Builders Beyond Borders creates solutions to problems in Peru

In the close of its 17th year providing local and international service opportunities for area high school students, Builders Beyond Borders (B3) has completed five life-changing projects in some of Peru's most impoverished communities.

A not-for-profit based in Norwalk, Builders Beyond Borders guides hundreds of students as they fundraise and volunteer in their communities. During their spring vacations, students travel to a developing nation with Builders Beyond Borders, where they provide the building materials and labor to build new facilities for communities in need.

"The beauty of our program is in its diversity," said Amy Schroeder-Riggio, executive director of Builders Beyond Borders. "With so many committed volunteers, we can undertake a wide range of projects that address issues from education to healthcare."

Working in collaboration with the Peace Corps and Peruvian organizations, the students in the Builders Beyond Borders program built an infirmary; a daycare center; bathrooms, latrines and hand washing stations; and an aqueduct that brought potable water to the homes 19 families for the first time.

"Working on projects like these are truly life-changing for everyone involved," said Schroeder-Riggio. "Working hand-in-hand with locals, our students expand their understanding of global issues while simultaneously creating the solutions to those problems."

"We've all come together from different towns and schools because we saw something in B3 that ignited our passion and drove us to commit fully to this family," said a student who just returned from San Bartolo, Peru, where her team finished the construction of a free daycare center to benefit the children of working mothers.

"Everyone on this trip has put their whole heart into building, because when we start something we finish it. Living is diving head first into the surf--even if we're scared--and being fully present in the moment."

A reflection and celebration of the year's achievements will take place on May 28 in Norwalk. For details, call (203) 847-5220.