This document summarizes a volunteer trip to build homes in India with Habitat for Humanity from April to May 2011. It provides details about the Global Village Program, including that over 3,500 people have volunteered in more than 30 countries. The trip summary describes travel from Canada to locations in India like Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Puducherry, and villages in Tamil Nadu. Volunteers helped construct 32 homes for low-income families, working alongside homeowners. Cultural activities were also described.

1. Volunteering in INDIA ... 0ne brick at a time Habitat for Humanity Canada Global Village Program April 10 – May 2, 2011 Building Homes. Building Hope.

2. Habitat for HumanityGlobal Village Program Canadian Global Village program started in 2005 Over 3,500 people have volunteered in more than 30 countries around the world Assists low-income families to build their home by providing volunteer labour, donated materials and no-profit, no-interest mortgages Volunteers work hand in hand with homeowners to eliminate poverty housing around the world one house at a time Gain a greater understanding of development issues, learn more about another culture and about yourself www.habitat.ca/globalvillagehomec1532.php

4. INDIA 7th largest country in the world – Canada is the 2nd largest 2nd largest population – 1.1 Billion New Delhi is the capital city Hindi is the dominant language – English is the secondary official language Four major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism Indian Rupee is the currency – 42 INR = $1 CAN Four seasons: winter, summer, monsoon, post-monsoon Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago Chess was invented in India The Indian Railway System is the largest employer in the world – employs over 1 million people!!

5. Saket/Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri NS to Delhi - 30 hours of travel time (15,000km) Delhi – 14 million people Delhi to Agra – 250 kilometers Agra – 1.6 million people Agra is home to the TajMahaland Agra Fort Agra to FatehpurSikri - 40 kilometers FatehpurSikriis a UNESCO World Heritage Site

6. Saket

10. constructed of red sandstone

12. Amazing craftmanship

16. took 22 years to build and 20,000 people

20. Time to gather

22. Fatehpur Sikri

26. the mosque

28. Pondicherry / Puducherry Puducherry means “new village” Former French colony Languages: Tamil and French 1.2 million people Agriculture and fishing economy Temperature: 30°C - 40°C 135 km south of Chennai and 2,350 km south east of Delhi http://tourism.puducherry.gov.in

33. tuktuk

34. Nehru Street... shopping!

36. The Market

42. Textiles

43. The Village Seyakuppam village in Tamil Nadu 350 families Agriculture labourers Average monthly income: $100 Habitat partnering with the Rural Education and Action for Liberation (REAL) 32 homes identified to be built…325 ft2 each First build in this village…all women homeowners Cost of home: $2,500

47. NAZAR BATTUEvil Eye Warder

53. The toilet!!!

54. Homebase

55. House #1

59. Rebar

60. Walls Progress!!

61. House #2

62. Digging Holes

65. House #3

70. House #4

71. Destruction Poverty Home Wall

73. House #5

74. Moving bricks... all day long!!!

76. The Team

77. Celebrations

79. Music and dance

82. Proud Homeowners!!

84. The People

99. Goodbyes

100. Cultural Activities

101. ChidambaramTemple

102. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

103. Rice and peanut Fields

104. Agriculture Labourers

105. Cooking dosaand chapati

106. henna

107. sari

108. The School

112. MamallpuramThe Five Rathas

113. Stone carvings

114. Shore Temple

115. The Beach

116. Chennai

117. Until Next time ...… habitathumanityindia.blogspot.com