Big Builds
Habitat's largest international builds
About Big Builds
Organised by Habitat International, Big Builds are supersized house-building trips that involve hundreds or sometimes thousands of volunteers at once. Instead of building one house, volunteers will be helping to raise a whole community from the ground up.
Volunteers are recruited from around the world and are brought together to make a massive impact. Big Builds are typically organised every alternate year and countries are selected based on the need on the ground.
When you join a Big Build, you'll be flying the Singapore flag high at Habitat's largest and truly international build project.
Upcoming Big Build Projects
Singing Fish Build in Batticoloa, Sri Lanka
(Dates To Be Confirmed)
POSTPONED
The Need
The 'Homes not Houses: Building a Sustainable Future Together Project’ was funded by the European Union to provide housing solutions for internally displaced families in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka.
In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Habitat for Humanity's Global Village programme, we are pleased to announce a uniquely international team of volunteers that will be build homes with families in Batticaloa. This is a once in a lifetime experience to build alongside Habitat volunteers from all over the globe and work together as a team to improve housing in Batticaloa.
NOTE: Due to the recent Sri Lanka bombings, this trip has been postponed. For the latest updates, please contact the team leader, Veronika, directly. Her email address is listed below.
Requirements
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Volunteers must be at least 21-years-old on the date of departure.
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Volunteers must be physically fit, flexible and adaptable.
No build experience is required. Our Habitat construction staff will be there to guide team members at every step of the way
Cost per pax
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1700 USD or 1500 EUR (to be paid via wire transfer. Further details will be given upon registration.)
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This cost includes airfare, in-country costs including shared accommodation, meals (from dinner on arrival day through to breakfast on departure day), bottled water, transportation, build site insurance, entrance fee to Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa ruins and a financial contribution to the project
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The above estimate cost does not include: airfare costs, visas, vaccinations, transport from airport to Negombo hotel and back, and trip cancellation insurance
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Team members are responsible for purchasing their own arrival and departure flights
Itinerary
An indicative itinerary is as follows:
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31 Aug: Arrive in Sri Lanka | Check-in at Negombo hotel | Team Meeting
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1 Sep: Travel to Batticaloa (7 hours) | Welcome Dinner and Orientation
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2-5 Sep: Build | Cultural activities in the evening
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6 Sep: Build | Farewell ceremony
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7 Sep: Travel back to Negombo
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8 Sep: Fly back to home country / extend trip
Team members may choose to extend their trip before or after the aforementioned dates for their own leisure activities.
What’s next?
Sounds good? To register or for more details, please email Veronika at vbodova@habitat.org.
Registration closes on Friday, 24 May 2019.
About the team leader
Veronika Bodova
Veronika has been working with Habitat for Humanity as a a Volunteer Programs Specialist for the past 5 years. During this time, she has participated in several Global Village builds as well as acting as a Team Leader for two teams in Romania. Veronika is excited to lead this first international team to the Batticaloa area, and learn about other cultures and traditions from her fellow team members along the way.
Cambodia Big Build in Siem Reap | Nov 17-22 2019
The Need
Although known for its impressive Angkor Wat, Siem Reap remains one of the poorest provinces in Cambodia with approximately 30.7 percent of total households considered poor and vulnerable. The average household income in Sambour village is around 50 to 75 USD per month. About 85% of the population are seasonal farmers. Three in four houses are made out of low quality materials that require replacement every two to three years. Barely half of the villagers own their own toilet and are able to access portable water.
By participating in Cambodia Big Build 2019, you will be teaming up with a host of international volunteers and will work together with 25 low-income families living in Sambour village to build their forever-homes.
Requirements
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Volunteers must be at least 21-years-old on the date of departure.
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Volunteers must be physically fit, flexible and adaptable.
No build experience is required. Our Habitat construction staff will be there to guide team members at every step of the way
Cost per pax
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Approximately S$3,200, excluding flights.
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This cost includes twin-sharing accommodation, breakfast at hotel, lunch at build site and most dinners, bottled water, transportation to and from build site, build site insurance, and a financial contribution to the project
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The above estimate cost does not include: return flights to Siem Reap, airport transfers, visas, vaccinations, cultural activities and trip cancellation insurance
Itinerary
An indicative itinerary is as follows:
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Nov 17: Arrival in Siem Reap | Orientation | Welcome Dinner
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Nov 18 - 21: Build
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Nov 22: Build for half a day | Home dedication | Farewell dinner
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Nov 23: Depart for Siem Reap
Team members may choose to extend their trip before or after the aforementioned dates for their own leisure activities.
What’s next?
Note: Registration closes on 30 September 2019, Monday.
For more information, please email us at info@habitat.org.sg.