Our volunteer program is based in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, known for its bustling crowds, rickety bullock carts, and noisy auto-rickshaws. Most of our volunteer placements are located within Kathmandu, although some are situated in the more rural areas of the Kathmandu Valley. Additionally, we offer Medical and Care placements in the Gorkha district, specifically in a small village called Ashrang.
Volunteers in Nepal typically have two accommodation options. Some reside in a youth hostel, while most live with local host families. Host families often welcome up to four volunteers into their homes, with each volunteer typically sharing a room with one other volunteer.
Volunteering on the Building Project
Our efforts in Nepal have seen the successful completion of several reconstruction projects. These projects aim to support children whose schools have been damaged, enabling them to resume their education. We achieve this by renovating and rebuilding damaged schools or, in cases where renovation is not feasible, by constructing new classrooms and school buildings, whether temporary or permanent.
The Building project primarily operates in rural and semi-urban areas within the Kathmandu Valley. As we complete ongoing work and receive increased participation, the project is expected to expand into other regions.
Your Role as a Building Volunteer in Nepal
As a volunteer on this project, your responsibilities may include:
- Clearing construction sites.
- Digging foundation trenches.
- Mixing and laying cement and concrete.
- Laying bricks.
- Painting.
The specific tasks you engage in will depend on the stage of construction the project is in when you arrive. Volunteers work under the guidance of a professional mason, a qualified construction engineer, and a Western coordinator. All volunteers are accommodated in a guesthouse and receive support from our local Projects Abroad staff.
If you have limited time available and cannot commit to four weeks or more, you can still participate in the Building project in Nepal for one, two, or three weeks. Our local colleagues have identified this project as suitable for short-term volunteering, benefiting both the host community and the volunteer. However, please keep in mind that while you will gain valuable cultural insights and contribute to the local community during your short stay, the impact may not be as extensive as that of volunteers who commit to longer durations.
