Handy volunteers who are fit and willing to work hard doing a wide range of tasks. You’ll be assisting local staff so there’s no need to have prior experience in construction or renovation.

Project details

Want to build your skills as a Construction and Renovation volunteer in Laos? International Volunteer HQ’s Construction and Renovation project empowers volunteers to take part in initiatives that help improve local infrastructure. Community organisations are often underfunded and poorly resourced so volunteers can make a tangible difference by lending a hand with vital upgrades and repairs. These make buildings functional, safer and more attractive to the people who use them, and allow the community services that provide some of life’s basics to have an even bigger impact.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Community services such as schools, medical and childcare centres in Laos are important institutions, but many don’t make enough money to keep up with building maintenance. Volunteers can make a significant difference to make these services attractive and functional for the people who rely on them.

You’ll essentially be a volunteer laborer, helping with light construction and renovation tasks to improve buildings and sections. You’ll need to be flexible and adaptable in your approach to volunteering and be happy to go with the flow of local priorities. Your exact role will depend on what stage projects are at while you’re in Laos, but could include:

Building
Renovating
Painting
Restoration
Carpentry
Landscaping

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

As job losses escalate as a result of Covid-19, it is estimated that nearly half of the global workforce is at risk of losing their livelihoods. We must improve access to jobs, decent work conditions and community services in order to achieve peace, sustainable economic growth and a better quality of life for all.

Why do Construction and Renovation volunteering in Luang Prabang with IVHQ?

As a volunteer builder in Laos you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Improving and upgrading local infrastructure
Making a visible difference to the community
Developing your communication skills
Gaining building and renovation experience
Immersing yourself in Lao culture
Discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Luang Prabang

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
To respect the local culture and customs in Laos, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Laos photo gallery

IVHQ volunteer on the Childcare project in Laos

IVHQ Childcare project