Project Overview
Do you have skills in building or another trade like carpentry, electricity or plumbing?
Do you simply enjoy working with your hands and are happy to learn as you go along?
Many of the projects Otra Cosa Network is associated with require volunteers to assist them with their building or maintenance works. The Dog’s Shelter and the Shanty Town School are two projects in particular who are still in the process of building their sites.
The availability of such volunteering opportunities is dependent on the time of year and whether the specific project has in that moment got enough money to be going ahead with their building works, so please contact us if you are interested.
Another option could be to raise some funds before you come and then be able to use this money to contribute materials to the building project you are working on.
Volunteers in the past have reported that this is a very satisfactory experience as you literally see the results of your efforts – from repairing roofs to assisting with the building of a new classroom.
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hours
The roles and hours can vary depending on the project and time of year.
The roles are broadly construction assistant. There’s always someone local to lead/advise, but this is where a bit of Spanish can come in useful, although it’s amazing how people get by with sign language, following example etc. If you have any particular relevant skill it can come in useful, but willingness for some hard physical outdoor work is a must.
In terms of working hours, in summer, working outdoors in the hot sun here, it’s often an early start but a relatively early finish, in time for a late and much needed lunch. In winter can be more of a ‘normal’ day, maybe 8 till 4 with a lunch break, but can vary.
Volunteer Requirements
- Age 18+ on arrival.
- No Spanish is needed, although some is always useful to communicate. If you wish, we can arrange classes for you to start after your arrival.
- Minimum commitment: 2 weeks.
- Volunteers must be physically fit, and willing to work hard & have an interest in construction.
