Nepal
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Nepali
POPULATION: 29.3 million (2009)
GDP per CAPITA (PPP US$): Nepal $444 Canada $35,812 (2009)
% of Population BELOW POVERTY LINE: 34% (2008)
United Nations Human Development Index (HDI)
The HDI measures the average progress of a country in human development. It provides a ranking of 179 countries based on three dimensions of human developemnt: living a long and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living.
NEPAL Country Ranking 144
WHY VOLUNTEER IN NEPAL?
Nepal is a landlocked country with rugged geography, few natural resources and poor infrastructure. It is estimated that 83% of the population is rural based. For most rural families access to land is extremely limited and many depend on plots that are too small to meet subsistence requirements. Our volunteer projects are based in and around Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city. Developing World Connections’ long term commitment is to help improve the community members’ life options and to increase their self-sufficiency.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Volunteer! Volunteers will assist residents of a village near Pokhara with the construction of a water system for the community. Activities will revolve around land management, agriculture and education. In any case, as a volunteer you will work side by the villagers. No special skills are required.
We invite people who cannot give the gift of time to donate to Nepal projects and programs through Developing World Connections. Visit the Donate page or contact us for more ways to be of service.
WHAT CAN I SEE?
Upon completion of the Volunteer Experience, we recommend volunteers spend time in and around Pokhara, enjoying the breathtaking scenery or taking a trek through the mountains, affectionately referred to as the 'Apple Pie Circuit". While in Kathmandu be sure to spend time visiting the famous Buddhist temples of Swayambhunath and Bodnath Stupa. Swayambhunath is said to be 2,000-years-old. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Don't miss Patan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city, the square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines.
WHEN CAN I GO?
| 2010 Scheduled Experiences |
| MAY 8 TO JUNE 5 (Student) |
| SEPTEMBER 11 TO SEPTEMBER 25 (Short-Term) |
| OCTOBER 16 TO OCTOBER 30 (Short-Term) |
Note: Schedule is subject to change depending on flight arrangements and suitability for host communities.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For one week, the Program Cost is $1,600 and for two weeks it’s $2,000. This includes the cost of in-country food, in-country transportation, accommodation, project costs and a substantial direct donation to the project. It’s 100% tax deductible.
