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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)

Construction & Renovation Assistance

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help maintain buildings such as schools and retirement homes, as well as recycling gardens and sports fields.
  • You may even be involved in bio-gardening projects, biogas projects, and river or beach cleaning.
  • Work on building maintenance, construction, and green space preservation.

Highlights

  • Help maintain buildings such as schools and retirement homes, as well as recycling gardens and sports fields.
  • You may even be involved in bio-gardening projects, biogas projects, and river or beach cleaning.
  • Work on building maintenance, construction, and green space preservation.
  • Helping to maintain and paint buildings.
  • Collaborate with other participants and local workers.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Many local government and community projects need help to maintain buildings and gardens and to build new facilities. No experience required.

    Join a meaningful initiative supported by the local government and community leaders, where you’ll contribute to projects aimed at enhancing public spaces. Your work may involve maintaining and painting buildings, assisting with construction, caring for green areas, and supporting environmental ...

    About the program

    Join a meaningful initiative supported by the local government and community leaders, where you’ll contribute to projects aimed at enhancing public spaces. Your work may involve maintaining and painting buildings, assisting with construction, caring for green areas, and supporting environmental conservation efforts. If you stay for more than a week, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in a variety of tasks, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling experience.

    Program Highlights

    • Contribute to local community improvement and environmental sustainability.
    • Participate in building maintenance, construction, and green space restoration.
    • Take part in bio-gardening, biogas initiatives, and clean-up projects (subject to funding).
    • Support local government and community-led initiatives.
    • Work alongside fellow volunteers and local workers to make a lasting impact.

    Your Role

    • Assist in maintaining and painting public buildings.
    • Help with construction and renovation tasks.
    • Improve green areas by supporting projects such as recycling gardens.
    • Participate in environmental efforts, including beach and river clean-ups.
    • Collaborate with other volunteers and local community members to achieve project goals.

    Location

    Cartagena, a vibrant coastal city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is renowned for its rich history, colourful colonial architecture, and lively cultural scene. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena’s walled city is filled with cobblestone streets, historic forts, and charming plazas that offer a glimpse into its colonial past. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Bocagrande, where visitors can relax and enjoy the tropical climate. Cartagena’s bustling markets, vibrant street art, and delicious local cuisine reflect its diverse cultural heritage.

    Project Tasks

    • Provide hands-on support to improve local infrastructure and public spaces.
    • Promote environmental sustainability through gardening, recycling, and clean-up initiatives.
    • Foster cultural exchange by working closely with local communities and learning from their traditions.
    • Encourage teamwork and collaboration among volunteers, staff, and residents.
    Before entering or exiting Colombia, all travellers must complete a free online form ('Check-Mig') on the Migracion Colombia website. This form is free and must be completed on the Migracion Colombia website between 72 hours and one hour before your flight's departure. We recommend that you check the immigration and entry requirements for their nationality ahead of time.


    Typical day

    4-5 hours per dayMonday (first week)
    • Welcome meeting, introduction to the program, house rules, health and safety advice.
    • Social gathering with fellow participants and local community members.
    • Start with a welcome meeting to go over house rules, expectations, and safety tips. Complete any needed ...

    Typical day

    4-5 hours per dayMonday (first week)
    • Welcome meeting, introduction to the program, house rules, health and safety advice.
    • Social gathering with fellow participants and local community members.
    • Start with a welcome meeting to go over house rules, expectations, and safety tips. Complete any needed paperwork. Learn about Costa Rican culture, including basic language skills and local customs.
    Tuesday to Friday
    • Spend your days working on construction and renovation projects. Help improve the community while learning practical skills and making a positive difference.

    ***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***


    Free-time activities

    Things to Do in Cartagena

    Explore the Walled City – Wander through Cartagena’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colourful colonial buildings, lively plazas, and charming cafes. The well-preserved walls and forts offer a glimpse into the city’s past.

    Visit Castillo San ...

    Free-time activities

    Things to Do in Cartagena

    Explore the Walled City – Wander through Cartagena’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colourful colonial buildings, lively plazas, and charming cafes. The well-preserved walls and forts offer a glimpse into the city’s past.

    Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas – This massive fortress on a hilltop offers stunning views and a chance to learn about Cartagena’s colonial history. Explore its tunnels, battlements, and strategic defences used against pirate attacks.

    Relax at Playa Blanca – One of the best beaches near Cartagena, Playa Blanca offers white sand, turquoise waters, and a relaxed island vibe. A short boat or bus ride takes you to this tropical escape.

    Take a Boat Trip to the Rosario Islands – This group of islands is perfect for snorkelling, diving, and enjoying crystal-clear waters. Many tours include visits to private beaches and seafood lunches.

    Experience the Nightlife in Getsemaní – This trendy neighbourhood is filled with street art, live music, and vibrant bars. It’s a great place to experience Cartagena’s energy, culture, and local flavours.

    Things to Do in Colombia in General

    Explore Bogotá’s La Candelaria – Colombia’s capital is home to museums, colonial buildings, and lively squares. Visit the Gold Museum and Monserrate for breathtaking city views.

    Visit Medellín and Ride the Cable Cars – Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín has pleasant weather, modern transportation, and a thriving art scene. The cable cars provide stunning views of the city’s hills.

    Discover the Coffee Triangle – Colombia is famous for its coffee, and visiting Salento, Manizales, or Armenia offers a chance to tour coffee farms, taste fresh brews, and hike through the stunning Cocora Valley.

    Hike to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) – This ancient archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada mountains is older than Machu Picchu and requires a challenging multi-day trek through the jungle.

    Relax in San Andrés and Providencia – These Caribbean islands boast turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a laid-back island lifestyle. It’s a paradise for snorkelling, diving, and beach lovers.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    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.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Rafael Nunez International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). You must arrive between 08:00 to 17:00 on Sunday. There is an extra fee for Saturday night accommodation and transfer. 

    If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee. 

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

    From CTG Airport to your accommodation by taxi it takes 20 minutes.

    Accommodation

    You will be staying in a peaceful and secure residential area of Los Corales, near Cartagena, Colombia. This location provides easy access to various attractions and sites, as well as your program placement, via public transport or local taxis. Rooms are single gender and shared with 2-4 people, with wester toilets, fans, hot showers and bed linen. Wifi and laundry facilities are not provided but can be found in the nearby town. You will find an ATM and supermarket a 5 min walk from the accommodation. There are plenty of local markets, and national restaurants within the town where you can find lots of fresh Mexican dishes, deserts, and local refreshments.

    We ask you be environmentally conscious and to use resources responsibly, particularly water, paper, and electricity. You are also required to clean up after yourself and contribute to keeping the accommodation tidy and well-organised.

    Please note: The accommodation location is subject to change based on local conditions and unforeseen circumstances; however, the same standard of housing will be maintained.


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    The food will be traditional Colombian, with plenty of corn tortillas, beans, rice, chili peppers, potatoes, wheat and other grains, and chicken, all of which are vegetarian-friendly. Keep in mind that some local dishes may be spicy!

    All meals will be provided at the mentioned accommodation. Every day of the program, three full meals will be provided, beginning with breakfast at 8 am, lunch at 12 p.m., and dinner at 6 p.m. On weekends, there are two meals available: brunch at 10 a.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Food consists primarily of traditional local dishes prepared and served at the accommodation or in the surrounding area. Meals will be served based on your dietary requirements, but you must notify us in advance.
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena. We assist you to find cheap flights to Colombia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Colombia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Colombia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Colombia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrivals on Sundays. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $782 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    School Construction

    Location

    Americas > South America > Colombia > Cartagena

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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