Volunteer in a construction placement with Volunteer Society Nepal to overcome the desperate lack of infrastructure in Nepali schools, orphanages and villages
Most of the schools in rural Nepal consist of four wooden poles supporting a thatched roof. No blackboard. No desks. Few books. Open toilets, no proper classrooms, no playgrounds, no libraries. Not even drinking water
Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN) places international volunteers in the neediest areas to construct or repair desperately needed buildings. Projects are usually funded by local communities and/or volunteer contributions. Projects may include building or repairs on bathrooms, toilets, classrooms, orphanage buildings and health clinics. Help is also required in plumbing, painting and decorating, providing drinking water, gardening or creating playgrounds and sports fields. As a volunteer in the Construction Program you will work as part of a volunteer team and so this placement is perfect for a group that want to work together. For more information about volunteering in a group go to our Group Volunteering Page.
How do volunteers help?
Often volunteers will work along side the local community or local experts, learning about traditional methods of building and working. Volunteers do not need any specific skills or knowledge about construction, as they will mainly be doing unskilled work such as digging, mixing sand and cement, carrying rocks, sand and bricks, fetching water, and painting. However if they do have experience of running a project on their own then this is always possible.
Individual construction programs last between one and three weeks. Volunteer Society Nepal arranges the location and logistical support, including skilled manpower, food and accommodation, training, etc.
After completion of the construction project, volunteers who wish to stay for longer periods may participate in our other volunteer programs e.g. teaching in schools, health, community education and environmental programs or working in orphanages.
Do I need any specific qualifications or skills for this placement?
You do not need any specific skills for this placement but must be willing to muck in and get a bit dirty! If you are qualified in this area then we would love to hear from you.
A day in the life of a volunteer working in manual work:
Previous volunteers’ experiences:
For more information check out our Volunteer Community Page where you can find email addresses to contact past volunteers and also join our Facebook group to post any more questions you may have about construction placements.
Where in Nepal can I volunteer in manual work?
Manual work is available in all of VSN’s volunteering locations; Kathmandu, The Hills Region, Pokhara, The Terai (jungle) region and the Himalaya region. Check out our Locations Page to find an area that suits you.
What accommodation will I be living in?
Wherever you chose to work in Nepal you will be placed in a homestay with a local Nepali family. By living with a family you will gain a greater insight and understanding of Nepali culture. The standard of lodging will depend on whether you are in a rural or urban area. In a rural area the facilities will be basic with minimal running water and a squat toilet. However, in an urban placement you will most likely have a flushing Western style toilet and a shower. All of your food will be provided for you at your homestay and you will never be more than 30 minutes from your place of work. For more information about your food and accommodation go to our Volunteer Accommodation Page.
