classes, leading sports activities, leading environemntal awareness campaigns within the village and more.

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

Construction and Renovation: Help underserved communities by constructing and renovating community buildings such as schools! Please note that this particular placement has a $50 USD supplemental fee per week.


A typical day: You will go to your preferred morning project from about 9:30am until 12:00 and then return to volunteer house for lunch. From approximately 2:00 until 5:00pm, all volunteers will participate in the Slums Outreach project. At the end of your volunteering day, you will return to the volunteer house for dinner and time to relax and spend as you please. 

Holidays: During some holidays, the children will be out of school and the Teaching Project will not be running. During this time, volunteers will be primarily involved in repairs and renovations and other outreach programs. Projects may also be affected by monsoon season, between the months of June and October. 

Volunteer work does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration.
Please note these consecutive holidays, which may impact short-term placements, before registering:

• Dec 30, 2019- Jan 2, 2019

Please take note of this project's minimum requirements:

• 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)

Culture Week (Highly Recommended):
Before your volunteer placement begins, you will enjoy an exciting orientation week designed to familiarize you with the rich Indian art, culture, climate and customs. During this week, you will participate 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 start volunteering at your project. Please note that there is an additional fee for this week.

Program Add-Ons:
Consider joining this special program ( at an additinal 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 Ayurvedic treatments to improve your health and well-being.  
Please note that there is an additional fee for this program.