Going on a humanitarian mission is an experience that lets you discover a new country and new cultures, while helping people in need. Whether supporting education, health, the environment or community development, many destinations offer opportunities for volunteer involvement. But where can you go on a humanitarian mission? In this article, we presentthe 11 best destinations to experience a solidarity adventure and give meaning to your trip. From India to Guatemala, Benin to Cambodia, there are countless opportunities to roll up your sleeves and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
1. Where to go for humanitarian aid? In India
One trip is hardly enough to grasp it, and it would take a lifetime to understand it in its entirety. From the sheer peaks of the Himalayas to the dreamy beaches of Andaman, from the dusty countryside of Rajasthan to the emerald tropical jungles of the Western Ghats,India is multifaceted. Fauna, flora, architecture, cuisine, traditions, spirituality - India has something for everyone. And what better way to discover it than to spend a few months there on a humanitarian trip?There are a number of international and local associations that can help you make a humanitarian trip (and improve your English). It's important to find out about the work and seriousness of an association before committing yourself. Most will take care of your accommodation and food, but it's best to ask the right questions before you leave: what is covered? How many hours of work per day? Are you entitled to one or more weekly rest days? Once these issues have been settled, it's time for the experience of a lifetime!
Read more: What to do and see in India The 22 most beautiful places to see
2. Madagascar: a host of challenges
Madagascar' s landscapes are as varied as they are powerful: chiseled mountains, tropical forests, wild beaches, rice terraces, vast plateaus, or scorching savannah planted with baobabs. A humanitarian and solidarity trip is a great way to enjoy all this. Unfortunately, this extraordinary country faces many challenges, including access to drinking water, malnutrition, food insecurity and health crises. Its economic fragility and exposure to natural disasters make it particularly vulnerable. Your commitment, whatever the field, will always be welcome.
3. Where to go for humanitarian aid? In Nepal
Kathmandu, the gateway to Nepal, seizes you as soon as you arrive with its unique, effervescent bustle. As you wander through the bustling alleyways, you'll discover hidden treasures, observe the vibrant daily life of its inhabitants and meet a warm and welcoming people. Nepal reveals itself in all its richness: a country with many faces, marked by fascinating ethnic and cultural diversity, a turbulent history and a unique harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism. From tropical jungle to the world's highest peaks, it rises like an immense staircase, offering breathtaking scenery. Since the 2015 earthquake, the country is still licking its wounds and trying to finish rebuilding. And it still needs a motivated workforce!
Read more: What to do in Nepal? The 15 most beautiful places to visit
4. Working in village development in Kenya
Kenya is an ideal destination for enthusiasts of wildlife, vast savannahs, idyllic coastal landscapes and spectacular natural formations. However, this type of tourism tends to overshadow the country's human wealth. Kenya is also a fascinating cultural crossroads. Home to over forty ethnic groups, it is the meeting point of agricultural and pastoral civilizations, offering a remarkable human diversity. It's also a destination that's always in need of human resources, whether to work on village development or to help young people learn English in the remotest corners of the country.
5. In Sri Lanka: support for the population, animal conservation, education...
A land of beaches and mountains, rice paddies and plantations, Sri Lanka is also rich in history, where colonizers from India, Portugal, the Netherlands and England have left important vestiges. The possibility of volunteering in an exotic country like Sri Lanka is therefore very tempting. Numerous NGOs offer volunteer opportunities on the island, particularly in the fields of community support, animal conservation and education. Finally, a good command of English is a must.
Read more: Where to go to learn English? The best destinations
6. Where to go for humanitarian aid? Benin
A trip to Benin opens the door to a multitude of discoveries. It means admiring the superb lagoon landscapes of the coastline, navigating the waters where river and sea mingle and exploring villages steeped in tradition, protected by countless fetishes. Vodoun (voodoo) is a fascinating religion whose influence has crossed the Atlantic. The first step to "doing humanitarian work" is to fully understand the difficulties encountered on site. Then you'll have to go on the hunt for a mission. In addition, there are a number of interesting solidarity projects to meet local people, clean up a forest, help preserve a species... And everyone speaks French.
7. Costa Rica: a unique spot to help protect animals
Costa Rica's rich climate, nature and wildlife, mountains, beaches, breathtaking scenery and relaxed lifestyle are just some of the reasons to come and live here. A forerunner in sustainable development, Costa Rica has become the "greenest" destination in the world. The country has succeeded in developing a reasoned, environmentally-friendly form of tourism, and Costa Ricans themselves express respect and gratitude for their natural surroundings. So it's also a unique spot to come and help protect animals, such as endangered species (turtles, jaguars...) or nature reserves.
Read more: What to do in Costa Rica? 21 must-sees and 10 must-do activities in Costa Rica
8. Haiti: immense needs, especially for reconstruction
Haiti may have been through a lot, from dictatorships to cyclones and earthquakes, but its people still have an unquenchable thirst for life. The needs on the island are therefore immense, not only in terms of reconstruction, but also and above all in terms of restoring access to healthcare for populations excluded from any health system, and helping the most disadvantaged. A fundamental experience, but also a unique one in perspective, because, beyond poverty and humanitarian disasters, to visit Haiti is also to come face to face with fascinating landscapes and a population that, every day, is mustering all its strength to build a better future for itself.
9. Where to go for humanitarian aid? In Cambodia
When you choose Cambodia as your humanitarian destination, you're guaranteed to be overwhelmed by torrents of emotion almost every day of your trip. Cambodia's exceptional historical and architectural heritage is now accessible to as many people as possible. A heritage which, for most tourists, can be summed up as a visit to the temples of Angkor (at a snail's pace), a brief glimpse of Phnom Penh to see in two days the evidence of the atrocities of Pol Pot's bloodthirsty troops, before leaving for a new destination. But Cambodia also means discovering the languor of its countryside and meeting its inhabitants. Taking part in a humanitarian mission in Cambodia means contributing to local community projects while discovering a warm-hearted culture.
10. Guatemala: from renovation and construction projects to social aid programs
Even the most seasoned traveler won't be able to resist Guatemala's charm. To explore the lost cities of the Petén, from Tikal to El Mirador, is to step back in time to the era of the great civilizations, building imposing pyramids in the heart of lush jungle. Likewise, the play of light at sunset over Lake Atitlán, the volcanic beaches of the Pacific or the Río Dulce along the Caribbean coast will leave lasting memories. On the humanitarian front, there are numerous opportunities for volunteer work. From renovation or construction projects to social aid programs, giving your time to fully immerse yourself in the culture of local communities is easy here.
11. Where to go for humanitarian aid? In Ghana
With little tourism, Ghana's towns and villages are steeped in both monarchical traditions and post-colonial modernity. You can immerse yourself in huge, bustling markets, sample spicy gastronomy and tropical fruits, understand how traditional systems can function within a modern state and, quite simply, discover a daily face of West African life. Ghana' s villages are open to volunteering. Whether in Accra, on the coast or in the interior, there's no shortage of humanitarian projects and NGOs in Ghana just waiting for you! Start working on your English.
Read more: Ghana, the world's textile dustbin: what can we do?
