Building Projects

Building Hope and Transforming Lives

A few years ago, COMMIT embarked on building projects at the request of the communities in Nandarola and San Luis, who needed dedicated spaces for their sewing co-ops. Recognizing the broader impact these facilities could have, we were honored to provide buildings that now serve multiple purposes:

• Sewing Co-ops: Empowering local women by giving them a safe, organized space to work, learn, and create.
• Community Meetings: Providing a hub where villagers can gather to discuss and plan community initiatives.
• Medical Clinics: Offering a location for much-needed healthcare services, which have been life-changing for these rural communities.

By bringing medical care directly to these villages, the new buildings have significantly improved access to essential services, saving lives and improving well-being.

This initiative showcases COMMIT's commitment to addressing both immediate needs and creating sustainable solutions for long-term community growth.

BUILDING PROJECTS

Transformative Building Project in San Luis

In February 2022, COMMIT completed a transformative building project in San Luis, addressing key needs for medical care and community development:

• Medical Facility Renovation:

  • An existing building was renovated with a new floor and roof, making it suitable for use as a medical clinic. Once painted, this facility will provide a much-needed space for healthcare in this remote village.
  • Excitingly, a doctor and nurse are now scheduled to visit San Luis twice weekly, offering essential consultations and medical care to residents. This is a game-changer for the community, which is located an hour’s drive through dense forest from the nearest hospital.

• Sewing Co-op Addition:

  • A new addition was constructed on the side of the medical clinic to serve the sewing co-op and as a multipurpose space for crafts, meetings, and other community activities.
  • Previously, the women of the co-op had to work outdoors, frequently disrupted by rain during the rainy season. The new structure, built with sturdy blocks, will ensure year-round productivity and comfort.
  • Reflecting the vibrant spirit of the village, the addition will be finished with stucco and painted bright orange and yellow, as requested by the residents.

This project highlights COMMIT’s commitment to improving healthcare access, fostering economic opportunities, and supporting community cohesion in San Luis.

This February we hope to build a medical clinic in the remote village of Camerones Uno, with roads that most often are impassable. 

A Community Center for Nandarola

Building an Addition to the Nandarola Community Center (October 2019)

In October 2019, COMMIT partnered with the village of Nandarola to construct an addition to their community center, addressing vital needs for their sewing and computer programs—both initiatives previously launched by COMMIT.

Purpose and Design

• The new addition provides a dedicated space for the sewing co-op and computer programs, ensuring a dust-free environment essential for electronics.
• The addition was requested by the villagers to expand their community center’s functionality, highlighting their commitment to sustaining these impactful programs.

Collaborative Effort

• COMMIT provided the materials, which were delivered to the site ahead of time, based on a list provided by the villagers.
• The construction process was a collective effort:
  • Villagers of all ages, including men, women, and children, participated enthusiastically.
  • They carried heavy bricks, water, and mortar, while even teenage boys demonstrated impressive skills by laying bricks with precision.

Unique Construction Techniques

• The building process combined traditional local methods with assistance from COMMIT's team:
  • Villagers showed remarkable ingenuity, using materials scrounged from homes and other resources. For example, wood for forms resembled a patchwork quilt.
  • Cement mixing was done manually, and gravel was sifted for the sand needed in construction.
  • Every detail mattered—mortar that was too dry was quietly redone to ensure quality.
• COMMIT’s team learned valuable lessons about constructing earthquake-stable buildings, guided by their local counterparts.

Special Acknowledgment

A heartfelt thank-you to Melloul-Blamey Construction for sending Cody Brown and Cosmin Paiu, whose expertise ensured the project was a success.

Outcome and Reflection

The addition not only provides a practical solution but also strengthened the bond between COMMIT and the villagers. Working side by side and sharing meals fostered close relationships and mutual respect.

This project exemplifies the power of collaboration and the impact of empowering communities to take charge of their development. What an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!