The Location
Our Goa Community Outreach Program is based in Colva Beach, a world-renowned beach destination marked by palm trees and silvery sand. The region has been dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient." It boasts a diverse lifestyle and a rich mix of cultural influences, serving as the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries.

The Situation
Despite the apparent benefits of large-scale tourism, Goa remains a stark reminder of the many difficulties still facing modern India. The region lacks sufficient educational resources and suffers a high rate of HIV/AIDS infection.

What You Can Do
As a volunteer with the Goa Community Outreach Program, you will be able to choose from a variety of service opportunities.Many volunteers will teach English and mathematics in elementary schools. These teachers help create a playful and educational environment through painting, games, singing and other activities. They also work with local teachers to create low-cost education materials.

Other volunteers will care for local children, a critical need in rural areas. These volunteers provide personal attention to the children as well as record statistics on health, vaccinations, growth and nutrition. Volunteers who stay for eight weeks can also work in a transitional shelter for AIDS patients, giving much-needed service to some of Goa’s most neglected citizens.

Volunteers with the Goa Community Outreach Program will experience the best of Indian scenery and culture while helping the region’s needy people. The difference you make in this beautiful Indian setting will change many lives, including yours.

Airport Pickup and Orientation:
After arriving in Mumbai, you will be picked up by a volunteer coordinator and taken to a hotel. The following day, you will depart for Lonavala, the starting point for your adventure expedition. On day 6, you will be transferred to a nearby ashram, a school for yoga and meditation.  On day 8, you will return to Goa for an orientation on your volunteer program.

Transportation:
Volunteer Adventures will arrange transportation for the following:
Airport pickup and drop-off in Mumbai
All transfers required by the program
All train journeys and other local transportation at     program locations

Accommodations:
Volunteers will reside in dorm-style rooms (2 to 4 people per room) located on Colva Beach. The accommodations include shared en-suite bathrooms, kitchen and dining areas, and three meals per day.

In-Country Support:
You can expect help from program coordinators, field guides, fellow volunteers, and the staff of both Volunteer Adventures and our partner organization. We also provide a 24-hour cell phone number for emergencies.

Excursions:
All volunteers will enjoy a 3-day trekking excursion beginning the first week of your program. The excursion includes rock-climbing lessons and other adventure activities, as well as two overnights in rural villages.

After the trek, volunteers will be transferred to a nearby ashram, where they will have a three-day yoga and neuropathy treatment workshop.