“Nearly 10 million people in Vietnam live in sub-standard and undignified housing and over 38% of the country’s rural population lack access to clean water and over 50% lack adequate sanitation.

This situation will worsen with the effects of climate change and natural disasters, which is already impacting the poor and most vulnerable groups in Vietnam.” (Habitat for Humanity)

Habitat for Humanity International is a non-governmental organization whose aim is to create “a world where everyone has a decent place to live” (HfH). In their goal to eliminate poverty housing, volunteers are sought to build houses and to raise awareness about poverty and housing.

Habitat for Humanity Vietnam (HFH Vietnam) mobilizes resources (materials, labor and financing) to build, renovate or repair houses with vulnerable families who are willing to partner by working on their houses and paying towards its cost, typically through a housing microfinance loan. Housing loan repayments go into a revolving fund from which additional beneficiary families can access to build or improve their home.

In this Service learning activity students investigate and develop an understanding of the work of Habitat for Humanity; raise awareness of the issues the organization aims to tackle; and raise funds throughout the year in order to attend a house build in the North of Vietnam and provide a ‘pot’ for future UNIS volunteers. During the build, students have jobs such as carrying (bricks, water, rocks, beams, and tools), laying bricks, mixing mortar, digging, and assisting in any unskilled labor tasks.