Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s principal overseas volunteer program. Global Village offers volunteers the opportunity to take part in the “hands-on” construction or renovation of houses in some 40 countries around the world. Volunteers are able to participate by building or repairing houses for those whose homes have been affected by natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. Not only do we want to build a safe and secure shelter, but more so to build a home and build hope in their lives. We want to empower our home partners to mutually help one another.
Teams of 8 to 20 volunteers will travel to their chosen host country to experience what it is like to live with minimal resources, understand their needs and become part of their host’s community. Global Village trips typically last for 5 days to 2 weeks. Through the Global Village trip, volunteers are able to build a strong bond with their team and build lasting friendships with fellow team members as well as Habitat homeowner families.
Volunteers are at the heart of our vision. Every year, volunteers from across Hong Kong travel to support our partner programs around the world. They experience the joy of touching lives of families in need and grow from the experience themselves. Volunteers will:
BUILD Homes
BUILD Hope
RAISE funds to serve many around the globe
INSPIRE others to support our work
The needs of every community where we work are different, but the impacts of a safe, decent home are always the same. It is a foundation for families to break the cycle of poverty and bring about improvements in health, education and livelihoods.
Anyone can join to help make a difference! Participants need to be in good health and be over 15 years of age at the time of the Global Village build. People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
No building experience is required. Habitat provides on-the-ground training and everything that is needed for a safe and rewarding experience. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, an open mind, plus the willingness to get your hands dirty. You will be working alongside local construction workers who will teach you the ropes and supervise the build.
Every trip is different. Your team may work on one or several houses or you may even build a toilet or well. The work will use local construction techniques. You could be mixing concrete, weaving bamboo, digging foundations, laying bricks, hammering, rendering or painting. There is something for everyone to contribute!
Builds typically run for 1 week, from Saturday to Saturday, and includes time for rest, relaxation and exploring the country.
Where you stay will vary, depending on your destination. It may be in a modest hotel or hostel. The team will stay together and often be accommodated on a twin share basis. The Habitat team will provide daily travel to the build site.
Build sites are often semi-rural or rural locations and off the tourist track, often in a village community.
Global Village participants are covered by Habitat for Humanity International Global Village’s travel medical insurance provided by ACE Insurance (premium already included in trip cost). It is a policy specially designed for Habitat’s Global Village where claimants derived from activities listed on the itinerary will be covered.
Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong, our trained team leaders and our in-country partners will support and look after you from registration to building. Before you leave we will equip you with all the information and resources for the Global Village trip. Once you arrive in they country, you will meet your host at the airport and be taken to your accommodation. The team will receive an orientation while daily briefings will be conducted by Habitat staff.
Global Village trip costs depend on the country you visit and the number of trip days. All trip costs include room and board, in-country transportation, travel insurance and a donation toward the Habitat host community’s building projects and the Global Village program. Each trip costs approximately USD 890 – UD 1,360 depending on the destination and length. Airfare, cancellation insurance and baggage fees are not included in the cost. Please make an enquiry by email to volunteer@habitat.org.hk for more details.
To apply, you may send an inquiry by email to volunteer@habitat.org.hk to inquire about destination and minimum team size.
Yes. In fact, many of our participants have successfully raised funds to support part or the entire trip cost. Fundraising in your community is an exciting way to promote awareness of the need for decent, affordable housing in many parts of the world. Contact us at volunteer@habitat.org.hk for more information.
