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Hard work may be its own reward, but when it comes to volunteering there can be nothing more rewarding than seeing the good your hard work has done; whether it’s the smiles on children’s faces or seeing impoverished families happily settled in their new homes.
For the volunteers taking part in gap year company Real Gap’s Guatemala House Building project, the past few years have been a demanding but fulfilling experience, and one that has produced fantastically impressive results. The project works with some of the poorest families in Guatemala, who due to a lack of funding and materials have been living in makeshift dirt-floored shacks built from corn stalk or cardboard, inadequate protection against the tropical storms typical of the area.
Volunteers and project staff work together to build stronger, safer, and more durable houses that will give them shelter, and a better standard of life. This month sees the completion of the projects 250th house, testament not only to the toil of the volunteers but an astounding achievement in just 4 years of work!
To mark the occasion project founder Joe Collins has been chosen as the representative to receive one of Guatemala’s highest honours; the Ambassador of Peace Award, bestowed by the Guatemalan Government on outstanding citizens who have made significant contributions to the country. His work on the project has also earned Mr. Collins the privilege of hosting the replacement of the White Rose; a daily ceremony, which involves placing a fresh white rose on a bronze statue in the courtyard of the National Palace. The rose is a symbol of 24 hours of peace, the ceremony itself has taken place each day since the cessation of hostilities 36 years ago.
Despite his pride in receiving the award, Mr. Collins is keen to acknowledge the work of the many volunteers who have given their much needed help and support, and without whom the project would not have gained such a noted level of success. In a recent message to Real Gap, he expressed his gratitude to the company and the volunteers they send “This award is ‘your’ award, as you are the ones who have made it all possible by your donations and support. I will graciously accept it on your behalf”.
The good work, however, doesn’t stop there. Guatemala is only just getting back on its feet and there are still many poverty-stricken families in need of help and better housing. This means that the project is always in need of an extra pair of hands to help make a difference to lives of even more people. For those who want to hand over those keys to a deserving Guatemalan family the project is the perfect way to make a lasting impact.
Details of Real Gap’s Guatemala House Building project can be found by following this link http://www.realgap.co.uk/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
