MEDLIFE’s volunteer building projects are hands-on opportunities for students to make a lasting impact on communities in need in Latin America and Africa. One of the most significant projects we’ve done this year is a staircase project in the 2 de Diciembre community in Lima, Peru. This Spring, volunteers from prestigious universities such as Murray State University, University of Puerto Rico, University of Chicago, University of Dayton, University of Texas, Yale University, University of Florida, Boise State University, California Institute of Technology, Commonwealth University of PA (Bloomsburg Campus), and University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign joined MEDLIFE in constructing a staircase that will drastically improve the community’s access to vital services and resources.

Why A Staircase Project?

In the 2 de Diciembre community, many families and community members live in homes built on steep, unsafe terrain. Without proper infrastructure, daily movement becomes challenging and dangerous. The lack of accessible paths severely limits the ability of residents to easily access healthcare, schools, work, and other public services. That’s where MEDLIFE’s staircase construction comes in, it’s not just a physical structure, but a gateway to improved mobility, safety, and opportunities for families. To learn more about our staircase projects, check out this blog.

By building a safe, durable staircase, this project will improve mobility for residents, making it easier for them to navigate the community and access essential services. More importantly, the staircase is a stepping stone to help the community gain land title, which is crucial for securing access to public resources like water and electricity. This project is a step toward securing long-term access to the services that every family deserves.

The Role of Volunteers

By participating in our volunteer building projects, student volunteers are actively involved in every phase of the staircase construction. During the building process, volunteers work side-by-side with local residents and our expert MEDLIFE team members, helping to construct a staircase that will change lives and stand for years to come. It’s a true collaboration between volunteers and the community, reflecting MEDLIFE’s core value of working 50/50 with local people to ensure a sense of ownership over the things we build within their communities.

Projects like these are a prime example of how to help low-income communities in ways that will last and are actually addressing the immediate needs of the residents. Not by imposing solutions from the outside, but by working alongside the people who know their needs best, local leaders and advocates who also live in these communities. Volunteers will gain a firsthand look at the challenges these communities face and how simple infrastructure improvements can make a world of difference.

A Safer and More Accessible Future for 2 de Diciembre

This staircase project in 2 de Diciembre is about more than just constructing a staircase; it’s about creating a safer and more accessible future for families who have long struggled with inadequate infrastructure. Once the staircase is completed, the community will be able to access schools, healthcare, and public services more easily, empowering them to improve their quality of life.

Ready to make an impact? Join one of our volunteer building projects on a Service Learning Trip and be part of transforming communities like 2 de Diciembre, Peru.