At a glance
- Have a tangible impact by volunteering on our building project in Nepal. Help rebuild classrooms after the deadly earthquake in April 2015.
- You’ll work alongside builders, engineers and architects, your work will mean that children have a safe space to continue their education.
- Based in the capital, Kathmandu you’ll stay with a host family. With the majestic Himalayan mountain range, or age-old temples around the corner, you have much to see and do during your free time.
Is the Building Project in Nepal right for me?
Building in Nepal is perfect for anyone willing to help using their own two hands. You’ll see the immediate fruits of your labour with each brick you lay, or each wall you paint.
No experience in construction? No problem! Masons, engineers, and architects are on hand to guide and instruct you.
This experience will also help boost your CV for any application or interview you do. Your time in Nepal will show an interest in global affairs, and demonstrate your commitment to helping others.
As a volunteer on the Building Project in Nepal, you will also get multiple opportunities to explore a country rich in culture, history, and natural wonders like the Himalayas.
What will I do as a construction volunteer in Nepal?
As a construction volunteer in Nepal, you will put your strength into mixing cement, laying bricks, and painting new school classrooms.
Here are some of the tasks you can expect to do:
Your work will focus on the following areas:
Building classrooms from the ground up
Your tasks will include clearing sites, digging foundation trenches, mixing cement, and laying bricks to create walls. All of your work is part of our efforts to give children safe spaces to learn in. Masons, architects, and engineers will guide your work at all times at the construction sites.
Building toilets and washing facilities for schools and the local community
You will also work to build toilets and washing facilities that will serve hundreds of people. This will give young and old in the community the dignity that each person deserves.
Renovating existing classrooms
Your work doesn’t end at construction. When you’re finished building, you’ll start painting. As part of your volunteer building work in Nepal, you’ll paint the walls and paint educational murals. Murals like the ABCs and 123s will also help teachers with their lessons long after you’ve returned home.
Where in Nepal will I be working?
Kathmandu
The Kathmandu Valley will be your home away from home in Nepal. This country of 25 million people is also home to Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world above sea level.
Most of your time will be spent at a building site, working with masons, engineers, and architects to build and renovate classrooms. You will also get involved with building toilets and washing facilities for schools and the local community.
You will live with a host family organised by Projects Abroad. You’ll share meals with the other volunteers, and you’ll probably find yourself building friendships that span countries and cultures!
Eager to experience the cultural and tourist side of Nepal during your volunteering trip? You can plan a souvenir shopping expedition, or use a weekend for a trip to the city of Pokhara.
A typical day on the Building Project in Nepal
Each day in Nepal is different. You will wake up in the host family accommodation, and have breakfast with fellow volunteers. Wearing sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in, you travel to the building site in transport organised by Projects Abroad.
You will work Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 4pm.
Your daily activities will depend on which stage the building is at. Each day you check on your tasks with the supervisor or mason on duty. From there, you collect the materials needed and join volunteers on the latest building project. One day may be dedicated to building, another day you may be painting.
During your lunch break, you’ll eat your packed lunch with the other volunteers and staff on duty. We strongly recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as your work is labour intensive.
At the end of your working day, you can relax at the accommodation or explore. We encourage you to use weekends to wander through a Nepali temple, go on a Monastery tour, or learn how to cook a Nepali meal! There’s so much to do and so little time, make each moment in Nepal count.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The aim of this project is to rebuild classrooms destroyed by earthquakes, and provide safer learning environments for children.
In 2015, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal. Schools, homes, and vital infrastructure were damaged and lost. That same year, we started a Building Project to restore what was lost. By 2017, volunteers had built 96 classrooms at nine schools. This meant 2,000 children were able to resume schooling in safe and colourful classrooms.
There is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Many schools lack the funds to rebuild and desperately need help. With your efforts, we can build more classrooms and help a great number of children return to school. You’ll put your strength into building for a cause, and get your hands dirty doing something good.
“I felt so grateful to all Projects Abroad volunteers for helping out our school during such a difficult time. I also don’t have a word to thank them. I have seen them working so hard in the heat and rain to complete the school. I will always be grateful for all the volunteers of Projects Abroad,” said Sunrise School Principal, Mr. Surendra Maharjan.
Join this Building Project in Nepal and see the direct result of your work and the positive impact it has on the local community.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Nepal. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Nepal and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
When you think of Nepal, the first thing that comes to mind is the majestic Himalayan Mountain Range. This is just one example of the country’s extraordinary natural beauty. Combined with rich cultures, this makes it a unique country to volunteer in and explore.
There are a whole host of ways you can explore the stunning and incredibly varied landscapes of Nepal. You can drive off-road through Chitwan National Park, go biking through Kathmandu Valley, or trek in the foothills of Annapurna.
In the evenings and over weekends, it’s worth taking some time to see the sights in Kathmandu. This includes Durbar Square, where you can stand in the midst of an ancient palace. The towering spectacle of the Boudhanath Stupa is also a must-see.
Nepal is one of our most popular destinations, so there will be many other volunteers in the country with you during your trip. This gives you the freedom to spend your leisure time either exploring alone or in a group.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have all the extra support you need as a young person travelling abroad. Our Projects Abroad staff are there for you 24 hours a day during the week and over weekends to provide constant support and guidance. Our staff also make sure you feel comfortable and safe at your placement and accommodation. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Meet the team in Nepal
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