Great Humanitarian Trips Around the World
Relief Workers International
What It’s About: India’s westernmost state, Gujarat, has more than 500,000 blind residents—many of them living in remote villages along the starkly beautiful desert plains and salt pans of the Rann of Kutch. Thousands of these villagers require only simple cataract surgery—which can be done in a single day in mobile eye camps—to have their sight restored; others can similarly benefit from basic medical care and prescription medications.
What it Involves: While Relief Workers International volunteers do get to spend time exploring Gujarat’s cultural attractions—including the city of Ahmedabad, the ancient fortifications of Halvad, and a wildlife sanctuary—most program time is spent assisting the organization’s team of doctors, who administer to the needs of ailing villagers. Volunteer duties include registering patients for eye surgery and other treatments, helping with aftercare treatment, managing the pharmacy table, and distributing basic medical supplies in several different villages and schools.
Roughing-It Rating: Low to medium. Volunteers begin their program with a night in a luxury hotel in Ahmedabad; after that, a tented camp on the outskirts of the Rann—which is basic, but offers prepared meals and daily yoga—becomes home base.
Cost: $5,950 for 12 days
More Information: Relief Workers International