Habitat for Humanity Macedonia

What are Global Village trips? Global Village trips are short-term service trips designed to give concerned people the opportunity to contribute to Habitat's work first-hand. GV participants learn about poverty and housing issues on a local and global scale, and begin to understand community development challenges.

At the same time, participants become an active part of HFHI's ecumenical Christian ministry and mission to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide. GV team members give of themselves as they work alongside partner families and local volunteers of all backgrounds, races and religions. Learning about the host community's culture, language and social practices, as well as developing new skills and confidence, are additional benefits of participating in a Global Village trip.

"As the week progressed, we realized that our reason for being there was not simply to 'build a house'. It was to live with the people, to talk with them and learn from them, to share a common vision and to work together to see this vision materialize. This experience has changed me." —Global Village Volunteer

Geographic location Global Village trip participants will serve in Veles, which lies in the heart of Macedonia and is at the crossroads of three rivers: Topolka, Babuna and Vardar. Veles remains an enchanting place for lovers of history with its many artifacts from numerous archeological sites dating as far back as 70,000 years. Veles is a leader in the implementation of informational technology in the local administration in Macedonia. Veles is a city of poetry, culture, history and tradition.

Standard Itinerary 10-day itinerary Day 1 (Typically Saturday): Depart for Macedonia. Day 2 (Sunday): Arrival in Skopje, Macedonia; Travel to Veles; Welcome and Orientation with Habitat host program staff member; Dinner. Day 3–5 (Monday–Wednesday, Work days): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; Work from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on site; Free time after work to clean up; Dinner in local restaurants; Time for team activities. Day 6 (Thursday, Free day): Cultural activity Day 7–8(Friday–Saturday, Workdays): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; Work from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on site; Free time after work to clean up; Dinner in local restaurants; Time for team activities. Special events throughout the week: Cultural experiences with host program staff, such as market tours, museum visits, etc.; Walking tour of host city; Farewell dinner. Day 9 (Sunday): Travel to Skopje; Free time; Final team dinner. Day 10 (Monday): Departure day.

Trip cost $1,700 (airfare not included) I will help you all fundraise- give fundraising tips, set up a website etc.