Youths building a strong foundation for their future.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Claire Marie Algarme

THOUSANDS of people my age have done volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that builds houses with and for families in need.

As a Habitat staff member, I saw many students, members of youth organizations and young professionals all over the country take up hammer and shovel and do carpentry work.

Every summer since the year 2000, the youth participate in the annual "Youth Build" project of Habitat, spending a day or more doing construction work.

The scorching heat of the sun does not deter them. Their clean shirts are soiled as they work side-by-side with the future residents of the house they are building. Whether it was a big event like the Jimmy Carter Work Project in 1999 or ordinary house-building on a weekend, volunteers always fill a Habitat site with joy.

Although I spent practically most of my Saturdays in construction sites, I seldom had the opportunity to participate in actual building. As a member of the communications group, I helped coordinate with media and other VIPs or conduct interviews at the site.