In the 2 de Diciembre community of Lima, Peru, families have long faced daily challenges due to steep hills and unsafe walking paths. Getting to school, work, or the clinic often involved navigating dangerous slopes, especially during rainy weather. These were not just inconveniences—they were barriers to basic needs and opportunities.
Through volunteer building projects, MEDLIFE brought student volunteers and local residents together to construct a safe, durable concrete staircase. This project did more than improve mobility. It helped open the way to education, healthcare, and long-term community development.
Why the Staircase Project Was Needed
Many homes in 2 de Diciembre are built on unstable terrain. Without proper infrastructure, simple tasks like walking to school or carrying groceries become risky. The absence of stairs made the journey to public services extremely difficult, especially for children and the elderly.
This staircase project was designed to improve safety and accessibility. It also supports a larger goal by helping families work toward securing land titles. Legal land recognition is often required to access public utilities like water and electricity. In this way, a staircase becomes more than a physical structure. It becomes a gateway to essential resources and legal stability.
To learn more about why these types of projects matter, take a look at how construction volunteering abroad helps communities grow from the ground up.
The Role of Student Volunteers
Student volunteers from universities across the United States joined the project, including participants from Yale University, the University of Chicago, University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Florida. These students worked side by side with local residents and the MEDLIFE team to mix cement, lay bricks, and install handrails.
Our approach is based on working in full partnership with the community. MEDLIFE’s philosophy is to collaborate directly with local people, combining outside support with community-led action. This helps build a sense of ownership and ensures the staircase meets real, everyday needs.
For those interested in making a direct impact, our construction volunteer opportunities offer a chance to gain valuable experience while contributing to meaningful infrastructure projects.
Creating a Safer, More Connected Community
With the new staircase completed, daily life in 2 de Diciembre is already improving. Children now have a safer path to school, and families can reach healthcare services more easily. Elderly residents and people with mobility challenges no longer have to risk injury just to leave their homes.
This project is a clear example of how to help low-income communities in ways that are sustainable and deeply needed. The solution was simple, but the impact is lasting.
If you're looking for a purposeful way to use your time off, consider how to plan your gap year by volunteering. These experiences offer the chance to learn, grow, and serve while being part of real, community-led change.
Why Volunteer Building Projects Matter
When people think of development work, they often picture large, complex systems. But sometimes, it starts with a set of concrete stairs. Volunteer building projects like this one in 2 de Diciembre solve immediate problems while creating long-term solutions. They connect communities to essential services and help build stronger, safer neighborhoods.
These projects also provide volunteers with hands-on experience and a new understanding of global challenges. By working alongside local families, students learn the importance of empathy, collaboration, and sustained support.
Safe Homes Movement – Paving the Way for Housing Solutions
Are you ready to be part of something meaningful? Download our free brochure to learn how you can get involved. For less than the cost of one coffee a month, you can make an impact in low-income communities or directly assist communities in need by becoming a monthly donor.
Join Safe Homes in building staircases, schools, and safe homes that strengthen communities and improve lives every day.
