Carla’s ongoing commitment to social justice

In 2019, Carla joined the weltwärts volunteer program and spent a year with TECHO in Chile — an experience that would profoundly shape her outlook. What began as a volunteer assignment turned into a long-term commitment to social justice. Working closely with residents in informal settlements, Carla gained a deeper understanding of the structural nature of poverty. Today, she continues to support TECHO’s mission from Germany through “Gemeinsam TECHO e.V.”, a volunteer-run association raising awareness and mobilizing resources for Latin America.

TECHO’s mission is clear: it aims to combat poverty in informal settlements, where individuals often live without access to basic services like running water, formal electricity, or proper sewage systems. These communities, on the outskirts of cities, face overwhelming challenges. TECHO works to uplift these communities by supporting local residents in their fight for rights and by engaging in infrastructure projects, such as building community centers or playgrounds. During her volunteer service in Chile, Carla took on a significant role. "I was in charge of the social media accounts for the regional office and also supported the building efforts on the ground," she shared. 

“Working directly with people in informal settlements made a deep impact on me."

Carla’s experience with TECHO didn’t just end in Chile. It deeply influenced her path going forward, shaping her academic and professional pursuits. “Working directly with people in informal settlements made a deep impact on me. It motivated me to focus on global injustice and the lasting effects of colonialism in my studies.” It was during her time in Chile that she realized the systemic nature of poverty. “The living conditions in informal settlements are not the result of individual failure; they reflect a structural problem,” she explained, drawing attention to issues such as the high cost of living and the stigmatization faced by those in poverty.

This awareness of inequality continued to guide her work in Germany. In fact, Carla is now a key player in “Gemeinsam TECHO e.V.”, an association founded by former weltwärts volunteers. The association wants to raise awareness about social inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean. She and her team run campaigns and events to educate the public while also fundraising for TECHO’s sustainable projects in the region. Her efforts have helped provide resources such as thermal insulation in emergency houses in Mexico, water purification systems in Colombia, and solar lighting in Peru. “What I love about TECHO is that it’s a Latin American organization where decisions are made by the people on the ground,” she reflects, noting that TECHO’s strength lies in its locally-driven approach.

TECHO welcomes former volunteers and other individuals eager to get involved, offering numerous opportunities for people to contribute. Volunteers can join online teams in areas like Education, Cooperation, Volunteers, Communication, and Finance, or participate in regional committees. “Creative, organizational, or teaching skills are helpful, but not required—there’s plenty of opportunity to learn as you go,” Carla shared. What matters most is the desire to make a difference.

“I learned how important it is to approach people and start conversations."

Reflecting on the skills and lessons learned during her time in Chile, Carla emphasized how crucial it is to connect with people. “I learned how important it is to approach people and start conversations,” she explained. This mindset not only helped her build relationships in Chile but continues to serve her in professional life as well. “That mindset still helps me today, whether I’m organizing something for TECHO or doing interviews as a journalist,” she added, underscoring the value of human connection in her work.

Finally, for other former volunteers who may want to get involved but don’t know where to start, the advice is simple: “Start with something concrete, like hosting a film screening, organizing a talk, or planning a creative fundraiser.” The volunteer also encouraged teaming up with other returnees for more impactful and enjoyable initiatives. “It’s much more fun that way!” she said. Carla also suggested looking into university and public funding programs that can provide support for such efforts.