omen’s Build WNepal Information pack March 2018

habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 1 PROJECT INFORMATION You will be assisting with ongoing rebuild their homes and lives. FAST FACTS efforts as part of the earthquake In the emergency phase, we distributed reconstruction project in Kavre, Trip dates: 5,065 temporary shelter kits and 3rd - 10th March 2018 in the Valley. 20,000 water backpacks, and removed 650 tonnes of earthquake rubble. The magnitude-7.8 earthquake that Surveyors have conducted safety Registration fee: struck on Saturday April 25, 2015 $160 assessments for 16,244 damaged caused considerable devastation and houses, to help families determine Fundraising goal: loss of life. It was followed by another if their homes are still safe for $2,500 magnitude-7.4 earthquake to the north habitation, to facilitate demolishing east near on 12 May. of unsafe homes, and to provide Approximate in country According to the government of technical support to those able to costs (including all Nepal, more than 8,800 people repair or retrofit their homes. accommodation, meals and were killed. The effect on housing transport): was devastating, with more than $1,000 - $1,250 twin share 800,000 homes destroyed and damaged. In the subsequent months Registrations close: since the earthquakes, the recovery 7th January 2018 process in Nepal has moved on from the emergency phase, and China recovery and reconstruction has eal begun. Despite challenges caused by Kavre political upheaval, fuel shortages and Bhutan difficulties navigating the mountainous India terrain, Habitat for Humanity has been able to undertake disaster recovery efforts to help families Bangladesh

habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 2 ABOUT US A BOUT THE COUNTRY Habitat for Humanity Australia is a Nepal is an explorer’s paradise. not-for-profit organisation that aims to People are drawn here by the build homes, communities and hope. snow-capped mountaintops of the Our vision is a world where everyone , the allure of Kathmandu’s has a safe and decent place to live. magical temples and the promise of beautiful and diverse landscapes. Our work extends beyond building and repairing houses – it also addresses land Although the country is home to an estimated security, gives communities access to clean 61 ethnic groups with 125 different languages, water and sanitation, provides education Nepal’s overall structure is dominated by and training, and offers families in desperate Hinduism and a highly rigid caste system. need real hope for the future. To ensure Members of lower castes, women and ethnic lasting, sustainable change and to break minorities are among the most vulnerable the cycle of poverty for good, we take an groups in Nepalese society. Literacy rates are approach that is holistic, community based strikingly low, hovering at about 50 percent and focuses on empowering families. overall, 25 percent for women and 18 percent for lower caste groups. Addressing such Habitat works to alleviate global poverty by inequalities and ensuring that development is developing long term, sustainable solutions equally distributed across disadvantaged groups that provide a ‘hand up, not a hand out’. Our is essential for the long term stability of Nepal. partner families help with the building process, by joining the volunteers and tradespeople Around 41% of Nepal’s population lives in to build their own home. We call this ‘sweat inadequate housing. This means homes are equity’. They also repay a low interest loan often poorly built structures with thatched and undertake financial literacy training. and straw walls and are highly vulnerable to fires and natural disasters. Approximately Global Village, our international volunteering 25% of the population also lacks access to program, offers an exciting opportunity for safe drinking water and half the population you to learn about another culture, travel are without proper sanitation facilities. to destinations that are off the tourist track and enhance the ongoing work of Habitat Our community development projects aim to for Humanity. It also gives an insight into uplift and empower households by providing certain areas of international community access to toilets and tube wells, hygiene development. The Global Village program is training and vocational training. In addition, a vital part of Habitat for Humanity’s work. households will be supported through access to low-interest loans to improve the conditions of their houses and overall quality of life.

habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 3 W HY KAVRE? Ranuki is 47 years old, and the earthquake has been lives with her husband bringing the community and three adult children together. Before people only thought of their own in Pipaltar village, Kavre. families, but now they are all Pipaltar is a poor village working together as a team. of around 100 houses. Australian volunteers help with the When Australian Global construction of new walls in Pipaltar. The village was completely Village volunteers arrived in destroyed in the April and May September, the community earthquakes in Nepal. Houses was busy with clearing and were made from sundried bricks building roads. The volunteers joined with mud mortar. Most joined them in using the rubble were two stories, and couldn’t to stabilise slopes to prevent stand up to the earthquakes. landslides, and to widen the access roads so that they could bring in Ranuki was outside her house when building materials to prepare for the earthquake struck. Ranuki finds house construction. Each family it hard to describe how she feels in the village is contributing 200 about what happened. She says hours of sweat equity towards their it was a very difficult time. Four future homes. Some work hard days after the earthquake, Habitat passing rocks, building roads and for Humanity came to assess the demolishing houses. Others cook damage and see how they could lunch and bring water for the 100 Community members work together help. Ranuki says that as many plus people working each day. as eight families were sheltering passing rocks and other materials. under one tarpaulin each night. Ranuki is hopeful that, with further volunteer help, everyone The community members have will have a new house soon. now been provided with temporary shelters, while they start the long process of permanent rebuilding. With your help, we will change the lives of families like Ranuki’s. One positive thing to come from

habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 4 Y OUR ITINERARY Saturday 3rd March Arrive in Kathmandu Your adventure begins today with your arrival in Kathmandu. We will arrange your transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel, where you can take some time to unpack and unwind. Take yourself on a walk to acquaint yourself with the city before heading back to your hotel for dinner. You’ll meet your fellow volunteers, your team leader and the Habitat for Humanity coordinator who will be accompanying you for the week. This is your opportunity to get to know one another and get excited to spend the week working together.

Sunday 4th March Take in the local culture

Today, Habitat for Humanity will arrange for you to spend the morning seeing Kathmandu. In the afternoon you will travel by bus to Kavre, where you will settle into your accommodation for the week. After some R&R, you’ll reconvene for dinner, where Habitat for Humanity staff will give you a thorough orientation for the week ahead, including construction safety and building tips. Make sure you have a good rest to prepare for your first day on site!

Monday 5th March Begin construction and repairs Arriving on the site for your first day of construction and repairs you’ll meet the community whom you will be helping, and will have the opportunity to learn about their stories. The construction supervisor and local labourers will show you the ropes, and you can get started with your work. There will be rest breaks for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, which will all be provided on site. You can stop for a drink of water and a break as often as you need. At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a team dinner and a well-earned rest!

habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 5 OUR ITINERARY

YTuesday 6th - Thursday 8th March Full days of construction and repairs with your teammates On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, you’ll be amazed at how much can be achieved in just one week. From splitting bamboo to mixing cement and rendering walls (just to name a few) there are plenty of ways to contribute. Throughout the week, make the most of your chance to chat with members of the community and learn about how their lives were affected by the earthquake. Each night we will take you to some local restaurants, where you can unwind with the team and get to know one another better. On Thursday, we will recognise International Women’s Day.

Friday 9th March Handover ceremony and farewell lunch

The final day of building is emotional for everyone involved. You’ll finish up the last of your work and have a farewell celebration with the community. You will reflect together on the week you’ve spent together and the contribution that you have all made. This is the time to celebrate all your hard work and imagine the new life that the partner families will have thanks to your efforts. Be sure to bring tissues – there won’t be a dry eye in the house. You’ll share a final meal with everyone on site before saying farewell.

Saturday 10th March Conclusion of the build

Today we will take you back to Kathmandu, where you will depart for home or further adventures. You might like to combine your build with travel to other overseas destinations or indulge in some well-deserved R&R. Although your trip has come to a close, you will be left with amazing memories and long lasting friendships that will keep the experience alive.

habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 6 GUEST SPEAKER: LILY THAPA

Lily Thapa will be joining the Women’s Build as a guest speaker over International Women’s Day in Nepal.

Born in the family of army personnel and married to Late Major Dr. Amir Thapa, Lily’s life was turned around after losing her husband at a young age of 29. He was killed in the Gulf War in 1994 while on duty on a UN mission. Overnight, Lily went from being an educated and accomplished woman running a primary school, to having almost no status or sense of personal identity, as dictated by Nepalese society. It was during this period that Lily first came into contact with the grim reality of widowhood in Nepalese Hindu society, as well as the reprehensible treatment and practices forced upon women, making them virtually disappear. That was when Lily resolved to become what she is today, a selfless and dedicated woman who inspires those around her with her extraordinary strength and confidence that she carries.

Lily’s work Lily Thapa is the founding chairperson of (WHR), Single Women (widows) Group in Nepal that has been working for the social, political, economic and legal rights of single women in Nepal and South Asia for past 20 years. She is also a founding member of Sankalpa, which is a women’s alliance for peace, justice and democracy and is currently serving as President. Lily established the South Asian Network for Women Empowerment and Development (SANWED) in 2003 and serves as the General Secretary. Under this transformational leadership, WHR and this grassroots movement of widows has grown from one small room to a global level. By profession, Ms Thapa is Lecturer of Sociology and Gender in the University of Nepal.

Her efforts have been recognised by multiple national and international awards, including the Ashoka Fellow Award in 2007, Public Service Award from the in 2013 and Dayawati Modi Stri Shakti Award by the Government of India in 2017. Today Lily, at the helm of WHR, has given a new horizon of hope to over 500,000 women and three incredibly successful sons and proud daughter-in-laws, constantly working to uplift and empower them to create a world where there will be no discrimination of the basis of marital status.

habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 7 C OSTS Cost type Amount What’s included Registration Fee $160 This is non-refundable and cannot be fundraised. It will cover medical and evacuation insurance, online fundraising page, police check and a build pack to get you on your way.

Minimum Fundraising $2,500 This is tax deductible and able to be fundraised. Once received this will be split between Habitat for Humanity Australia and the Habitat host country to fund life changing projects like your build. Don’t forget - this is just the minimum. The more you raise the greater impact you will have. In-country expenses $1,000-$1,250 These expenses cannot be fundraised. The Team twin share Leader and the Habitat host country will devise a budget to cover your accommodation, meals, bottled water, ground transportation and local activities.

Flights, visa, vaccinations, travel insurance and personal expenses aren’t included in your Global Village trip costs. HOW WE’LL HELP YOU FUNDRAISE Reaching your $2,500 target may sound daunting, especially if you haven’t done much fundraising before. You needn’t worry though – you’ll be amazed at how generous people can be, and we’ll be there to help every step of the way. We’ll support your fundraising efforts by providing you with:

A customisable online fundraising page to collect donations Fundraising stickers that you can hand out to family and friends Access to our fundraising toolkit, which includes our best tips and resources Regular reminders to make sure you’re on track

habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 8 N EXT STEPS Step Due date Action 1 Apply for the build Immediately Complete an application form

2 Chat with a member of After application We will talk you through the the Global Village team build experience and answer any questions you may have

3 Sign up and pay $160 After application We’ll send you a link to join and registration fee secure your spot on the team

4 Complete your paperwork Two months before We will send you a police check form and the build waiver to be completed and returned

5 Reach (or surpass!) your One month before You’ve now raised $2,500 that will help fundraising goal the build our life changing projects. Well done!

6 Depart! First day of the build Today is the day! You’ll leave for the adventure of a lifetime.

ONTACT US CWhen you’re ready to join the build, simply fill out an application form. A member of our team will then be in touch to provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, if you want to contact us, please:

Email: [email protected] Call: 02 9919 7000 habitat.org.au/globalvillage [email protected] 1800 88 55 99 Web: habitat.org.au/globalvillage 9