IMPROVE COMMUNITY SERVICES IN IMPOVERISHED AREAS

Basic community services such as health care, education and clean water are things many of us take for granted, but in impoverished areas, people often have to go without. These services require a working infrastructure of solid buildings and equipment — which simply don't exist in some communities, or have fallen into disrepair.  By helping to build and repair local buildings and equipment, you can help bring critical community services to people who sorely need them.

Around the globe, 2 billion people lack access to basic community services such as electricity, clean drinking water and sanitation. And it's not just those in developing nations who suffer from the lack of these services: Even in the United States, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, about 17 million people are served by substandard facilities for drinking water.

Areas that lack essential community services can face health risks, fewer opportunities and seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their efforts to improve development.

Even if you have only limited experience with a paintbrush or hammer, you can work with a team of international volunteers and local villagers to construct infrastructure integral to the provision of local community services.

Typical projects include constructing or rehabilitating a health clinic, community center, orphanage, school house, or water system.

Construction tasks can vary according to your level of experience and physical fitness. You could find yourself repairing roofs, painting classrooms, constructing chairs, clearing brush, fixing window frames, landscaping a garden, installing a water system, or building a walking bridge.

Most construction projects are physically demanding. Living conditions can be fairly basic. But the rewards of establishing community services and helping an area advance will stay with you for the rest of your life.

• The Global Citizens Network offers 1, 2, and 3 week projects to improve community services in Kenya, Guatemala, Nepal, Peru, Tanzania, Thailand, and several locations in North America. These trips are well suited for people who want to immerse themselves in the daily life and culture of a rural community. Parents may bring their children.
• Amizade offers 1-6 week trips that feature a mix of community service and recreation. Project sites include Brazil and Bolivia. Volunteers do not need any specialized skills, just a willingness to help.
• Global Volunteers offers 2-3 week assignments in Australia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, Jamaica, Peru, Tanzania, and the United States.
• AmigosLink offers 6-8 week summer projects for high school and college students that are focused on improving community services in Latin America. After attending training sessions, volunteers are assigned to ongoing health programs in host countries. Volunteer activities include health education and (light) construction of health-related facilities. Students typically live with families in small communities in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Volunteer Abroad offers opportunities for those 18 and older to help build infrastructure and bring community services to Santa Ana, Ecuador, a multiethnic community composed of members from the Shuar, Achuar, Záparas and Qichwas indigenous tribes. Visits can be two weeks or longer.
• The Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) offers an opportunity in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, to provide affordable and environmentally sound technologies for community services such as electricity, sanitation and clean water. Volunteers are needed year-round, and the minimum stay is 2 months.
• Volunteers for Peace offers dozens of opportunities to help build and maintain infrastructure for community services in countries around the globe.  Most trips last 2-3 weeks, but longer opportunities are also available.