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TRIP NPL1023.MF

Nepal October 2023 Poverty Eradication. Social Justice. Global Engagement.

C$2,900Trip and flight costs qualify for a tax receipt in US and Canada
Oct 28, 2023 Nov 11, 2023 Lamahi, Nepal Custom Trip Raise the Roof

About the ProjectBuild a home for a family and distribute bikes in Nepal

Build a place of opportunity and hope

The word “home” can mean different things. For children and parents in poverty, it is not the idyllic place that springs to many of our minds.

Sunita Kumal is nine years old in grade three at Buddha Jyoti Secondary School in Dang province, Nepal. Like many other people in her area, her family situation is very difficult. She and her father, Ballu Chaudhary, live in a small hut on government land. They rely on the market for food and struggle to afford even the necessities with the one thousand rupees per month that Ballu earns as a potter. The condition of their house is very poor; the walls are weathered and broken and leak during the rainy season. Flooding in October, 2022 further damaged the hut and destroyed all of their clothes and food.

Ballu didn’t have the money to rebuild their home and Sunita was sent to live with her aunt.

Sunita and her father’s situation came to the attention of DWC’s Nepalese partner Creating Possibilities. This organization identifies local families needing assistance and supports them through multiple programs and self-help groups. Sunita and Ballu were provided food and clothing and it was determined that getting them into safer, drier living conditions would be a platform to improve their health, security, and future livelihood. This will reflect well on the whole community.

A home transforms how a people interacts with the world. A safe place to live will mean Sunita can focus on her schoolwork and give Ballu an opportunity to earn more and improve his livelihood. They will also be safeguarded against dangerous weather.

As part of our EVERY GIRL program, which removes barriers to education for girls in developing countries, our volunteers on this team will host a bicycle giveaway for 100 local girls.

 

MAKE AN IMPACT
In Nepal

 

  • Nepal has a massive housing crisis especially effecting the elderly
  • A bicycle allows access to opportunities. A girl sometimes walks long distances to school or takes routes that could be dangerous. They suffer intimidation and harassment. Having a bicycle makes a real impact. School absenteeism and dropout rates decrease substantially.

What to ExpectA Typical Workday in Nepal

Nepal is a country with much beauty and much poverty. Many families here bring in little income and circumstances leave them trying to eke out a living.

The work will include carrying and wheelbarrowing materials such as gravel and bricks, mixing of sand gravel and cement for mortar, floor and base work, cutting and placing roof joist structure and a tin roof. A latrine will also be constructed, as time permits, and paint will be provided to allow for additional work in the community. If construction is not completed by teams, Creating Possibilities will engage tradesmen to finish the project.

Work conditions can be dusty on rough ground and weather unpredictable.  Work gloves, dust masks, footwear with ankle support are recommended.

Creating Possibilities Nepal (CP), is a non-political, non-religious, non-profit social organization. The group envisions a democratic society and believes in the universal realization of human rights and in transparent and good governance.

By working on this house project, families’ health, safety, security and convenience will improve. You’ll work alongside like-minded volunteers who are also passionate about travel and giving others a hand up, not a hand out.

Annapurna at sunset Nepal

It's Not All Work

Expect warm and sunny days with daytime temperatures generally hovering around a pleasant 26°C. Temperatures can vary, depending on how high up in the mountains you’re working, so it’s a good idea to prepare for a little of everything.

Nepal is a Mecca for trekkers and weekend time will offer lots of chances to hit the trails or take in some of the many cultural experiences that the country offers.

Trip Details

Itinerary
  • Saturday, October 28 – team arrives in Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Sunday, October 29– travel day from Kathmandu to the project site
  • Monday, October 30  to Friday, November 3 – project work
  • Saturday, November 4 to Sunday, November 5 – free days for some R and R
  • Monday, November 6 to Friday, November 10 – project work
  • Saturday, November 11: return to Kathmandu and then home or continue travel in Nepal (perhaps by bike)
Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?
The cost of this trip is displayed at the top of the page. This cost includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, program costs, and a donation to our host partner in their respective country. It does not include airfare and you are responsible for booking your own flights. The entire trip is 100% tax deductible. A $1000 non refundable deposit is due once the trip is confirmed which is then credited towards your trip cost. Your trip cost is due in its entirety 45 days prior to departure. Select trips may be subject to additional cultural activity fees. As of 2025 airfare will no longer qualify for a tax deductible receipt on our open trips. US volunteers may be subject to administrative fees/exchange rate adjustments.

Are accommodations included and what are they like?
DWC books your accommodations for you, and it is included in your Trip Cost! Your team will stay at a local hotel that is comfortable and clean. Rooms are booked as shared double occupancy. You may upgrade to a private room for an additional cost, where possible. We will do our best to accommodate adjustments.

Are meals provided and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
All meals are included in your trip cost. Some meals will be at the hotel, while others at local restaurants. The food is prepared hygienically, and dishes range from local to standard western fare. Volunteers submit a health form to DWC and all requests for dietary restrictions will be provided to the Team Leader, hotel, and host partner, to be accommodated wherever possible. Your Trip Cost does not include tips, alcohol, or snacks.

Can I add personal travel onto this trip?
Absolutely! We want you to have the best travel experience possible. If you choose to add personal travel onto the front or back end of your trip, you are welcome to book your own accommodation and transportation arrangements for early arrivals or late departures, however you are required to arrive in time to fully participate in the volunteer experience with your team. Personal travel would not be covered in your tax-deductible receipt.

Can my family come on the trip with me?
The trip cost listed is a per person rate. Family members can participate in the trip as part of the volunteer team by paying a separate trip cost. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

What is the minimum age requirement to volunteer?
Children under 12 are unable to participate in our program due to the nature of the volunteer work involved. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

Do I need construction experience and how much will we work?
You don’t need special skills or training to be able to help. We hire local skilled labourers who will give training onsite for construction and team leaders. You will work at your own pace, within your own comfort level, five days a week from about 8AM to 4PM. Your evenings and weekends are free for cultural activities and relaxing.

What is the work site like and what is the intensity of the labour?
There is a building manager and translator on site. Tasks on the work site vary and you will only be asked to do what you are comfortable with and within your physical abilities. There is no pressure!

Why should I volunteer?
Support sustainable change with us. Learn about the world and yourself, lend a hand and build hope. Every bit of time spent on a DWC project is helping a person, a family, or a community. You’ll know that your contribution will make someone’s life better. DWC matches teams of volunteers and resources with people and organizations in developing nations to alleviate poverty and inspire hope and your efforts do have impact. The experience is enhanced by working as a team. Simply put, there is joy and self-discovery that comes with giving to others. And you’ll have fun doing it, too.

Are DWC trips religious or political in nature?
DWC has no religious or political affiliations.

Meet the Trip Leader

Each trip is coordinated by DWC with the help of a Team Leader, who has travelled with DWC previously, is First Aid Certified, and has completed a Criminal Record Check. Your Team Leader will liaise with DWC and ensure all your questions are answered. Your Team Leader will handle all team finances through the trip and travel with you to ensure the best possible travel and volunteer experience for their team! They also facilitate fun, cultural experiences where possible, ensuring group cohesion. See your Team Leader Biography here:

Martin France

Marty is a retired US Air Force officer and university engineering professor with extensive international experience, having served in Europe and traveled to 73 countries, including many in East and West Africa and throughout Southeast Asia. He’s a former Fulbright Scholar who taught at Singapore’s top science and engineering university. Marty coordinated his first service trip with DWC in 2014 when he led a team of students working with Equitable Cambodia to build sanitary latrines in villages and then did the same in Nepal in 2019. He also led a teams that constructed a campground, bathroom and shower facility in Costa Rica in 2022 and 2023.  He currently lives in Colorado with his wife of 41 years.  He has two sons, four grandchildren and enjoys hiking, cycling, photography, and helping at his son’s craft brewery.

Travel Light Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Carbon offsets are used to compensate for the greenhouse gasses that we create through certain activities, such as flying. For every tonne of carbon released into the atmosphere, an ‘offset’ is a carefully designed project that absorbs or stores the equivalent CO2 emissions. You can choose to offset your own flight, your whole family’s, or do this as a gift for a friend.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Joy

Volunteer Program Manager

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