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Global Village volunteer handbook
Welcome to Habitat for HumanityDriven by the vision that everyone needs a
decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity
began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a
community farm in southern Georgia. The
Christian housing organization has since grown
to become a leading global nonprofit working in
more than 1,300 communities throughout the
U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families
and individuals in need of a hand up partner
with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a
place they can call home. Habitat homeowners
help build their own homes alongside
volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
Through financial support, volunteering or
adding a voice to support affordable housing,
everyone can help families achieve the
strength, stability and self-reliance they need to
build better lives for themselves.
Welcome to Habitat India
Habitat for Humanity India is extremely happy
to extend its loving greetings and hearty
welcome to you all for participating in Global
Village Program in India. We appreciate your
efforts in spending your time, energy and
money to bring about a change in the housing
scenario of our country.
We consider each member of Global Village
teams visiting our satellites and partners
through our PIOs as important partners who
make valuable contributions to achieve our
goal of achieving an “India without Shacks”.
We are touched by your generosity to be part
of our mission and we hope that we will have
a long-term friend and well-wisher in you.
Habitat for Humanity India engages the
community in converting software, hardware
and heart-ware into a viable shelter solution.
We welcome you to be a part of this great
mission.
Mr.Rajan Samuel,
Managing Director,
Habitat for Humanity India.
Global Village volunteer handbook
Global Village builds — India
Namaste! Greetings from Habitat for Humanity
India!
It is with great joy we welcome you to a life-
changing experience. We’re absolutely thrilled
by your decision to join this trip and make a
difference in the lives of families in need of a
decent shelter.
We’re positive that you’ve just embarked on a
journey that is sure to affect you and the lives of
the community around you.
GV builds are more than just bringing up a
house – a structure. It’s about building a home
– the very lives that live in it. Volunteer
interactions with the community form a crucial
element in the transformation of families and
communities. Besides building homes, your
time in the village will serve as a bridge builder
- narrowing down social gaps and the divides
that rule in a caste-based atmosphere.
Even as you embrace this opportunity, it is our
commitment to provide you with a truly
meaningful time that you will always cherish.
Thank you for investing in lives. Thank you for
being a Habitat volunteer.
Global Village volunteer handbook
Habitat Homeowner ProfileTHE CHINNAKANNI FAMILY
Mrs. Chinnakanni is a single mother, working as a care taker/cook, earning 3000 INR/month.
The land to build small house was gifted by her mother in-law as a token of gratitude and
affection she has over Mrs. Chinnakanni and family. During our site survey HFH – India came
to know about the need of Mrs. Chinnakanni’s family for decent shelter. She has 3 children elder
son working as a daily wage laborer and other son and a daughter are studying in Govt. School.
Mrs. Chinnakanni, has a great desire to see her dream house being built in first time in this
generation.
“what a wonderful volunteers!!!, we never thought they would help us so much, lifting heavy
stones, passing bricks, digging foundation…..because of them we have saved so much money,
from that we can buy some more extra bags of cement to make my house more
stronger…..thanks team HFH and volunteers for making dream come true.”
Global Village volunteer handbook
About The ProjectBANGALORE CHENNAI – DRRR
Cosmopolitan Bengaluru is the number one city
in the Indian deep south, blessed with a
benevolent climate and a burgeoning dining
and shopping scene. It has lovely parks, lakes
and striking Victorian-era architecture. It’s a city
to experience the new modern face of India.
The centre of India's high-tech industry, the
city is also known for its green spaces and
nightlife. Vidhana Soudha is its Massive Neo-
Dravidian legislative building. It’s a big student
town where you’ll encounter hip locals chatting
in English while drinking filter coffee and getting
around in ’80s metal band T-shirts.
VOLUNTEER TASKS
Work for this project includes full-house builds
and renovations on walls and foundation.
Volunteer tasks will include floor mixing and
carrying mortar, laying bricks, carrying and
pouring concrete, and transferring materials.
The recent rains and the resultant floods in
Chennai and neighboring Districts in Tamil Nadu
hit the normal life and the livelihood of the
people very badly. The impact of Disaster was
felt across all the sections of the society.
Chennai, Villupuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore
Districts bore the brunt of flooding and rains. The
relief materials were supplied to the flood
affected people.
Keezh Azhinchipattu village comes under
Cuddalore Taluk , this village had been
devastated by the South India Flood 2015 and
the village was surrounded by water for weeks.
The flood had resulted in extensive damage to
the families, dwellings, livelihood and health.
Village consists of Irullas with total population of
110 community members. The community
consists of totally 23 families. This community
people are completely isolated from other
communities, the village is surrounded by paddy
fields and these people are not allowed to enter
into the paddy field, since they are from a lower
caste.
VOLUNTEER TASKS
Work for this project includes full-house builds
and renovations on walls and foundations.
Volunteer tasks will include floor mixing and
carrying mortar, laying bricks, carrying and
pouring concrete, and transferring materials.
Global Village volunteer handbook
About The ProjectDELHI CHENNAI
Since 2006 about 200,000 families have been
evicted from slum settlements in colonies like
Ashok Vihar, Yamuna Pushta, Saraswati
Vihar, Shalimar Bagh, Paschim Vihar. An
estimated population of 1.2 lakh residents live
in this colony, mostly in one-room tenements.
Caught in a vicious cycle of misery, several
homes here have no toilets or drinking water
facility; civic services like garbage collection
and health care facilities are rudimentary but
dysfunctional at best; as a result, incidence of
water-borne and respiratory diseases are high.
Women and children are forced to live in
unhygienic conditions compromising their
health.
A breaking of old networks and a lack of
employment opportunities means that many
families struggle to earn enough to save to
improve their dwellings. Therefore, they
continue to live in shacks that are made of the
same material that they transported from the
central slums. This was the case for all of the
beneficiaries in this project.
VOLUNTEER TASKS
Work for this project includes full-house builds
and renovations on walls and foundation.
Volunteer tasks will include floor mixing and
carrying mortar, laying bricks, carrying and
pouring concrete, and transferring materials.
The recent rains and the resultant floods in
Chennai and neighboring Districts in Tamil Nadu
hit the normal life and the livelihood of the
people very badly. The impact of Disaster was
felt across all the sections of the society.
Chennai, Villupuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore
Districts bore the brunt of flooding and rains. The
relief materials were supplied to the flood
affected people.
Keezh Azhinchipattu village comes under
Cuddalore Taluk , this village had been
devastated by the South India Flood 2015 and
the village was surrounded by water for weeks.
The flood had resulted in extensive damage to
the families, dwellings, livelihood and health.
Village consists of Irullas with total population of
110 community members. The community
consists of totally 23 families. This community
people are completely isolated from other
communities, the village is surrounded by paddy
fields and these people are not allowed to enter
into the paddy field, since they are from a lower
caste.
VOLUNTEER TASKS
walls and foundations. Volunteer tasks will
include floor mixing and carrying mortar, laying
bricks, carrying and pouring concrete, and
transferring materials.
Global Village volunteer handbook
About The ProjectMUMBAI PONDICHERRY
Unsafe and inadequate housing is a major
problem faced by tribal people of Karjat block.
Houses with thatched roofing, week
foundations and flooring with mud and cow
dung are typical conditions of the houses and
they require frequent repairs. Open defecation
is vastly prevalent due to lack of awareness on
sanitation and hygiene and absence of
sanitation facilities.
Habitat for Humanity India has been working in
Karjat since 2006 and has impacted many lives
by building homes, sanitation units and by
providing water wheels to the families in need.
Apart from housing, low level of education and
high school dropout rates are very common
among tribal children. Computer education as
well as higher education is generally given low
priority. Most of the schools in rural areas and
they either do not have computer facilities for
learning and training or the existing facilities
are insufficient. Or the higher education there
are very few collages available. Importance of
education, health and hygiene problems are the
core issue one need to emphasis on.
VOLUNTEER TASKS
Work for this project includes full-house builds
and renovations on walls and foundation.
Volunteer tasks will include floor mixing and
carrying mortar, laying bricks, carrying and
pouring concrete, and transferring materials.
Keelalinjipattu is a small hamlet comprising of 22
families belonging to the Irular community
(Originally snake catchers) they have been
relocated and now are involved in agricultural
labour). 100 square feet maximum
Thatched / Mud walls, Mud floor, Thatched roof,
No separate kitchen, No toilets, 5 members per
family (average), Does not withstand strong
climatic conditions, Does not protect from
snakes & other insets, Leaks during rains,
Needs frequent repairs, Not disaster resistant.
VOLUNTEER TASKS
Work for this project includes full-house builds
and renovations on walls and foundations.
Volunteer tasks will include floor mixing and
carrying mortar, laying bricks, carrying and
pouring concrete, and transferring materials.
Global Village volunteer handbook
About The Trip – Before You Leave
IMMUNIZATIONS AND HEALTH
REMINDERS
Contact your doctor or visit the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention website at
cdc.gov/travel for traveler’s health
information, recommended preparations and
vaccinations.
Packing suggestions
We advise you to travel light and bring only
what is necessary for the trip.
TIP: If at all possible, travel with duffel bags,
sports bags, or something "soft", instead of
suitcases - they cram more easily in vans and
trucks! If duffel is not waterproof/dustproof,
put items in plastic bags inside duffel for extra
protection.
Luggage to be hand carried
• Itinerary (your flight details)
• Airline tickets
• Passport and copy of photograph page
• Visa and copy
• Vaccination Certificate (if any) and copy
• List of current medications and
• prescriptions
• Personal medication & prescriptions, with
• extra supplies
• Emergency Contact Information
• Spending Money
• Traveler’s checks and purchase
agreement
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses (and
• supplies)
• Orientation Manual
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Our U.S. volunteers can work with a company
called Cox and Kings, website is here:
http://www.coxandkingsusa.com/
RECOMMENDED ATTIREFor the work site:
• Bring old clothing that can get dirty /
stained
• Sturdy shoes with closed toes. No sandals
or any open-toed shoes because of the
danger of dropping heavy things on feet.
• T-shirts or long sleeved shirts (protection
against mosquitoes and sunburn).
• Long, durable pants. Shorts are not
permitted for women. Men are allowed to
wear them, but it is not recommended.
Both because of cultural issues as local
people do not wear shorts, as well as that
abrasion cuts, scratches and sunburn are
most common injuries at a build.
• Hat and Sunscreen – sunburn is a reality
and a danger.
• Day pack/small bag to contain all your
personal belongings at work site
• Clothes for social gatherings and
recreation activities
• Comfortable/casual walking shoes
• Long pants - shorts are not at all common
to wear in India
• Shorts are OK for men; women can wear
shorts when on R&R, but not on the work
site.
TIP: Have a carry-on with what you'll need for
24 hours after arrival in case your checked
luggage is missed
Global Village volunteer handbook
About The Trip – Upon Arrival
AT THE AIRPORT
Upon arriving at the Indira Gandhi
International Airport, you will have to undergo
all the immigration procedure. Make sure you
have the two parts of immigration forms given
to you. The arrival page will be submitted to
the official at the immigration counter, but the
departure page will be with you throughout
your stay in India. The departure page is
required for you to leave the country.
Please read signs and direction carefully.
Once you are out from the immigration area,
have collected your checked baggage and
cleared customs, please look for Habitat for
Humanity signs. Your Leader or HFH India
staff will be waiting to greet you and assist
you to get into the Hotel.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU HAVE TO
CARRY YOUR BAGS TO THE RESPECTIVE
VAN/BUS, LOAD THEM AND ENSURE
THAT YOUR BAGS ARE TRAVELLING
WITH YOU TO YOUR HOTEL.
DURING THE BUILD
Get plenty of sleep each night and plan to be
up early and in your vehicle at the appropriate
time. Construction needs to begin at the time
indicated on the schedule. Building work will
be generally be undertaken on 2 to 3 houses
at different stages of construction depending
on the number of team members.
Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the
hotel (or dinner out as decided by the team)
and lunch at the work site each day, unless
you are informed otherwise. Vegetarian
options will be available at every meal. Water
will be available continuously. Please use
bottled water conscientiously - this water is
available for drinking purposes only.
Global Village volunteer handbook
About the trip – general info
LODGING
The Global Village participants would be
lodged in a decent hotel in the City / Major
Town. It would be a double occupancy room,
bath attached, with air-conditioning as an
option. The rooms are furnished
appropriately. We do see that the
accommodation is provided nearer to the site
to avoid long journeys. But this may not be
possible at every place.
HFH INDIA will follow all the HEALTH, RISK
and SAFETY management plan of HFH
International in all the logistical
arrangements.
MEALS
Food in the village or building site is generally
simple. If you have special needs such as
diabetic requirements then please make this
known to your Team Leader so that
provisions can be made to assure your needs
are meet.
We will be providing you with mineral water
for drinking. The water cans / bottles will be
kept at the work site too. Please feel free to
collect the water bottles from GV
coordinator/Administrator every day, or
appoint somebody from your group as water
in-charge.Buffet breakfast will be served at
the hotel with the choice of Indian and
Continental.
Lunch provided at the worksite will be with
the choice of Indian and Continental:
Rice/noodles, meat and dishes, curries,
vegetables, fruits, and dessert. Vegetarian
food is available on request. Volunteers need
to specify their dietary restrictions.
Dinner will be mostly eaten at the hotel or out
at restaurants according to the team’s
preference.
ELECTRICITY
Many building sites and homes in the village
may not have the supply of electricity. Voltage
in India is 220V AC/50 cycles. Sockets are
the three pin-round variety, Similar (but not
identical) to European sockets.
Though European round-pin plugs may go
into the sockets, the fit is loose and
connection is not always guaranteed. It is
advisable to carry an international adaptor
with you.
TRANSPORTATION
All your local transport needs will be arranged
well before you arrive in the country. In most
cases a small bus or cars will be used to
transport the team:
• To and from the airport
• To and from the worksite (when necessary)
• To and from any pre-arranged tours
COMMUNICATION
International telecommunications using
landline, mobile, fax, telex, and Internet
services are available. The international code
for India is (+91). Most villages have postal
and telephone facilities.
Mobile phones – Can be used in the cities but
not so much outside the main towns. If you
have international roaming facilities then
please make inquiries with your local provider
as to what access you can expect while here.
Mobile phone cards are available and may be
a good alternative depending on the cost that
your home carrier is charging you.
Internet – The internet service are available at
hotels and internet cafes in the cities.
Global Village volunteer handbook
India’s culture
RELIGION
Religion and ritual pervade almost every aspect of life in India. Four world religions were founded
here: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. India is also home to many places of worship
and holy sites of Islam, Christianity and the Jewish faith. Religions such as Zoroastrianism and
the Bahai also have places of worship in India, a land where people of different religions and
cultures live in harmony. More than 80 percent of Indians are Hindus; 13 percent are Muslims; 2
percent are Christians; and 2 percent are Sikhs.
FOOD
India has a vast variety of food, and each state has its own cuisine, but you do not have to travel
across the country to try many of the traditional plates. It is possible that you will taste many
delicious types of Indian food while staying in the same city in India.
North Indian food is definitely the most popular cuisine. Some of the most exquisite plates are
kebabs, roti (Indian bread), curries with vegetables, chicken or seafood, rice and dal (lentils in
different preparations of spices and herbs). Delhi is famous for its thalis (plates full of vegetarian
food). It also offers many preparations of rice, vegetables, roti, chicken, mutton and fish.
Some food is cooked with chili or other strong spices. For this reason, you should ask what each
plate contains when you visit a restaurant. It is important to know that some hotels/restaurant
only serve vegetarian food; please be respectful of these local practices. And lastly, if you
choose to eat Indian-style, with your hand, be sure to use only your right hand, never your left.
LANGUAGE
Hindi is the official language of the Central Government and English continues to be the
Associate Official Language. Each state has its own official regional language. There are 22
major languages recognized by the Constitution of India, besides over 1652 of minor dialects
spoken all over the country. The medium of instruction in a host of schools and colleges is
English.
In order to facilitate communication with the local people, the vocabulary list will be sent to you
once you are scheduled to a particular Host office.
Global Village volunteer handbook
Sample Cultural Experiences*
TAJ MAHAL
• Located in Agra (about 220 km south-east of Delhi) the Taj
Mahal needs no introduction. It is considered the finest
example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines
elements from Persian, Indian and Islamic architectural
style. In 1983, The Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World
Heritage site and was cited as “the jewel of Muslim art in
India and one of the universally admire masterpieces of
the world’s heritage”.
THE LOTUS TEMPLE
• The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, India, is a Bahá’í
House of Worship completed in 1986. Notable for its
flowerlike shape, it serves as the Mother Temple of the
Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent
attraction in the city. The place provides immaculate
environment for meditation, peace and wisdom.
HUMAYAN’S TOMB
• Built in 1565 A.D. by his senior widow Bega Begam, nine
years after his death, Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Inside the walled enclosure the most
notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with
pathways water channels, centrally located well
proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.
THE RED FORT
• The Red Fort or the Lal Quila as it is traditionally called is
situated in old Delhi, the capital of India. The Red Fort was
built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th
century that took around 9 years to complete this
magnificent structure and around 10 million rupees to build
the fort. The Red Fort is a masterpiece of architecture and
is one of the most visited spot in old Delhi. Tourists from
India and abroad never miss the opportunity to visit this
huge structure.*Cultural experiences will depend on hosting location within the country.
Global Village volunteer handbook
Cultural Tips
DO’S
SHOWING RESPECT
• Respect, especially to the oldest or those
in authority, is an important component of
our culture. One shows respect in many
different ways, including body posture and
position, clothing worn, tone and loud/soft
voice and gestures.
• Folding your arms while speaking to
someone is a sign of respect, as is
speaking softly.
• Footwear is not generally worn in the
house; it should be left at the door. You
may keep your socks on if you want. Never
sit on the threshold of the door. In the
village, it is inappropriate to wear hats or to
carry anything on your shoulder like
backpacks. As a sign of respect, all hats &
backpacks should be removed upon
entering the village.
• Always ask permission for photographing
anyone (it will almost always be granted).
Do not indiscriminately stand up and take
photos during ceremonies. Ask permission
before hand.
DRESS CODE
Men – Most men dress casually but modestly.
Long shorts are fine and “T” shirts or singlets
are generally accepted. Shoes can also be
casual such as open sandals. When
attending church or more formal occasions, a
long sleeve shirt and long dress trousers are
expected. Ties are not generally worn.
Women – Conservative dress is imperative.
Although many tourists are often seen briefly
dressed it is tolerated but not considered
polite. Short skirts, two-piece bathing suits
and shorts are unacceptable.
DON’TS
• Note the correct way of sitting (generally
on the floor), keep knees covered.
• Do not go on an unescorted walk or trip
with a person of the opposite sex.
• Don’t use hand signals to call someone to
you.
• Wearing footwear in homes.
• Don’t leave the meal table before the chief
or head of family does.
• Never address the chief casually.
• Never show affection in public
• Don’t eat food while walking through the
village
• Never shout across the village.
• Never run through the village
• Don’t offer food or drink to villagers
• Don’t keep the hotel rooms open
• Don’t ask religious and caste based
questions in public
• Don’t pass your address or personal
information to anyone
• Don’t leave your cameras unattended at
the site or let children use them
• Don’t keep concerns to yourself
• Don’t walk alone through the streets at the
build (walk in groups)
Global Village volunteer handbook
Safety On The Work Site• No alcohol or drugs are permitted on site at
any time. Volunteers who need prescription
drugs (inhalers, etc.) should make sure
they have a sufficient supply on site.
• Wear sun screen of a suitable factor and
reapply it throughout the day.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the tasks
involved.
• Drink plenty of water — at least 2 liters a
day, even more when it is hot.
• Wear your hard hat at all times on site,
except in designated break areas.
• Proper gloves can protect your hands
from:
Cuts when carrying sharp-edged
materials and equipment.
Skin irritation from cement, paint, lime
wash and other chemicals.
Getting a corn while working with the
tools for long time.
• Wear ear protection when:
Any equipment is being used nearby
that may cause damage to your ears.
Heavy machinery is working nearby
you for prolonged time.
• Wear a face mask when:
You understand the mask type and its
designation.
Using chemicals, painting lime wash,
mixing cement.
Scraping old paints and sanding the
items to smooth.
• Wear eye protection when:
You or someone nearby is using a
hammer, chisel or planer.
You or somebody next to you is using
any type of power tool.
Using lime wash or chemicals or
mixing or pouring cement.
• Wear proper footwear at all times:
Open-toed shoes are forbidden on the
site.
Footwear must be covered and hard-
soled.
Steel-toed safety boots must be worn
in demolition works.
• When lifting an item:
Know your capacity and weight limits.
Ask your site supervisor.
Keep legs slightly apart, bend the
knees, keep the back straight.
Grab by both hands, and lift with the
legs, not the back.
Global Village volunteer handbook
Gift Giving PolicyFrom the perspective of Habitat’s partner families and communities who are often in great need,
foreigners are assumed to be wealthy. Although they are asked not to make such requests, at
some point during our stay, you may be approached by the home owners or local laborers or
others in the community with requests for material contributions (clothing, money, gifts, etc.). Or
you yourself, after witnessing the great needs in the community, might be compelled to give gifts.
But, it is very important that everyone realize the unintended consequences that giving gifts can
have, and to strictly adhere to Habitat’s gift giving policy.
While well intended, gift giving can run counter to the purposes of the Habitat’s goal of
empowering families and communities, and compromises Habitat’s goal of instilling a sense of
responsibility and motivation from the family to make house payments. It is common that gifts
can create a dependence on others to provide assistance, while the Habitat model focuses on
breaking the dependence.
Giving gifts may also lead not only to conflicts within Habitat’s development activities and
relationships with their local partners, but to embarrassment and sometimes resentment. It could
create a situation where others in the community become upset because they feel left out. A
team can come and go from a community without realizing the major problems they have left for
Habitat to fix.
But we do understand that relationships will be made. In order to ensure consistency in what
volunteer teams do give, we must ask that everyone please strictly adhere to the following
guidelines:
• Do not give gifts individually. Each team should collect and compile all gift items from team
members. With the help of the local Habitat staff, we can then decide how best to share the
gifts with the community. This sends a clear message that all the families in the community
are valued. Gifts will be given out at the end of the build or at the farewell celebration. Some
ideas of what you might bring include: books for the community center, sports balls,
playground equipment, extra work gloves, tools, etc..
• It is okay to bring toys to the worksite such as toys. In fact, it’s a great way to fill
downtime, playing with the children that will likely be nearby. But these items must be taken
back with you at the end of each day. They can be donated and distributed at the end of the
build.
• Leaving behind clothing and work boots is always appreciated. Clothing should be in
good condition. Please have the clothes cleaned or include a small donation to pay for the
laundering of any donated clothing. Donated clothing is distributed by the local host program
to those most in need.
• Never offer to give money, especially to make a mortgage payment.
15
Global Village volunteer handbook
Global Village Volunteers’ Experiences
“It was AMAZING!!! It was my first ever global village trip,
and while I had minor skepticism going in, my expectations
were mostly very high. Everything about this trip exceeded
my expectations. The planning, coordination, information
and execution allowed me to feel comfortable and
confident about traveling to a new area and all of the
people on the team were of like mind and ambition and the
camaraderie was incredible. The organization was well
done, and I truly felt that the community was happy and
welcoming to have us there and appreciated the
contribution we were able to provide. 1,000 thumbs up!”
—Danica C.
Habitat Global Village volunteer 2017
“GV is a fantastic way to see different cultures and meet
new people-both the local people and other volunteers on
the team. And GV also provides a way for travelers to
enhance their travel experience with community and
humanitarian service which makes our world a better
place to live. The work projects are well organized, the trip
leaders have been fantastic and the local Habitat leaders
are talented and great to work with. A GV trip also
includes local cultural activities which add to the trip's
"fun" experience, and it promotes team cohesion as well.
A GV trip is a valuable, effective and enlightening travel
opportunity for those who want to put a bit more into as
well as get a bit more out of their world travels.”
—Mark. J
Habitat Global Village volunteer 2017