Volunteer in Mexico After 2017 Earthquake | No Program Fee

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All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response effectively and efficiently addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. By listening to local people, and deploying our unique model of engaging volunteers to enable direct impact, we rebuild safe, resilient schools, homes and other community infrastructure.

Through community and volunteer engagement, we aim to help families recover faster after natural disasters using our "smart response" strategy. By rebuilding in a disaster resilient way, we prepare them for future events and, through the process, strengthen both volunteers and communities.

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On September 7, 2017, one of the most lethal earthquakes in Mexican history, an alarming 8.2 magnitude quake, shuddered near the southern state of Chiapas. Only 12 days later and a few hundred miles away, a 7.1 magnitude quake rocked central Mexico, toppling buildings, breaking gas mains, knocking out electricity and sparking fires across the city and other towns in central Mexico.

Our program will be located in Oaxaca state and we will be based in Salinas del Marqués, close by to Salina Cruz. Oaxaca state is in the south of Mexico, bordered by the states of Puebla, Veracruz, Chiapas and Guerrero, with the Pacific Ocean to the south. In Salinas del Marqués we will be working on Celso Muñoz Primary school which accommodates over 170 students aged 6 to 12 years old. In the Earthquake Celso
Muñoz suffered structural damage to 7 classrooms, the office, and the library, as well as minor damage to a further 4 classrooms.

All Hands and Hearts has committed to rebuild the 7 classrooms, office, and library, as well as refurbishing the 4 standing classrooms and toilet block. We have a highly experienced team of construction and engineering specialists who will ensure that the school is built to the highest standards.

No construction experience is required - just a willingness to work hard for a good cause! Join us in Mexico today! It is completely free to volunteer with All Hands and Hearts, and we also provide accommodation and meals for each work day.

We accept spontaneous volunteers from any background, providing on-the-job training free of charge.


FAQ's:

Does it cost money? Volunteering with All Hands and Hearts is completely free of charge, and we provide accommodation and meals. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for the cost of your travel both to and from the program, meals on your day(s) off, and any costs associated with taking a 3 day break each month away from program.

What are the accommodations like? Accommodations vary by program and the communities we are working within. They are often community centre spaces, churches, or schools, and it’s communal living at its finest! Accommodation is always mixed gender housing, and there are always opportunities for functioning bathrooms and showers. Due to the communal living environment and limited residential space, we advise packing light. As soon as you apply and are confirmed, you will be emailed live information packets full of the most updated information of what to pack, what to expect, and how to get to the base you’ll be volunteering at.

What can I expect on a typical workday? Each day depends on the scope of work that the home or school you are placed on requires. Typical tasks include mucking and gutting, mold sanitation, insulation and drywall insulation, carpentry, and painting. Don’t worry if you have never done this before - we will teach you everything you need to know when you get here! Each work day is from about 8 AM-4 PM, however these hours change depending on the needs of the program you volunteer for. After you return home from the worksite, you will have a chance to unwind, relax, and reflect on your day as a part of our nightly team meetings. Check out our day in the life video to get a feel for volunteering life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eezh3h3W0Aw

How do I sign up? Read about our program here and click "Volunteer For This Program" to apply: http://bit.ly/VolunteerMatchMX

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Volunteer Coordination Team at: VOLUNTEER@ALLHANDSANDHEARTS.ORG