Tropical and Vibrant Goa!
About Goa
Goa, situated on the southwestern coast of India, is a small state celebrated for its enchanting beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural legacy. Having been a Portuguese colony for over 450 years, it became a part of India in 1961. The architectural style, churches, and festivals of Goa distinctly reflect the enduring influence of Portuguese culture. Renowned globally for its diverse festivals like Carnival, Shigmo, and the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, as well as its stunning beaches like Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem, Goa captivates visitors with its distinctive amalgamation of history, culture, and natural splendor. This unique blend makes it a favored destination for those seeking a tranquil beach holiday infused with both Indian and Portuguese flavors.
Tropical and Vibrant Goa cont.!
Work Project
Although there is a considerable journey ahead to attain complete equality for those with disabilities in India, different Indian organizations have made strides to improve access to education, employment opportunities, and other essential resources, empowering the community to initiate a transformative path toward overcoming poverty.
Get ready to create a significant difference by volunteering at a social initiative committed to empowering visually and hearing-impaired students in the Porvorim region. During your three days there, you'll get the opportunity to interact with children and/or adults, support educational activities, and play a role in fostering their holistic development. Experience firsthand the resilience and determination of these exceptional individuals as you collaborate to bring about positive change.
Leisure
There's plenty of time to appreciate stunning architecture, chill beaches, fun shopping trips, and experience the authentic Goan way of life.
Your itinerary includes visits to iconic landmarks in the North and South of Goa, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, and the vibrant markets of Mapusa and Margao. Optional experiences abound, such as trekking to a picturesque waterfall, exploring spice plantations, or embarking on a boat cruise!
Learn More About Globe Aware's New Goa, India Program
Updates From The Hill Tribes - Highlights From Solo Volunteering in Thailand
During your one-week stay in our Thailand Hill Tribes program, you might discover yourself engaging in English teaching sessions with some of the children, just like our solo volunteer did during her stay. This is just one of many activities you'll engage in during your volunteer vacation!
For our Hill Tribes' beneficiaries, it's a chance to cultivate new global friendships, enhance their conversational skills, and acquire crucial English vocabulary.
Our solo volunteer, Kelsey, included a lesson during her week, on ways to verbally refuse someone who might be a danger to the students.
The Hill Tribe people live in remote areas scattered across Northern Thailand with little or no access to education. Many fled from conflict in Myanmar or other surrounding countries. This lack of education makes the children prone to poverty and vulnerable to exploitation within Thailand's ubiquitous sex and drug trade. Those who can get an education grow up able to take much better care of themselves, their families, and their community.
This underscores the significance of fundamental yet crucial lessons like these for the community.
Learn More About Globe Aware's Thailand Hill Tribes Trip
Updates From The Hill Tribes Cont.
Here are some additional updates from our Hill Tribe's location!
Thank you to those who gave so generously at Christmas – ALL the children in the hostels received a gift and the young people at university or vocational college received a Christmas bonus. The children sang Christmas carols and thanked all the carers by singing at their homes. Some parents even joined the celebrations and games.
There is also now new playground equipment and a large drying shelter for one of the hostels. The drying shelter is needed with more than 60 children living here. Finding a sheltered flat area to dry clothes is essential. At times when no clothes are drying, it will be a fabulous flat area for the children to play.
Joining Rick Steves On Stage
Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Executive Director of Globe Aware, joined Rick Steves, a prominent authority on European travel in America, as a speaker at the Winter Wanderings event at Auburn University. The event, hosted by the Women's Philanthropy Board, centered around international travel. This was a great start to unraveling the world of volunteer vacations in 2024!
If you’re looking for a keynote speaker or lecturer at your school or event on the following topics, contact us at office@globeaware.com. We cover a variety of topics, including:
- Hard power vs soft power
- How voluntourism can expand your philanthropic footprint
- How service abroad can help you recruit and retain top talent
- Commencement addresses on subject of humanities
- Commencement addresses using your power for good
- Ethical tourism vs orphanage/poverty/white savior complex tourism
We eagerly anticipate sharing an abundance of essential information about volunteering and travel at your school or event.
