Given below is a summary of things that you will find useful to know before your volunteer work:

What is Required of a Volunteer?

A personal drive to make a difference to the lives of others.

A good work attitude and an eagerness to work as part of a team for the benefit of others.

Plenty of energy, enthusiasm and passion.

You need to be adaptable and flexible.

Willingness and ability to listen.

A sense of humor.

Culturally sensitive, freely accepting others and their differences without discrimination.

BEFORE COMING

Flights

The Arrival Airport is DHAKA, Shahjalal International Airport. A lot of different airline companies fly here; please check the internet for schedules and prices or with your travel agent.

Travel Insurance

This is always worth having when travelling! Check with your insurance or Credit Card Company to see whether you may already be covered.

Passports

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival in Dhaka.

Visas

If flying in, American, British, Europeans, New Zealand, Australian citizens can get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh at the airport  - this is valid for maximum of 30 days. You will need $50 to pay the visa fee at the airport. Citizens of Other Countries - Visas are not available on arrival. For this category, visas have to be applied for prior to arrival.

Necessary travel items to consider: 

Travel Journal

Money belt

Torch

Camera, batteries, charger, spare memory cards

Laptop

Universal adapter

Earplugs

Insect repellent,suncream

First Aid Kit including Paracetamol, antibiotics, Imodium or Ciprobay..

You may want to bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer

Any other items that you need during travelling

Clothing and footwear

If you want to play with the kids take some clothing that you don't mind getting dirty! - you won't enjoy it as much if you are worried about spoiling your clothes!

The Project involves some walking. Make sure you have a pair of shoes with a good grip and a supply of socks.

Flip-flops and waterproof ponchos are very useful - especially during the rainy season!

Please remember Bangladesh is a Muslim country so consider conservative clothing

Money

Local currency is BDT (Taka). Rate is 1 $ =  82 BDT (taka) and 1 € = 100 BDT (Taka)

Bring large USD notes - the exchange rate is better

Better not to change money at the airport, the exchange rate is low.

Health and vaccination

We recommend basic travelling vaccinations as Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Tetanus. Consult your Doctor.

Please inform us if you have any specific allergy or any medical condition (i.e. epilepsy or diabetes) that we should be aware of.

Food

There are some excellent restaurants in town that we can recommend. We can show you the best places to shop! Pizza, Chinese, Thai and Bangladeshi take-aways are available @ 300+ Taka per person per meal.

The local area does have basic supermarkets in case you like to make food in your own. 

Drinks

Drink Mineral water and be sure it is sealed and unopened. Soft drinks like cola, fruit juice or chocolate milk are available at local shops.

Transport

Airport pick up and drop off can be arranged by your hotel. Alternatively, if you prefer, we can rent a car for you to pick you up from airport to your hotel/ destination.

During your stay Rickshaw, Tuk Tuk and taxis (also UBER) are available. Minivan can be booked 24 hours in advance at 2500.00 Taka per day (depending on availability)... only full-day bookings.

Donations

If you are interested to bring goods donations for the children of the project, you are always welcome. You may bring any goods for the children that would benefit them for their studies or living. If you like to donate your spare money (Bangladeshi taka) before you leave, you can directly donate to the project. If you like to support a child or to the project, you can donate to the project’s account. The detailed information is given on “donation” page of the website.

Local Behavior

Bangladesh is a Muslim country - please do respect the culture.

Please do not give money to the kids in the project or on the street. It encourages them to beg instead of joining a school.

Please note that this is unpaid volunteer work. Therefore, visitors/ volunteers pay for all their expenses when they come ; airfare, accommodation, meals, visa fees, airport transfers etc...

Thanks in advance for your consideration to volunteer work for the good cause.