The Experience
Team
Global Village teams are typically made up of 12 -15 team members. A team is recruited and led by a volunteer Team Leader, who is trained and supported by Global Village staff.
From time to time, Habitat organises major Builds comprising hundreds of volunteers from all over the world. This is a fantastic way to meet other members of the Asia Pacific and broader Habitat community.
Building Experience
No building experience is required! Just a reasonable level of fitness, an open mind, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. You will be working alongside local construction workers who will teach you all that you need to know and supervise the Build.
Itinerary and Trip Length
A typical trip is between 1 and 2 weeks long and includes time for rest, relaxation and exploring the host country. Prior to your departure, Habitat and your Team Leader develop and send you the Build itinerary.
Accommodation
Accommodation options vary depending on your destination, and will typically be a guesthouse or modest hotel. Hot water may be available for limited periods daily and bathroom facilities are likely to be basic. The accommodation will be located as close to the Build site as possible but can involve (Habitat provided) travel of up to an hour each way. The team will stay together in the same lodgings.
Location
Build sites are often semi-rural or rural locations and off the tourist track. It’s a unique opportunity for you to experience a humble way of life while you work in a village community.
The Build
Your team may work on one house, multiple houses, a community building or water and sanitation works.The work will apply local construction techniques and will depend on the stage of construction when your team arrives. You could be mixing concrete, weaving bamboo, digging foundations, making and laying bricks, erecting walls, hammering, plastering, tiling floors or painting. Tools will be rudimentary and often make-shift and necessary training will be provided on the Build.
Your team may not complete the building that you are working on but local workers will ensure that the work is completed after you leave.
Orientation and Supervision
Your team will be met at the airport and transported to your accommodation where you will receive a country orientation from the host country's Habitat staff. This will include information about Habitat’s other projects in the area, a briefing on the team’s itinerary, your actual project, day to day activities (work and play) and specific tasks. On arrival on site, your construction supervisor will deliver a safety and site orientation. You will work closely with your supervisor and local construction workers who will direct and teach you the necessary simple building skills required.
Standard Trip Costs
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$160
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Registration Fee (non-refundable and not able to be fundraised)
Includes medical and evacuation insurance, police check and Build pack.
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$1350
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Minimum Donation - tax deductible and able to be fundraised
This is split between Habitat Australia and the Habitat host country (a reduced rate applies to school/youth teams).
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$400-600
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In-country expenses (not able to be fundraised)
The Team Leader in conjunction with the Habitat host country devise a budget to cover your accommodation, meals, bottled water, ground transportation and local activities.
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*Additional costs - flights, visa, vaccinations, travel insurance and personal expenses.
Fundraising Challenge
Habitat for Humanity's vision is a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. We need funds to make this a reality. You contribute to this vision in three main ways:
- By volunteering on a Build
- By raising awareness in Australia of poverty housing issues
- By raising as much money as possible to fund Habitat's Building Projects.
Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to register as a team member. Having paid your registration fee, you will be set up with a personal Habitat fundraising webpage to help you achieve your fundraising target.
Age Restrictions
There is no maximum age limit for team membership but team members must be aged 15 or above. All those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or be a part of a registered educational institution's team.
Personal Health and Safety
A Build normally involves some strenuous physical activity, sometimes at high altitudes and/or in extreme heat. Team members must be reasonably fit and in good physical health. You are encouraged to consult your doctor or a specialised travel doctor regarding your personal health and recommended vaccinations and/or medications.