Nepal
April 2011
Nepal 2011
Community Works Project
Background
The Jimmy Robert’s Memorial Fund (JRMF) was established in 1998 to protect the rich environment of the beautiful Seti River Valley, near Pokhara in West Nepal. Jimmy’s concept was to reduce game wardens and invest in stimulating the young about the importance of conservation through education by increasing teachers’ numbers in local schools. His concept continues to thrive on two counts; environmental deterioration has been halted, whilst educational standards increased significantly. Now 1,400 pupils attend the 7 primary and 3 secondary schools in the Seti River Valley, creating an urgent need to establish a 10+2 School (Sixth Form School), to enable the rising numbers of those who are intellectually competent the opportunity of a university education. This pressure has been significantly increased by the commitment of a large group of 10+2 students, willing to leaving home at 5 a.m. daily, to attend lessons from 6 to 10 a.m. in a Secondary School, which is available outside normal school hours. The mission of Nepal 2011 is to establish a 10+2 school with a capacity for 100 co-educational students. It will be two stories and have four classrooms, a library/computer facility and a toilet block.
JOAC grants do not usually become available until late January and in May the monsoon season starts. The period for building will therefore be restricted. Because of this, there will be much to be accomplished and the tasks could be many and varied. Therefore applicants should be fit, motivated and capable of working full days. They will also need to be committed, amenable to being multi-tasked, and be a reliable and uncomplaining member of the project team, the local workforce and the community.
Sukla Gandaki Village
Sukla Gandaki Village is situated in the lower region of the Seti River Valley and has an elevation of between 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Pokhara, the principal town, is one hour’s walk plus 30 minutes by bus and will not be accessible by members of the team on a daily basis. Kathmandu is approximately 200 km, or a day’s drive from Pokhara. Sukla Gandaki has no western cultural attractions, boasts a couple of local shops and a cafe. Subsistence agriculture is virtually the only employment in the area and is family managed. Money is scarce and bartering is common amongst the locals. Trekking is popular and the countryside is beautiful, exhilarating and interesting. Temperatures range between 34c by day and falling to 20c at night. The sun rises at about 6 a.m. and sets at 6 p.m. Because of the high altitude, persons with heart defects must consult their GP before applying. The lack of transport and hilly terrain are deterrents to non-walkers and the isolation of the village will be unattractive to persons unable to detach themselves from a western culture for more than a couple of days.
The Team
Over the years Overseas Aid has found that a Team of equal numbers of males and females with an age range of 20 to 60 works well. Ideally we would wish to include some skilled tradesmen and someone with medical capabilities, but it is most important to have the willingness to pitch in and work hard from those less skilled in manual work.
Applicants should be reasonably fit and should not suffer from any health problems, which would prevent them from carrying out physically demanding work for eight hours per day, five and a half days per week.
Each volunteer, if accepted, will be expected to make a contribution of £550 to the project cost and to provide all his/her personal kit. £50 is returnable at the end of the project providing the volunteer has maintained a good standard of behaviour throughout and has completed the debrief form and attended the team’s debrief session upon return. A recommended kit list will be provided during the training period.
Accommodation
Set in a wooded area about 10 minutes walk away from the building site is a bungalow, available to the project team. It has indoor toilets, a shower and a kitchen. Outside there is plenty of room to pitch tents, which will be provided. There are also spare rooms in the bungalow for use as secure storage and for medical emergencies, etc. It will make a fine ‘retreat’ from the school site, particularly as the 10+2 students start arriving by 6 a.m. We are expecting to have local persons on site willing to take up cooking duties and also for laundry.
Training and Fund Raising
Applicants will be expected to give up much of their free time prior to departure to prepare for the project. (Please consider this carefully to ensure you are able to comply). Training will include keep fit, first aid and some technical skills. Raising funds is an essential part and helps build team spirit and cohesion. These funds will be needed to ensure the 10+2 school is adequately equipped once built. Attendance at team meetings is essential.
Travel & Proposed Dates
The Team will be away from Jersey for three weeks,( plus two days for sight seeing, not at JOAC’s expense) Actual dates are yet to be finalised but expected to be from the 6th to 29th April. Volunteers will be informed as soon as the exact dates are known.
Local Customs
It is essential that the Jersey Team does not, in any way, offend the local population. All applicants must be aware that restrictions may apply on alcohol and tobacco as well as clothing. Swearing and shouting is unacceptable at any time and displays of intimacy may also offend. Othe taboos or customs will be explained during the selection period and if a potential volunteer feels that rules are too restrictive, he/she should withdraw their application.
Free Time
The team will have some free time. They will have the opportunity to see some of the local scenery, have a day in Pokhara and spend a weekend at an established but remote resorts.
How to Apply
Application forms are available at the launch evening, from the States Greffe Bookshop at Mourier House , by downloading from our website or email knisbet.joac@hotmail.com
Applicants should:-
- Preferably have lived in Jersey for at least five years.
- Be able to take three weeks leave from their employment/studies.
- Be able to give up much of their free time between now and the departure date to be able to take part in training and fund raising activities.
- Be able to pay a £150 deposit on being accepted as a volunteer and the balance of £400six weeks prior to departure.
