Luis is a young volunteer from the Dominican Republic who found TECHO “safe and happy” place at TECHO .When he started, he was a high school student leading a fairly routine life, filled with classes and homework. He felt that something essential was missing: a purpose.
Luis never imagined that his life would change so radically in 2016, the year his cousin invited him to a TECHO creative workshop. Later,without being officially registered, Luis joined that year’s fundraising effort. That moment was decisive. Surrounded by dedicated volunteers and witnessing the power of collective effort, he realized that everyone could contribute something valuable, regardless of their age or experience. From then on, his involvement with TECHO a constant, as he took on various roles and challenges within the organization.
TECHO became much more than just an activity for Luis; it was his safe haven. There, he found a place where he could be himself, where his efforts made a real difference. What he enjoys most is visiting communities, talking with residents, and listening to their stories. These moments not only gave him insight into the reality of thousands of families in the Dominican Republic, but also taught him to appreciate the small actions that bring about big changes.
Luis found strength in the community of volunteers and in the families they helped. Every smile and every shared experience has served as a reminder that he is in the right place. Over time, his commitment and personal growth led him to represent his country at national and international events—an opportunity he never would have imagined without the platform TECHO provided him.
TECHO had a profound impact TECHO Luis’s life. Volunteering not only pushed him out of his comfort zone, but also shaped his life choices, including the major he would pursue. Luis grew as a person, developed his leadership skills, and felt valued in an environment where every voice counts.
Luis recounts that recently, at a construction site, a neighbor from a settlement was surprised to learn that “the people from TECHO volunteers,” and that he gladly began to explain that, as volunteers, “our greatest reward was seeing a family that would no longer have to get wet when it rained, that would no longer have a dirt floor, and that could enjoy decent housing.” The neighbor, amazed, began telling other residents what Luis had said, and this created a special atmosphere, as it motivated the community to become even more involved in the projects and work together.
According to Luis, TECHO “helps TECHO see the reality that exists beyond the tall buildings and the city lights—that behind those tall buildings there is a community that has been forgotten and whose rights have been violated.”
Today, when he looks back, Luis has no doubt: joining TECHO the best thing that ever happened to him. This journey not only allowed him to grow, but also to inspire others to join the movement for change. TECHO taught TECHO that, by working together, we can build dreams, communities, and a better future.