Building homes in El Salvador

Hello, to those you don't know me, my name is Nikita Nileshwar, I am currently a 2nd-year Social work student at Wilfrid Laurier. I have been involved in the community volunteering for SCHC (Scarborough Center for Healthy Communities) (Tutoring Math and English to underprivileged children, Helping young girls in youth empowerment programs), Cliffcrest Community Center (Summer program, Heartbeatz.), Konkani Association of Ontario and Chinmaya Mission. Four years ago I went to Kaza, India where I volunteered alongside a group of wonderful youth to help out at an orphanage for girls, it was a heartwarming and a great learning experience. These orphans were very enthusiastic and eager to learn and it taught me to never stop trying to help.

I have volunteered in communities around Toronto and Brantford with underprivileged and inner city kids helping them with anger issues, drug, and alcohol abusing and mental issues.

In 2018 I plan to expand my horizon and go and volunteer in El Salvador. It is one of the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America. The housing shortage affects more than 944,000 families and continues to grow as the population increases. That statistic means that 6 out of 10 families live in inadequate housing. With approximately 31.9% of the population living in relative or extreme poverty, many families do not have access to financing to improve their homes. Salvadoran families and their homes are vulnerable to threats such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. In addition, a 12-year civil war resulted in the loss of some 75,000 lives and the displacement of many families. Decades later, complications with land legalization limit access to adequate housing. Social violence is prompting many families to leave their homes and communities.

The money you donate will be used towards getting the supplies required to build houses, and some of the money raised will also be going to an art therapy center for youth and children.

During the trip, I will be spending most of my days not only building houses with the volunteers and locals but also using Art as a form of therapy to help heal past and current wounds.

I am really hoping my community, family and friends help out in this endeavor, please donate as much as you can, it all goes back to the community who will always be grateful and thankful to you and your families.

Thank you for your support in this humbling endeavor.

Sincerely,
Nikita Nileshwar