Volunteer to Build a School or Home

Are you looking to make a difference? Are you looking to have a trip that’s life changing?

What is it?

Volunteer to build a school and be part of a movement to improve early childhood education in Jamaica. When children are educated, they develop the skills and confidence to help lift their families out of poverty and build strong communities for generations to come.

What will you do?

Our local team will install the foundation, so that when you arrive you’ll be able to assist with framing, window and door installation, and painting. No experience necessary!

Where & when will you build?

Volunteers will build in Jamaica. Typically, there is one open volunteer school build each year in the spring. Alternatively, you can assemble your own team and Food For The Poor Canada can arrange your own school build.

What will it cost?

Through the generosity of our donors, Food For The Poor International has been able to build 110 schools. We ask each individual to fundraise between $3,000-$6,000 USD, depending on the size of the group, to contribute towards the cost of the school. This funds a three classroom school, bathrooms, sick bay, an office, and kitchen, along with a fence and playground.

What is the itinerary?

Volunteers fly down to Jamaica on the weekend and take Monday to relax and meet the team. The team will build on the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with an opening dedication on the final day. Teams build in the morning (4 hours), as it’s often too hot in the afternoon. There will be a final thank you and farewell team dinner on Thursday evening. Friday is departure day or volunteers may choose to stay a few extra days.

What about accommodation, transportation and meals?

Partnering with a travel agent, we work to find an affordable option while ensuring everyone’s safety. Teams usually book an all-inclusive package which means flight, hotel, and meals are all covered. These costs are separate from the donation and are paid directly to the travel agent.

We hire a bus to transport the team to and from the build site each day.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

While youth participation is encouraged, Food For The Poor Canada asks that volunteers be at least 10 years old, with adult supervision.

What is it?

Provide a family with security and stability by volunteering to build a new and beautiful home. The home will be outfitted with proper water and sanitation facilities, thereby improving the family’s health. Access to a safe home allows a family to raise their children in a safe environment and to focus on their livelihood and education.

What will you do?

You’ll be able to hammer, build windows, install doors, and paint the house. No experience necessary!

Where & when will you build?

Volunteers build homes in Jamaica.

If you’re planning a vacation to Jamaica and want to spend a day of your trip building a home, we can work with your schedule to arrange the build.

What will it cost?

If you’re travelling with friends and family, everyone can fundraise to contribute towards the total cost of $20,200 CAD to build a home. This will fund a two-bedroom home with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom.