Join us and build in the exotic and vividly colorful state of Rajasthan, renowned for its majestic ancient forts, stately palaces, lakes, sand dunes, camels and rich culture. This region forms a portion of the legendary “Golden Triangle” of Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in visiting India!

The topography of the Rajasthan region is extremely diverse, ranging from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east and hills in the south.  It contains the vast Desert of Thar as well as one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world – the Aravalis. Eastern Rajasthan has two national tiger reserves, Ranthambore and Sariska, as well as Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, once famous for its bird life.

No building experience is necessary—just an open mind, a willingness to learn and adapt and most importantly a sense of humor! We are seeking diverse, dynamic people who are eager to immerse themselves in the daily rhythm of northern India, on this adventure of a lifetime!

About India
The Republic of India is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and is a land as diverse as it is vast. Its population (more than 1.2 billion as of 2008) is expected to exceed China's, making it the world's most populous country.

India is located in southern Asia, with 7,000 kilometers of coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It shares political borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Nepal and Pakistan.

India gained its independence from Great Britain in 1947 and is the world's largest democracy. Since independence, India's history has been turbulent. Now in a period of liberalization, India faces the challenge of modernizing while trying to preserve its ancient culture. With an annual per capita income of US$1000, most Indian families are unable to afford a decent home.

About Habitat for Humanity India
HFH India was formed in 1983 and has built more than 17,000 houses that are approximately 350 square feet, with at least two rooms and a latrine. House designs vary, depending on materials available in the area and the specific needs of the local community.

Habitat’s IndiaBUILDS campaign aims to house 250,000 people over five years, mobilizing 1 million volunteers in the process and raising capital toward that goal. Currently, HFH India operates through resource centers in Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi, as well as satellite centers in the south, east and west. New partnerships with corporate supporters and non-governmental organizations extend Habitat’s presence to north India.

HFH India also has an active disaster response program. Reconstruction efforts after the December 2004 tsunami built on earlier initiatives in Gujarat, where Habitat provided homes following an earthquake in 2001 and in Cuttack, Orissa, where communities were rebuilt in the aftermath of a super cyclone. For more information, please visit the Habitat for Humanity India’s website.

Types of construction for volunteers
Volunteer may work on new construction of complete homes and with disaster-response programs. Habitat house designs and materials vary with climate and locale. Typically, house designs range in size from 240 to 360 square feet and are comprised of a living room, veranda, kitchen and toilet.

Standard 15 day itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday): Depart for India.
Day 2 (Sunday): Travel day.
Day 3 (Monday): Arrive in Delhi; welcome and orientation with local staff member; free time; dinner; overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Breakfast at hotel; travel to Rajasthan; rest and relax
Days 5-7 (Wed-Friday): Work days; work from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with lunch on-site; free time after work to clean up; dinner and time for team activities
Days 8-9 (Sat-Sunday): Free days: activity in local community; local sightseeing.
Days 10-13 (Mon-Thurs): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with lunch on-site; free time after work to clean up; dinner at house; time for team activities. Thursday: farewell ceremony with families.      
Day 14 (Friday): Travel back to Delhi and overnight stay.
Day 15 (Saturday): Departure for home or personal R&R.

Accommodations
Team members should expect to stay at a hotel or a retreat center, depending on location. Rooms will be at least double-occupancy in a hotel and will usually have a private bath. Some teams may stay in a shared space with a shared bath.

Breakfast is usually provided at the hotel or the retreat center, and lunch is usually provided by the affiliate and taken on the work site. Dinner is taken at various restaurants or provided by the hotel or retreat center.

Program cost:
US$2120
(For more details about what is included in this cost, visit Global Village program cost.) 

Team leaders
Nick Cassino and Val Tomey (husband and wife) have been involved with Habitat for several years and have participated on or lead more than 20 Global Village trips to more than 15 different countries around the world. They have also traveled extensively on other international service projects.

Nick and Val are committed to the Global Village program primarily because they believe in its principal concept of a “hand up” instead of a “hand out.” But these builds also provide an amazing opportunity to have a truly authentic travel experience, to understand new cultures and make new friends and to visit places where an average tourist might not venture.

As team leaders, they strive to build teams that are diverse in age, gender, religious affiliation and cultural backgrounds. They are looking for fellow team members who are adventurous, flexible and willing to give up luxuries for awesome experiences! If you would like to join Val and Nick, please fill out the online application. If you have any questions, please feel free to email them at habitatgvtrip@hotmail.com.