Construction Assistant for the Impoverished
Coordinator | Nicole
Coordinator | Nicole
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Volunteer and provide quality housing to impoverished families
Improve the prospects of some of Jamaica’s most impoverished people, and help them to break the poverty cycle
Provide safe, healthy homes to enable families to live happier, healthier lives
Make valuable experience while discovering a new culture
Explore the island nation of Jamaica in your free time
International volunteers who are handy and love to get stuck into projects will love this project which aims to change the living situations of those less fortunate.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
Unfortunately, there are many families living in dire situations in Jamaica. Some are simply homeless, displaced by natural disaster, have experienced hardships through loss of property or job, are unwell, or have met hard times and are in need of support. Many are living in unsafe and unsanitary make-shift places that are a danger to their wellbeing. Housing is a fundamental human right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and everyone should have a safe, secure, and habitable home. This important project works to put a safe roof over the heads of these deserving families. Volunteers on this program work with project staff and locals on every aspect of the building process, helping wherever it is needed. This program also works on providing safe and sanitary buildings to local schools or community groups who are severely under-funded.
Volunteers on this essential construction program will be helping impoverished families into safe and sanitary homes. This program will see volunteers involved in building homes and carrying out repairs to schools, orphanages and other places that supply a service to the community. Volunteers will be expected to work hard on manual tasks alongside a local expert builder. Tasks could include any number of things, including helping to dig foundations, mixing cement, laying blocks, carrying sand and marl, fixing cupboards, desks and chairs and repairing bathrooms. Those with studies or experience in building, engineering, construction, architecture, renovations, painting, carpentry, plumbing or any related area are suitable, however anyone who is a hard worker and is willing to get stuck in and get their hands dirty should apply. This program will be a wonderful experience for volunteers who wish to help impoverished Jamaican families into homes where they can thrive.
Volunteers will contribute in many ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Help design work plans
- Help build the foundations for houses
- Build houses
- Move construction materials
- Help to build or repair furniture and fixtures
- Painting
Typical day
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:30am Breakfast at the host family home
8:00am Walk or bus to the project site
8:15am Pre-start meeting with the project supervisor
8:30am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES BEGIN
Volunteers work from 8:30am to 2:00pm daily with a break for lunch (provided) at the project site. There is the option to continue volunteering up to 5:00pm if wished but this is not compulsory.
2:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
Afternoons and evenings are free to relax, enjoy the beautiful location, explore, stay in touch with friends and family back home or socialise with other other volunteers.
Free-time activities
As with all of our Jamaica volunteer programs, volunteers on this project will be based in the idyllic city of Mandeville. Situated in the heart of the island at 2000 feet above sea level, Mandeville is one of the more peaceful and attractive places on the entire island of Jamaica.
Thanks to this esteemed history, Mandeville is not only a booming business center and capital of the Manchester Parish, it is a contrast of the new and old set amidst rolling hills and lush vegetation. What a wonderful place to volunteer!
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
required
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:30
- 14:00
What's Included
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Orientation & full safety briefing
- Accommodation (as specified below)
- Food & Meals (as specified below)
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Return airport transfer
Upon your arrival into Kingston or Montego Bay, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. They will also provide you with your Welcome Pack, which contains
maps of the local area, supplies, volunteer t-shirt, contact information, and a volunteer manual to help you to be more aware and fully prepared. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
Volunteers on this program will be accommodated with a local Jamaican host family, where they will have the opportunity to become fully immersed in the local culture and custom, improving their knowledge of the people, culture and language. Jamaican families are renowned for their hospitality and love to learn more about different cultures. Living with a local family truly is the best way to throw oneself into the local culture and to meet people who will often become lifelong friends!
All host families have been fully vetted by our local team, receive a detailed orientation and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Depending on the time of year it may be necessary to share a room with other volunteers, but private rooms are often available upon request. Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom and laundry. Volunteers are responsible for doing their own laundry (machine wash or hand wash onsite) or can pay a small fee to cover the cost. Wifi is available at most host family houses, however we ask volunteers to remember access to this service is a privilege and may be limited at times. A range of internet cafes are available in Mandeville.
Host families will provide breakfast and dinner daily (including weekends). Lunch is not included but can be purchased at a nearby café while at your project site – a wonderful opportunity to check out the huge variety of local and international restaurants, cafés and bistros in Mandeville!
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston. We assist you to find cheap flights to Jamaica.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Jamaica provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Jamaica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Jamaica.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAYS
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAYS
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, Jamaica (Code: KIN) OR Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica (Code: MBJ)
This program is paused due to COVID-19
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,738
3 weeks
$2,068
4 weeks
$2,398
5 weeks
$2,728
6 weeks
$3,058
7 weeks
$3,388
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$5,038
Average fees
$644
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Construction Assistant for the Impoverished
International volunteers who are handy and love to get stuck into projects will love this project which aims to change the living situations of those less fortunate.
$644/week
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