Palmeira: Volunteers prepare the This was an article originally written by Patricia Baross and then edited by me, Rita Cruz. It was published this week in the newspaper Correio do Minho During the next week, from the 11th to the 16th of September, the event for which the Associa��o Humanit�ria Habitat has been preparing itself for quite some time now, it's finally taking place: the "Building On Faith Week". Although this is the first year in which this week is celebrated in Portugal, it's tradition is wide amongst all of the Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) affiliates. As such, this week is celebrated every year, beginning on the second week of September and ending on the third Sunday of the same month. During this week, the humanitarian and ecumenical spirit of the Organisation is celebrated in the entire world, more specifically in the 67 countries where the HFHI is represented. Besides volunteer work, the aim is also to promote religious tolerance: although respect to different beliefs is always present in HFHI projects, this week underlines the need for people to forget what renders them apart and get together with one similar goal in mind: solidarity. Therefore, the Associa��o Humanit�ria Habitat wants to call people�s attention and welcome volunteers from all churches, as well as institutions, organisations, enterprises, or even individuals that, with different beliefs (or none at all), want to help those in need. For people with faith, this event is a good opportunity to put it to practice. Following the words of our sister Betsey Van Deusen, director of church relations for Habitat for Humanity International, Building On Faith Week allows for all the HFHI affiliates to give a special meaning to the spiritual roots of Habitat, trough building of houses and mind awareness at the same time. For those who simply share the will to contribute to a better world, this is the right time to help 12 families to seriously improve their lives. The Portugal Build 2000 project began at the end of May, with the ground-breaking of the land that is receiving the construction of 12 houses. Since then, more than 100 international volunteers have joined together their efforts with the objective of providing simple and decent housing people that live sometimes in almost inhuman conditions. The challenge that the Associa��o Humanit�ria Habitat wishes to throw into the Braga community � as well as to Portugal and even the world � is to came and work, during this week, in the construction of these houses. Although there are other important and necessary assignments for which volunteer work is crucial, it is in construction that volunteers are the most needed. It should be important to note here that, if work in construction is the most demanding volunteer task that the Association has to offer, it is also the most compensating one. In most volunteers' opinion, this comes out of the fact that one is providing a direct and immediate help. The Associa��o Humanit�ria Habitat hopes that you will be able to accept the challenge and, as such, organise your agenda in a way that you can participate on the first Portuguese Building on Faith week, helping others as a volunteer. One entire week, just a day, or even just for a few hours, any help is appreciated. The Associa��o Humanit�ria Habitat is always available to welcome you at any time through this phone number: (351) 253 204280, or at [email protected] We are counting on you.
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