india · pdf filewelcome to habitat for humanity driven by the vision that everyone needs a...

Global Village volunteer handbook

India

home construction healthy homes disaster relief


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 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.


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.”


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


and renovations on walls and foundations.





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






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.


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






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


and renovations on walls and foundations.





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

http://www.coxandkingsusa.com/


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.


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.


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.


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.


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)


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.


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 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

makes a differenceevery hand

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