Carol helping to change lives in Romania

Carol Houston travelled to Romania with other volunteers from across Northern Ireland as part of Habitat NI’s Big Build project.

Carol told The Coleraine Times: “Taking part in Big Build was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was so rewarding to be able to work alongside members of the local community and know that the project we were working on would change the lives of the whole community.

“It soon became clear that we were building so much more than four walls, we were building a better future for the whole community, providing them with the opportunity to get an education and access healthcare. I would strongly encourage everyone to take part in Big Build 2014”

Big Build will bring together volunteers for across Northern Ireland to build in partnership with communities in need.

Habitat NI volunteers will help to transform a crumbling apartment block and deliver safe homes for 48 families.

Big Build will also mark the completion of a three year community empowerment programme supporting vulnerable groups; members of the Roma community and especially women, young people and children.

Jenny Williams, Chief Executive of Habitat NI said “Every day in over 70 countries around the world Habitat for Humanity is helping families build their own way out of poverty. More than 90% of our work goes on every day in local communities yet volunteers remain at the heart of our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

“Romania is practically on our doorstep, yet the reality of poverty housing makes it seem like a world away. Big Build gives people the opportunity to not just build homes but to stand beside those who have so much less than we do and help to build a brighter future for families trapped in a cycle of poverty.”