Upcoming Construction Expeditions

The Construction Work

Construction will be carried out under the direction of a local foreman using local materials and methods. The schools and co-op will be cement block and reinforced concrete. All the work will be manual. The required skills will be taught on site as required.

Teams

Each team will consist of about 12 people drawn from across Canada who will work together with local volunteers. While construction experience and Spanish language skills would be assets, neither is required: both are welcome.

Who Can Volunteer?

Anyone in reasonably good health, willing to do physical labour for about 7 hours a day is welcome: men and women, 18 to 75+ (youth 14 - 18 must travel with a parent or guardian). Volunteers will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cost

The cost of each trip is C$3,000 per person (C$200 early booking saving), including airfare (based on a Toronto departure), billeting, food, local transportation and a contribution for construction materials. The cost for other departure locations may be different.

Receipts for income tax purposes will be issued in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency Guidelines.

Applications

Applications are available through the World Accord office. Completed applications along with a C$1,000 deposit should be sent to World Accord in Waterloo. Each traveler will receive a detailed Handbook and confirmation.

Final payments are due prior to travel. Details will be provided when application is received.

Working and Living Conditions

The work is similar to heavy-duty spring yard work or do-it-yourself renovations, requiring some stamina. Billeting in Honduras will be at the PRR facility at La Buena Fe in camp style bunkhouses. In Guatemala, we will stay in a hotel in the project area. Local women trained in safe food handling practices will provide three tasty and hearty meals per day. All drinking and cooking water is bottled. Showers are available.

Medical

Immediate medical assistance is available locally. Additional aid is available nearby. All travelers must have out of country medical coverage.

Weather

Daytime temperatures will be moderate: 70-85F (22-29C) with nights of 45-50F(7-10C).

Donations for Construction Materials

While participants may pay the full cost themselves, they are encouraged to raise donations from friends, families and colleagues. Previous travellers have found that many people are glad to be asked to participate by contributing toward the cost of construction materials. Each traveler should target at raising a minimum of C$800 (part of the C$3,000 cost).

All donors will receive tax receipts for income tax purposes.

For more information, email or telephone 416-767-5837.