Join helping hands and volunteer to build better lives

"Lotus Build"

Vietnam – April 2024

20 - 27 April 2024

Dong Thap

Vietnam

Registrations close by January 31, 2024

In the ten years leading up to the pandemic, Vietnam’s poverty rate had been declining, albeit disproportionately. Then the pandemic stopped job creation and income increases which set back poverty reduction progress, further increasing inequality and widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

Vietnam still has a long road ahead in fighting against poverty and hunger at large, as well as for more vulnerable groups of people such as ethnic minorities, disabled people and older adults, for whom there is still a great need for essential services, including safe housing. Inadequate housing has a damaging effect on the lives of its poorest communities. Families suffer health problems through a lack of secure housing, sleeping arrangements, and poor sanitation, and children often do not attend school.

Vietnam is also highly susceptible to natural disasters, and low-income families living in inadequate housing suffer the most in the Dong Thap region of Vietnam, which is continually impacted by devastating floods.

Over a week, the Lotus Build team of volunteers will work shoulder-to-shoulder with these families in need to build disaster-resilient housing to withstand floods, storms and typhoons. Their support will also enable families to access water and sanitation and participate in life-changing training in areas such as disaster preparedness. They will build far more than just safe, comfortable and secure shelters; they will build hope, communities and futures.

Through shelter, we empower.

Sample Itinerary

20th – 27th April

Saturday: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Your build week begins today with your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City! Habitat will arrange your transfer from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the hotel, where you have time to unpack and unwind. Take yourself on a walk to acquaint yourself with the city before heading back to the hotel for dinner. You will get to meet your fellow volunteers and Team Leader and share your excitement for the week ahead.

Sunday: Introduction to culture and community

After a good night’s sleep the team will depart for the build location of Dong Thap. Once you have checked into you hotel, you will assemble for an introduction and from Habitat for Humanity staff, who will give you a thorough orientation for the week ahead, including construction safety and building tips. After lunch, you will spend the afternoon familiarising yourself with the local community and culture through some activities and visits organised by Habitat. That evening, you’ll enjoy a special dinner with the team. Make sure you have a good rest to prepare for your first day on site the following day!

Monday: Begin construction of the house

Arriving on the build site for your first day of construction, you’ll meet the family whose home you will be helping to construct, and will have the opportunity to learn about their stories. The construction supervisor and local labourers will show you the ropes, and you can get started on the house construction. There will be rest breaks for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, which will all be provided on site. You can stop for a drink of water and a break as often as you need. At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a team dinner and a well-earned rest!

Tuesday to Thursday: Full days building with your teammates

For the next few days you will see the new house take shape. You will be amazed at how much can be achieved in just one week. From laying bricks to mixing cement and rendering walls, there are plenty of ways to contribute. Each night we will take you to some local restaurants, where you can unwind with the team and get to know one another better. The evenings are a chance to relax and recharge your batteries for the following day’s work.

Friday: The handover ceremony and celebration

The final day of building is an emotional one. You will add the finishing touches to the house and maybe even add some celebratory decorations too. You will welcome the partner family to their new home and reflect together on the contribution that you have all made. You will share a special farewell lunch with the whole team and the partner families. After the ceremony, the team will depart Dong Thap back to Ho Chi Minh City. That evening, you will celebrate the team effort and the end of an incredible week at a special farewell dinner.

Saturday: Global Village concludes

Today you will depart for home or further adventures. You might like to combine your build with travel to other overseas destinations or indulge in some well-deserved R&R. Although your trip has come to a close, you will be left with amazing memories and long lasting friendships that will keep the experience alive.

Financial Contribution

Fundraising

Fundraising target: $1,800

Once you register to a Global Village build you commit to fundraising $1,800 for Habitat’s Programs. This program donation allows Habitat to fund our mission in countries where resources are very limited. Funding is used to support our operations so that we can reach out and serve more households.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and goes towards families through a wider program in the Asia Pacific region.

Fundraising contribution deadline: One month before build start date

Costs

Registration fee: $200, which you pay when you select a build.

This covers medical and evacuation insurance, your online fundraising page and a build pack to get you on your way.

In-country expenses: Estimated between $780 – $1000 (twin – single share accommodation)

These expenses can be fundraised separately from the fundraising above but these donations are not tax deductible. This amount will go towards the budget that your Team Leader and the Habitat host country will devise to cover your accommodation, meals, bottled water, ground transportation and local activities for the week.

In-country expenses payment due 6 weeks before build start date

What’s Included

- Habitat branded T-shirt and cap
- Accommodation
- All meals for the week
- Transportation to and from site
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Snacks and water
- All necessary building materials and safety equipment
- 24 hour support
- Insurance whilst on the build site

What’s Not Included

Volunteers are responsible for booking these on their own:

Flights to and from the country
Travel Insurance for before and after the build
Visa
Vaccinations
Police Check (if not already current)
Any extra accommodation required outside the build week dates

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