Why every parent should consider a LiveDifferent Build for their kid
If you’re a parent considering sending your child on a humanitarian build, it’s likely you have a few questions.
We understand that sending your kids off to a distant country and entrusting them with the responsibility of helping build homes alongside people facing hardships can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Rest assured, safety and security are LiveDifferent’s top priorities, and we make sure that each volunteer is well cared for from start to finish.
But beyond safety concerns, there’s something truly special about participating in a Build with LiveDifferent.
A Build reinforces all of the important lessons you’ve taught your kids growing up. It’s an incredible opportunity for your child to gain valuable insight into their world, make life-long friends, discover their capabilities and understand the immense power they have to make a difference.
Can you trust LiveDifferent with your kid?
We at LiveDifferent have been running humanitarian travel projects since 2005, and have had over 5,000 participants with no serious incidents.
We have carefully planned our programs and routes to ensure a safe and culturally enriching experience. We recognize there are always safety measures and risks when travelling to any developing country, and with this in mind, we pay close attention to what is going on in local communities and along the routes we travel.
“Any parents that are considering this, I would just say put your trust in the LiveDifferent crew,” says Lucy Gibson, a parent who recently joined a LiveDifferent Build as a chaperone for her daughter’s school. “They really watch out for the kids – safety is first and foremost – and it’s just really, really well organized. … It feels safe with the LiveDifferent group.“
We maintain excellent community relations and work diligently alongside community leaders, other NGOs working in the area, and often government officials in each country that we work in. All of our staff are first aid certified, well-versed in safety protocols and we always have access available to quality medical attention if needed.
And if any safety concerns come to our attention before or during the program, we communicate this immediately to registered volunteers and their parents or guardians.
“Right from the get-go, there was a lot of information,” says Lucy. “You know, part of the LiveDifferent crew actually lives here, knows the communities, and that’s part of the culture that they try and bring; that culture of trust within the communities.”
How does a LiveDifferent Build benefit your kid?
Aside from maintaining strict safety standards, there are many reasons why sending your child on a Build can be beneficial for their growth and development.
LiveDifferent focuses on shaping the future of each of our volunteers in a profound way while unleashing their potential to make a difference. A Build gives them the opportunity to explore new interests, create valuable experiences, gain independence and work towards a meaningful career. It also teaches important life skills such as problem-solving, effective communication and the importance of teamwork.
Our volunteers also learn about social justice issues from local experts, providing them with an understanding of why their work is so essential in helping communities break out of poverty cycles. We believe that everyone has a responsibility to help those in need and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and we are proud to provide our volunteers with this opportunity.
“I thought it would be a great experience to have with [my daughter] before she goes off to university,” says Lucy. “And also to create awareness within herself to know how privileged we are just to be born in Canada and have what we have, and just give a glimpse of what’s out there in the world and how we can help.”
What’s more, our Builds are incredibly fun! Participants can expect to take part in awesome activities during their free time such as cooking local food, beach days, zip-lining adventures and much more.
“Every day is a new day,” says Lucy. “The itinerary that LiveDifferent puts together is, you know, that of a great balance of work and play. There’s a lot of play on the worksite, but then the kids get to go back and play some football in the pool, play cards, have a movie night; so there’s a great balance.”
What are you waiting for?
At LiveDifferent, we provide a safe and valuable learning experience for your child, while giving you the ability to stay connected throughout. Most of all, we will strive to help your child make the world a better place and change their lives forever.
But don’t just take our word for it …
We would love to have LiveDifferent be a part of your family’s journey! If you have any questions about our Builds or safety procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our Builds page to learn more.
And if you’d like to join your child on a Build, the more the merrier! We love having families join us in making a difference, and know that the experience will be equally enriching for everyone involved.