The Rebuild Program
We all see the news and the devastation a natural disaster such as an earthquake can wreck on communities, but how many of us really help these people or think about them again once the headlines are gone? This is your chance to make a difference to the lives of others and help to rebuild the homes and communities of those in dire need. The 2015 Nepal earthquake resulted in more than 8500 deaths, thousands of people injured and the destruction of more than 600 hundred thousand houses. It left thousands of families homeless and devastated much infrastructure such as community centers, schools and early childhood centers. Based in the Bagmati Zone (an area encompassing greater Kathmandu) and Sagarmatha Zone east of Kathmandu, the mission of this essential program is to build earthquake-resistant quality community facilities and homes. With a goal to help build 50 early childhood development centers, 30 community schools, six community centers and hundreds of homes, volunteers are desperately sought to help make this happen. International volunteers on this program provide the manual labor, working alongside the local community, to make these projects a reality.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide quality community infrastructure to rebuild communities
- Provide safe, healthy homes to enable families to live happier, healthier lives
- Improve the prospects of some of Nepal’s most impoverished people and help them to break the poverty cycle
- Expose volunteers and locals to new cultures
How You Can Help
For those with a desire to help others less fortunate and who aren’t afraid of a little hard work, this program will be immensely rewarding. Volunteers on this essential construction program will be helping impoverished families into quality, earthquake-resistant homes and developing infrastructure for strong communities. Working alongside local builders and members of the community, volunteers will provide manual labor to rebuild homes, schools, early childhood and community learning centers. No previous experience in construction is necessary, however it’s important to note that this is very ‘hands-on’ physical work. It is construction work and there is a high level of physical work required. Participants will need to be physically fit and able to work up to five hours per day, five days per week (Monday to Friday) on a construction site. Volunteers are asked to bring their own safety gear such as work boots, hardhat and gloves (please see the full list of required items under the Additional Info. section).
Sign up now with Love Volunteers and put your building skills to the test to help Nepalese communities!
Volunteers will contribute in many ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Manual labor building homes for families
- Manual labor building community facilities
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to have a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of families and communities facing extreme poverty in Nepal. This 'hands-on' project is ideally suited to those volunteers with some knowledge and experience in construction or any of the building trades, however the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, be fit and active, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this program have the opportunity to experience Nepal's vibrant capital city of Kathmandu as well as experiencing authentic Nepalese life in rural villages, predominantly in the Kathmandu Valley although work has began in the North East of the country also.
Volunteers are based in Kathmandu for the first 3 days to enjoy an in-depth program orientation and introduction to this amazing country and city. An excellent opportunity to explore the sensory overload that is Kathmandu City!
Whilst on placement volunteers stay with local host families. An amazing way to experience authentic Nepalese life in a tranquil community setting.
Specific placement locations are decided based on the volunteer's skills and preferences as well as the needs of the program at the time of placement. Programs outside the Kathmandu Valley may incur additional transportation costs which will be discussed at time of placement (not exceeding US$100).
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month with volunteers arriving on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 weeks to 8 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu you will be collected at the airport and taken to your accommodation. A comprehensive three-day induction is provided which will include specific information about your placement as well as covering the basics of the Nepalese language and an insight into the culture. This is a great opportunity to mix with other volunteers and get to know the local team.
- Arrival Day: Volunteers arrive on either the 14th day of the month or the last day of the month.
- Departure Day: 7 days after arrival for every week volunteering.
- Arrival Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (Code: KTM)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program have the unique opportunity to stay with a local Nepalese family. Host families are experienced at caring for volunteers and are welcoming and supportive. Their homes may be basic by international standards and the levels of English may vary but this is more than made up for by generosity of spirit.
Initially volunteers stay in a Volunteer House in Kathmandu and are provided with a three day orientation session before transferring to their host family home. Lunch is provided daily during the orientation with breakfast and dinner readily available for little cost.
Living conditions in Nepal are far from luxurious and will vary between homes.The accommodation will have running water but hot water is uncommon as are heating and air-conditioning. Electricity will be available but is unreliable and may be turned off for a period each day.
When volunteering during Nepal’s winter months (particularly December, January and February) warm clothes and a heavy sleeping bag are recommended.
WiFi may be available in the Host Family Home for a small fee but we recommend that volunteers purchase a local SIM card and data package on arrival in order to stay in touch with friends and family.
Three simple and delicious meals per day are provided by the host family whilst on placement and are normally vegetarian with staples such as rice, lentils (dal) and vegetarian curries. Volunteers are encouraged to take a lunchbox or one can be purchased on-site.
Fees
That’s just USD 81 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Safety Equipment
Volunteers must bring the safety equipment noted below. The quality of these items in Nepal is not satisfactory so they cannot be purchased locally. These items are compulsory on placement.
- Hard hat
- Durable gloves suitable for construction work
- Working boots
- Long pants and long sleeved tops
- Safety glasses