Goa, with its deserted beaches, laid-back vibe and mouth-watering curries, is an incredible place to visit. Sometimes, however, travellers leave this stunning destination feeling like they haven’t done anything but sit on a beach. Not so volunteers who take part in i-to-i’s fantastic new ‘Work in a day care centre for underprivileged children’ trip: they can enjoy everything Goa has to offer and also have the chance to do something meaningful, as they help give underprivileged 3-5 year olds at a day care centre a brighter future.

The day care centre aims to help young kids from tough backgrounds get a better start in life by giving them free shelter, clothes, food, education and healthcare. Volunteers help these gorgeous 3-5 year olds, who have often been abandoned by their parents to be looked after by relatives, or who come from families destroyed by alcohol or drug problems.

The project needs volunteers who are willing to get stuck in and help these kids by teaching them English through fun activities and even a spot of singing! There’s plenty of time for experiencing a second childhood as travellers cook up games to play with the kids at the centre and get swept up in their enthusiasm and energy. While most tourists spend their time in Goa topping up their tans, volunteers at this project have a fantastic opportunity to escape the crowds and experience a side of India that many travellers miss.

Shani Hayre, who took part in a similar i-to-i project in Goa, said the highlight of her trip was: “the children, how happy they seemed though they had such little – the affection and love they gave but also craved.”

As well as helping out at the centre, travellers have plenty of free time on evenings and weekends to explore Goa and relax on its famous beaches. Volunteers stay just 6km away from the charismatic state capital of Panjim, where colonial Portuguese buildings jostle for space with raucous markets and Indian exuberance. Volunteers can cruise up the Mandovi river to see Goa’s lush tropical countryside and spectacular wildlife, or just lounge on one of the coast’s gorgeous beaches as they dream up fun activities for the kids at the centre.

Volunteers stay in a comfy apartment a five minute bus ride away from the project. One of the staff members from the day care centre lives in the same building, meaning volunteers get inside knowledge on everything that’s happening in the local area. There’s no need to worry about food either: volunteers get three meals a day of tasty India food laid on for them.

The trip lasts two weeks, making it an ideal option for those who want a holiday with a difference, but can last up to 12 weeks for those who want to dedicate more of their time. It costs £795 for two weeks, and £185 for each additional week. i-to-i volunteers, as always, enjoy in-country orientation, airport pick-up and dedicated support throughout their trip.

If you want more information about the trip, or the seven other adventures i-to-i offer in Goa, call i-to-i’s travel experts on 0800 011 1156 or check out http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/work-with-children-in-goa-india.html.

• Goa
• india
• volunteer abroad
• gap year