The Threat of Landslides in Comalapa: A Growing Crisis

In the mountainous region of Comalapa, Guatemala, deforestation and heavy rains make landslides a constant threat. As trees are cut down for firewood and agricultural expansion, soil erosion worsens, leaving entire neighborhoods vulnerable. When storms hit, unstable hillsides collapse, destroying homes, roads, and vital infrastructure. Families living in poverty face the highest risk, often settling in unsafe areas with no protective barriers in place. The destruction caused by landslides can be devastating, displacing families and making roads impassable, cutting off access to food, education, and emergency medical care.

A Student-Led Solution: Tire Retaining Walls

From May 19-23, 2025, Hero School’s 10th-grade students will take action by constructing tire retaining walls to help stabilize the land and protect vulnerable communities. Unlike traditional concrete retaining walls, which are expensive and prone to cracking, tire retaining walls are both cost-effective and highly durable. By filling discarded tires with compacted dirt and non-biodegradable waste, students create a dense, stable structure that absorbs water efficiently and reinforces the hillside, reducing the risk of erosion and collapse.

Building tire retaining walls is one of the most physically demanding projects at Hero School, which is why it is reserved for older students. The process requires pounding dirt into hundreds of tires, which takes significant strength, endurance, and teamwork. It is not only an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge of engineering, physics, and environmental science, but also a test of their resilience and perseverance. Through hands-on labor, they learn the importance of infrastructure in disaster prevention, as well as the satisfaction of creating a long-lasting impact in their own community.

Why Tire Retaining Walls Matter

The benefits of tire retaining walls go beyond preventing landslides. These walls provide a practical solution to two major environmental challenges—deforestation and waste management. In a region where trees are being rapidly cut down for firewood and agriculture, using recycled tires helps preserve natural resources while repurposing non-biodegradable waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Moreover, the stability provided by these walls allows families to reclaim land for farming and construction, creating safer spaces for homes and food production. Without intervention, erosion can strip away valuable soil, making it impossible to grow crops. By securing the land, students are not just preventing disasters but ensuring that families have a more sustainable way to live and work.

The Lasting Impact of This Project

For students, this project is about more than just building walls—it’s about gaining real-world skills in problem-solving, construction, and environmental responsibility. They must calculate weight distribution, angles, and compaction rates, all while working as a team to transport materials and construct a solid barrier. The hands-on experience is invaluable, preparing them for future careers in construction, engineering, and environmental conservation.

At the same time, the walls they build today will protect the community for years to come. Families living in high-risk areas will have an added layer of security against landslides, allowing them to remain in their homes without fear every time a heavy rainstorm hits. Roads and pathways will be safeguarded, keeping vital access points open for travel, trade, and emergency aid.

How You Can Support This Project

The success of this project relies on community support. Constructing tire retaining walls requires specialized tools, safety equipment, and materials to ensure durability and effectiveness. Donations help cover the cost of compacting materials and reinforcing supplies, while volunteers provide extra hands to assist students in the labor-intensive work.

By supporting this initiative, you are helping students develop critical skills while also ensuring the safety and resilience of vulnerable communities. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your involvement makes a real difference.

📅 Project Dates: May 19-23, 2025
🌍 Be part of the solution—Donate or Volunteer!