Street paving projects are often seen as simple construction tasks, but for communities in rural Costa Rica, they represent an essential step toward improving infrastructure and stopping the spread of diseases, effectively achieving safe streets for all. One such project has taken place in the community of Bendición de Dios, where MEDLIFE volunteers collaborated with local residents to help pave roads that are crucial for everyday transportation. This community faces many challenges, but through projects like these, we are steadily working towards building a more resilient and connected future.
Rebeca, a representative of the Bendición de Dios community, shared some of the ongoing struggles they face: “…to be addressed within our community, such as the improvement of the streets, also electricity and the need to have someone officially registered to represent us legally in matters concerning the local government.” These issues are fundamental to the community’s growth and well-being, and as Rebeca says, improvements in infrastructure like street paving are key to addressing them.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of better electricity services, noting problems with faulty wiring and poor connections. Without reliable services, daily life becomes more difficult, especially for families who depend on electricity for basic needs. The street paving project in Bendición de Dios goes beyond just creating a smoother road surface, the project also focuses on creating sewer canals, so waste will no longer be in the street.
“That drainage ditch you see was also built. Before, all the waste water and rain water used to flow down the street. Now, improvements have been made. By doing this, a great achievement was also made to improve the community’s hygiene, as the water in the streets used to contribute to the spread of more diseases.” – Rebeca
Volunteer in Costa Rica: A Chance to Make a Real Impact
If you plan to volunteer in Costa Rica with MEDLIFE, you’ll be working directly with communities like Bendición de Dios on either a vital street paving project, or something similar in an effort to improve community infrastructure. By volunteering your time and skills, you will help residents move one step closer to better access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. The streets you help pave will not only provide safer transportation routes but will also be instrumental in securing land titles for local residents, which can lead to further improvements in their quality of life.
Thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers from schools like University of Pittsburgh, Bowling Green State University, and NC State University, the community is getting closer to creating lasting change. By working alongside local residents, volunteers are helping build infrastructure that supports everyday needs, from getting children to school to accessing medical services.
Empowering Communities Through Infrastructure
As Rebeca points out, community-driven projects such as street paving projects empower residents by giving them the resources and support they need to create positive change. Every brick laid in these streets strengthens the community’s sense of ownership and progress. Safe roads allow for better access to essential services, including healthcare and education, which are foundational to improving life in any community.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about how you can volunteer in Costa Rica and support street paving projects like the one in Bendición de Dios. Fill out the interest form below or download our free brochure to get started today!