The Construction Program
Restrictions due to the pandemic mean that this program cannot get the support it needs right now. Sign up for 2022 and we'll work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
To learn children need a safe and solid environment with the right facilities and resources. This wonderful program takes place on the outskirts of magical Kathmandu in a primary school. Located close to one of Kathmandu's largest slum areas, near Bhaktapur, the school provides free education, text books, uniforms and shoes to more than 150 children who live in poverty within the confines of the slum, and whose parents would otherwise not have been able to send their children to school at all. Sadly, the school too lacks massively from underfunding, and it’s a daily struggle to simply keep the doors open. There are not enough classrooms and teaching materials are poor, meaning the children are simply not getting the education they deserve. This program offers true assistance to schools by supplying them with an international volunteer labor force that allows them to repair and maintain school facilities that they would otherwise be unable to afford to do. Volunteers on this program help schools to continue to support children’s educational needs by providing them with much-needed assistance in providing safe facilities.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide free volunteer labor to maintain and build essential school facilities
- Improve the future prospects of the children by supplying them with safe spaces to learn and play
- Expose the locals to new and innovative ideas and a different way of doing things
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both students and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Without adequate facilities, a school is unable to teach their students effectively. Volunteers on this program play a major role in ensuring safe classrooms, facilities and playgrounds are supplied to students. Those volunteering on this program will see first-hand what a difference this help has made and how the children will benefit. While supplying an essential need to the schools, volunteers will also gain an amazing cultural experience from their time, immersing themselves in the local culture and learning from the locals. Volunteers will spend their time working on renovations to school facilities. From brightening up a classroom, replacing a broken door hinge, constructing a new blackboard or fixing a leaking tap, volunteers could be helping on a multitude of tasks and essential projects to create a better environment and facilities for the children.
Volunteers will need to be physically fit and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Building maintenance
- Construction
- Painting
- Networking with local program staff and other volunteers
- Interacting with children
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
Project Location
Volunteers on this program have the opportunity to experience Nepal's vibrant capital city. Kathmandu is described as the “Land of Gods” and home to the “largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built”.
The city is a juxtaposition of urban sensory overload (traffic, people, sounds, smells) and serene temples. With so much to see and do in the city itself and located on the foothills of the Himilayas this is an exciting destination for the international traveler.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
You will be met on arrival into Kathmandu and taken to your accommodation. An orientation will be given by the local team (normally the following day dependent on arrival timing) to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement and the local surroundings. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations and, of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (Code: KTM)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this rewarding placement are accommodated in a Volunteer House near to the town of Bhaktapur in Kathmandu. Rooms are dormitory style and may be shared depending on the number of volunteers.
Living conditions in Nepal are far from luxurious and part of the experience of volunteering in this location is getting back to basics! The Volunteer House has both electricity and running water but be prepared for power outages and cold water only. Heating and air-conditioning are not standard in Nepal. Bathroom facilities are in the local, squat toilet, style.
Bedsheets and a pillow are provided so volunteers need only take a sleeping bag, personal toiletries and towel(s). Mosquito nets are readily and cheaply available locally and the local team will assist with purchasing one should it be required.
When volunteering during Nepal’s winter months (particularly December, January and February) warm clothes and a heavy sleeping bag are recommended.
Internet coverage is available at the Volunteer House and school but can be unreliable and it is recommended that volunteers purchase a local SIM card and data package on arrival in order to stay in touch with friends and family. The local team will assist with this.
Breakfast and dinner are provided at the Volunteer House daily and lunch can be prepared in the kitchen at the house or eaten out at any of the many affordable eateries near to the school. Easy!
Fees
That’s just USD 47 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.