Building Communities
Program Description
THE PROBLEM
There are many homeless people in the rural villages served by AVR in Andhra Pradesh. They are homeless either because of extreme poverty, their flimsy thatch home has been destroyed by one of the regular cyclones or floods that plague the area or they are widowed. Women who are widowed end up at the bottom of the caste system since she is unable to find decent work or remarry. Most toil as day laborers in agriculture barely earning enough to survive. Providing these people with a house that can withstand the weather challenges ensures their safety and is a promise of never being homeless again. It is almost impossible to escape poverty without a secure and safe home.
VOLUNTEERS
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals who are interested in building homes for homeless folk. Volunteers will be able to take part in this opportunity as a part of a tour of South Asia since it is a short-term program. Volunteers work alongside fellow internationals and local villagers to build homes. The villagers are untouchables, Dalit, as well as those from the indigenous tribal society. Those indigenous community members have their own belief system, language, and culture.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM DETAILS
Volunteer team size:
The volunteer team for each term will be restricted to 25 people.
Volunteers are encouraged to form their own groups through organizations/companies, family members, college/University students and other groups.
There are many homeless people in the rural villages served by AVR in Andhra Pradesh. They are homeless either because of extreme poverty, their flimsy thatch home has been destroyed by one of the regular cyclones or floods that plague the area or they are widowed. Women who are widowed end up at the bottom of the caste system since she is unable to find decent work or remarry. Most toil as day laborers in agriculture barely earning enough to survive. Providing these people with a house that can withstand the weather challenges ensures their safety and is a promise of never being homeless again. It is almost impossible to escape poverty without a secure and safe home.
VOLUNTEERS
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals who are interested in building homes for homeless folk. Volunteers will be able to take part in this opportunity as a part of a tour of South Asia since it is a short-term program. Volunteers work alongside fellow internationals and local villagers to build homes. The villagers are untouchables, Dalit, as well as those from the indigenous tribal society. Those indigenous community members have their own belief system, language, and culture.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM DETAILS
Volunteer team size:
The volunteer team for each term will be restricted to 25 people.
Volunteers are encouraged to form their own groups through organizations/companies, family members, college/University students and other groups.
Highlights
• Involved over 600 International Volunteers in Building Community projects.• Constructed 220 houses for impoverished indigenous people (Dalits and Tribals) in Andhra Pradesh.
Qualifications
- Must be 18 or older (if accompanied by a parent younger volunteers will be considered- Should speak some English or come with a group where someone speaks English
- Must be in good health (able to perform moderate manual labor)
Volunteer Types
Building/construction projectsWhat`s Included
TransportationAccommodation
Food
Cultural activities
Direct costs
Admin
Building supplies
A deposit of $200 is requested upon registration with the balance to be paid upon arrival.
Program Locations
Vijayawada, India
Overall rating
0
Experience
0
Program Administration
0
Living Conditions
0
Cultural Immersion
0
Social Life
0
Health and Safety
0
Program Details
Provider:
Association of Relief Volunteers
Location
- India: Vijayawada
Terms:
Throughout the year
Program Duration:
1-2 weeks
Languages:
English
Participants:
Worldwide
Cost:
$ 880
Association of Relief Volunteers - Program Reviews