Nepal Community Challenge

Why help build a school?

“Education is a fundamental human right and essential for the exercise of all other human rights. It promotes individual freedom and empowerment and yields important development benefits. Yet millions of children and adults remain deprived of educational opportunities, many as a result of poverty.” UNESCO

A staggering £85million was donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee by the UK public which has since gone towards the rebuilding of lives and livelihoods of the Nepalese who were affected by the 2005 earthquake.  However, a country cannot be rebuilt in a year and there are still many organisations working in Nepal to date in order to help the Nepalese restore their country.  

This challenge will be both physical and emotional but all you need is an open mind, a lot of enthusiasm and a willingness to make a difference.  You will work alongside a UK registered charity, The Pahar Nepal Trust. This trust was established in 1993 with the main focus being the co-ordination and construction of schools in the remote areas of Nepal.  

The construction of the school will provide jobs within the community and has the potential to help unskilled labourers to learn valuable skills and provide them with opportunities for work in the future.  

You will never be asked to do anything outside of your physical capabilities and team work will be encouraged at all times. No volunteer will ever be made to feel they have to do something they are not happy or comfortable doing.  If you feel you are unable do what you have been asked, please speak to your construction supervisor or team leader and they will do their best to find you something else. 

The Pahar Trust Nepal

Our partner Pahar Trust Nepal has a successful track record of working in Nepal and building secure and durable structures allowing education to continue regardless of weather.  They employ local craftsman and skilled labourers and thus contribute to incomes within a community.   Although a UK registered Charity they have offices located in Nepal which are staffed by the ex British Gurkha soldiers.

Accommodation

A campsite will be set up within or close by to the community and your work site.  You will be in two person tents.  The campsite will be basic but you will get to experience life in a remote village and be within the community you are supporting.

There will be a separate kitchen, dining and toilet tents.

At the start and end of the challenge you will be in a hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, on twin share basis, with en-suite facilities.

Toilets and shower facilities

Toilets will be long drop style with a toilet tent for privacy.

Washing facilities will be a bucket and water each morning and evening.  Please ensure that you use biodegradble soaps and shampoos.

Group size & dynamic

Your team will consist of 35-40 people. You will be living in close quarters, sharing tents and bathroom facilities with other team members and travelling to the work site as a group. The more you put into the challenge, the more you, your team and the community will get out of it.

Visa

You will need a visa to travel to Nepal.  We will provide details about the application process about 12 weeks before departure.

The validity of visa dates are counted from the date of arrival in Nepal.  You should apply about 12 weeks before departure for a single-entry tourist visa. Do not apply too early otherwise it will run out before you leave for Nepal. It is valid for six months from the date of issue.

Flights

Flights are provisionally booked for the below schedule with Jet Airways.

06 October - London Heathrow to Delhi (2045hrs to 0945hrs on 07 Oct)
07 October - Delhi to Kathmandu (1325hrs to 1525hrs)          
15 October - Kathmandu to Delhi (0950hrs to 1120hrs)             
15 October - Delhi to London Heathrow (1330hrs to 1820hrs)

Please note: The flight times will be confirmed by the airline four weeks prior to departure. These are subject to change until they have been formally confirmed by the airline. All up to date flight details will be in your Charity Challenge Account Area, so please log in to this closer to departure.

Passport

You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity.

Luggage allowance and valuables

As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the minimum - details on what to pack are provided in your kit list. This, or your rucksack or suitcase should not exceed 30kgs in weight which can be over 2 pieces of hold luggage.  Although we would recommend only 1 piece.

On your outward journey, it’s a good idea to wear your steel toe capped boots as they are likely to be the heaviest item in your luggage. In addition, you will still be able to work on site if your luggage is delayed.

While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times. 

Vaccinations

For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS Government website ‘Fit for Travel’ at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspxb.  Malaria precautions are essential in all areas below 1,200 metres all year round. The risk in Kathmandu and mountainous areas or at greater altitude is very small. Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable anti-malarial tablets.

Leadership

We employ a first aid qualified, English speaking challenge leader. They will ultimately be responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. A separate construction supervisor will have overall responsibility whilst on the work site. We will do our very best to keep to the proposed itinerary, however, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all circumstances, your team leader or construction supervisor will be responsible for making the decision relating to your activities which are in your best interests.

Money

Currency: Nepal use the Nepalese rupee.  This is a closed currency which means that you will not be able to find Nepalese rupees outside of Nepal. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. British Pounds/USD can be exchanged at Kathmandu airport and in the city.
Credit Cards: These are accepted in all major hotels, banks and stores in Kathmandu. They will not be accepted where the remote challenge takes place.
ATMs: ATMs are not always available and when they are, they do not always work. We recommend that you exchange cash in the airport or use the ATMs in the airport rather than relying on the city.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip particularly since you will predominantly be in the community away from any foreign exchanges or banks. Though please have some Nepalese rupees available in case you wish to purchase any local arts & crafts or additional food and drink. Primarily you will only need money at the start and end of your challenge in Kathmandu to buy items such as food & drink, gifts & souvenirs. There are plenty of shops available in Thamel where you can purchase any last minute kit requirements and plenty of other items.  On average we recommend around £250.  Small denominations are more useful when making purchases in the community.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority and have the appropriate safety management systems in place. Our ‘Challenge Safe’ management system formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount.

On this challenge, you will be required to wear steel toe-capped boots, and other essential protective clothing and equipment as directed depending on the activity you are undertaking.  Protective clothing such as  goggles, hard hat, and dust maks will be provided by Charity Challenge, but you may wish to bring your own for a more comfortable fit.

You will also receive daily briefings and an assessment of risks on the site, as it is a dynamic and potentially dangerous environment.

Everyone is encouraged to be proactive with regards to health and safety and raise any issues or concerns if they arise.

Emergencies

In an emergency you will be advised by the Challenge leader as to the procedure depending on the nature of the event.  There will be a first aid qualified staff memer present and a vehicle on standby at the worksite.

Typical day

You will wake up early for breakfast and will then transfer from your campsite to the construction site where you be allocated tasks. You will break for lunch, normally at the same time as the local community. You will typically finish at around 1600hrs and transfer back to the campsite.  The evenings will be free to socialise, or on a number of evenings there may be the opportunity to take part in cultural activities.

What kind of tasks might I be asked to do?

No previous building experience is necessary. You could be digging foundations, clearing land, mixing concrete or mortar, painting, roof work or plastering. You most likely will be working alongside volunteers from the local community. It will be hard work, but you will certainly earn your sponsorship.

How fit do I need to be?

You will need to be relatively fit to take part in this trip because it is designed to be demanding. You will be working for five full days on the project and may be carrying out many different tasks. If one activity is too physically demanding for you (such as lifting or digging) you can easily be involved and contribute by working on another activity. You will not be asked to do anything you aren’t comfortable with.

Should I take gifts for the locals?

We will be co-ordinating gifts for the community and will let you know nearer the time what would be suitable to bring, if you want to help. These gifts will be distributed by your challenge leader who will ensure they are shared through the community and therefore allocated appropriately and where they are most needed. You must not give anything to families or individuals yourself.

Climate

The weather is cool and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls at higher elevations. The mornings and nights are cold and the days tend to be warm when sunny. Temperatures range between 13-27 Degrees Celsius.

Clothing & equipment

No specialist kit is required. A full kit list for this challenge can be found at the end of this guide and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with Charity Challenges partners Outdoor Hire and Cotswold Outdoor.

Food & Drink

All meals are included throughout the week. Drinking water will be provided during the day on site. Snacks and lunch will also be delivered to the site. If you require bottled water, soft drinks with your evening you will need to purchase these separately. The food might not always be your favourite and a flexible nature is necessary. Please let us know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

Tips

Tipping is of course discretionary, however, we recommend approx. £3 per day (so around £24 each), which you should give to the tour leader who will then divide it among all of the support team at the end of the challenge.

Phone & Wi-Fi

WIFI and mobile phone reception will be available at the hotels you stay at in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the camp site and construction site the mobile phone signal will be limited or not available at all.

Photographs

Please note that photographs from the trip may be shared on Santander’s social media channels, and included in local and regional media coverage.