Constru Casa Guatemala

Why choose Constru Casa Guatemala?

Constru Casa is a non-profit organization offering basic housing to families living in extreme poverty. Constru Casa always works in collaboration with local partner organizations to identify and select families of exceptional need. Beneficiary families participate in the construction of their home and also pay back one fourth of the total cost of their house over four years. Constru Casa collaborates with its partner organizations also in other construction projects and community service programs.

Guatemala is among the poorest countries of the Americas with more than half of its population living in poverty. Particularly acute is the problem of inadequate housing: a typical house is made of cornstalk walls, a dirt floor and a scrap material roof. Facilities for basic hygiene like clean water and bathrooms are most often non-existent.

Website

www.construcasa.org

Connect with us

Facebook

Twitter

Community Photos

No photos yet!

Leave a Review to share your photos.

Reviews

One of the best things I've done in years of travelling this was a great experience. Its very rewarding, being construction, as you can really see the progress you are making day to day and then at the end of your program.

Also programs available for 2 weeks is great for people travelling or on holiday who cannot commit to 3 - 6 - 12 months like many other volunteer placements.

Hard work but great fun on the building site and who can forget games of football with all the Guatamalan workers at lunchtimes.

Such a friendly jovial atmosphere on site and brilliant support from Emily, Merri and the admin team.

HIGHLY recommended!

What would you improve about this program?

Errrrr.......tough one. Maybe a non-optional half day with the kids at the school?!!? This was offered but given how tired you are it's easy to get lazy....

My experience with Constru Casa was overwhelmingly positive and I would highly recommend volunteering with them. From my first day in Guatemala until the end of my two weeks volunteering, everything was well organised and personal.

The staff are very helpful, the masons on site are great fun, patient and friendly. You will love building with them - it is hard work in hot weather, but so rewarding and something you will never forget.

Its a fantastic opportunity to meet local families and engage with them - try and learn a little Spanish before hand - they really appreciate it, particularly the masons!

Day to day activities range from digging, brick laying, cement mixing and general site work. A house takes 2 weeks to complete and it is amazing to see this and work for a family, preparing their new home.

Go for it, I promise you'll love Constru Casa!
Thanks to everyone in Guatemala - I'll see you again soon!

Alex

What would you improve about this program?

I would recommend perhaps a couple of organised evenings on the first week with other volunteers, maybe just a coffee or meal together to get to know each other or practice a little Spanish! This would be good for people who have just arrived in Guatemala.

If you're thinking of joinig Constru Casa with volunteer work i got one question for you. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?! I just got back earlier this year and I can't wait to go again next year. Every aspect of this trip (staff, homestay, volunteer work, etc...) exceeded my expectations. The staff was helpful from the very first time I got in touch with them til this day. Any question I had before, during and after they've been more than happy to answer. They ensured that my trip went smooth by paying great attention to detail. The homestay was amazing. I never did anything like that before. But I truly enjoyed it. I met other volunteers, students and a great family that opened their hearts and home to me. The volunteer work was so rewarding. Don't get me wrong it is hard work, and you will get tired and dirty but it's worth it at the end. The construction workers, the family all hard working leading by example and ensuring the house would be built correct and in a timely manner. Constru Casa also offers activities to do on your time off. or help arrange travel if you would like. Based out of Antigua you basically have everything at your disposal. I hope to see you in Guatemala soon. I'll be the one helping with a big smile on my face.

What would you improve about this program?

While I understand that no program is ever perect. My experience was pretty much close to it. I can't really think of something specific I would change. If in the future I think or encounter something to change I will certainly suggest it to the organization and let it be known here.