8th – 15th March
Saturday: Arrive in Hanoi
Your adventure begins today with your arrival in Hanoi on International Women’s Day! We will arrange your transfer from your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport to your hotel, where you have time to unpack and unwind. Take yourself on a walk to acquaint yourself with the city before heading back to your hotel for dinner. You will finally get to meet your fellow volunteers, your Team Leader, and the Habitat for Humanity coordinator who will be accompanying you for the week. This is your opportunity to get to know one another and get excited to spend the week working together and to mark this global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Sunday: Travel to Thái Bình Province
This morning, you and your teammates will travel to the build location in Thái Bình Province and check in to the hotel where you will be staying for the duration of the build week. Habitat for Humanity staff will present a welcome and orientation session for the week ahead, including construction safety and building tips. After lunch, you will take in some of the local culture and reconvene with the group for dinner. 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.
Friday: The handover ceremony and farewell lunch
The final day on the build site is emotional for everyone involved. 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. This is the time to celebrate all your hard work and imagine the new life that the partner family will have in the home that you have built. That afternoon, you will travel back to Hanoi for a celebratory meal and a final night’s stay in the hub city.
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.