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House Building Volunteer Guatemala

Working on this Real Gap program as volunteer builders has prooved to be in a extremely rewarding experience for those who have participated in this scheme. Because of the nature of the project, they can actually see the benefits of each house they build before they leave.

Housing for the poorest and most disadvantaged people in Guatemala often consists of such basic materials as walls made from sugarcane, cardboard and dirt earth floors. The flimsy construction of the houses means they are vulnerable to the severe weather conditions in the storm seasons, and create various health related problems, as well as putting unnecessary strains on families.

The houses built are intended to be cheap to maintain, environmentally appropriate, safe and strong. These houses add to the general prosperity of the local community.

Volunteer Role

Changing lives block by block
Every house takes about six days to build, which means that not only do volunteers see the completion of each project but (the extremely rewarding part of the project) they get to see the family move in.

The Goal
The gratitude of the family who the volunteers have helped is immense and it is often a very moving experience to see them move into their new house, and being given the keys. Every house, once completed has a plaque fitted onto a wall, saying the name of the family but also every volunteer who helped with building the house.

Project Location

The program is located in the countryside outside of Antigua, forty minutes journey from Guatemala City, the country’s capital. Volunteers travel with the program staff to wherever a new house is being built. This can range from ten to forty minutes distance from Antigua.

Accommodation

Most volunteers will stay with local Guatemalan host families. The families are all good friends of staff working at the projects. To help you improve your Spanish, they will talk to you mostly in Spanish, but some members of the familes do speak a little English.

Programme Overview

Duration & Prices:
2 weeks volunteer - $839/€599,
4 weeks volunteer - $1019/€799,
2 weeks language and 4 weeks social project - $1479/€1099,
4 weeks language and 4 weeks social project - $1849/€1349,
Other durations available

How to book & pay:
Secure with $339/€259 deposit. The balance is due 10 wks before departure.

What is included?
All accommodation
Most meals
Airport transfers
Spanish tuition
ChertseyVolunteer placement
Organised activities & excursions

What is not included?
Flights
Extra activities not on itinerary
Travel Insurance

Programme Summary:
One of the most rewarding programs that Real Gap offers. Not only do you help to change lives, you see the impact of your work immediately.

Arrival dates:
Generally first Monday of every month but other dates are available