Nepal
Nepal is the perfect example of the magic that can happen when an extraordinary group of people come together.
What a remarkable experience it’s been to assist All Hands and Hearts with the rebuild of a school destroyed in one of the most devastating earthquakes to hit the region in modern times.
Shree Bandevi Basic School, located in Saggale, Makwanpur District, will accommodate 240 students and 10 staff with the main project comprising the construction of a durable disaster-resilient building with 3 classrooms.
For me, it was the first time to support a disaster relief effort on-site.
I found All Hands and Hearts while searching for ways to get more involved with humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
It seems befitting given the frequency and intensity of natural disasters around the world is on the rise.
What I discovered is that it takes a special kind of person to do this work.
I was struck by the selfless dedication of the Nepalese masons and their volunteer expatriate counterparts who can spend countless weeks and months away from family and friends working in remote areas under harsh conditions.
Personally, I found it took a while to acclimatise.
Long days labouring on a construction site in the searing heat pushed me to my limits.
Days of great highs were intermixed with periods of exhaustive lows.
Moments of elation of milestones achieved coexisted with the rules and tight schedules of the project.
Living and working in a ‘base to site’ bubble tested the best of us.
I chose to stay in a dormitory, whereas others opted for the camp site.
Either way, we each grappled with the challenges of living on top of each other with little to no personal space, let alone any privacy.
Sometimes questioning, even agonising over whether we had made the right decision to join…or even to stay.
It’s a strange feeling that only those who’ve trodden a similar path can relate to.
Then again, if it was easy everyone would be doing it.
Yet, something quite extraordinary emerges.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, marching towards a common goal led to unlikely friendships and deep moments of connection.
Like a quiet industrious army we powered through day-by-day, never giving up even though it would have been easy to do so.
We bonded over a hard day’s graft excavating, foundation digging, bricklaying, concrete pouring, sanding and painting.
Volunteering alongside people who’d worked on past projects or that came with experience of using grinders, impact drivers and sanders not only made it a supportive environment, but a great place to learn.
The friendliness of this special team of people and their passion to give up their time and help a community affected by a disaster really hit a chord with me.
The concern and care for each other was just as admirable.
From chipping in to help wash dishes or looking after each other during bad weather and shelter curfews, everyone had each other’s backs.
At the end of each work day, we’d gather for a debrief, have dinner and share stories.
A wonderful, supportive community of colourful people from all walks of life and lands afar, each with fascinating stories to tell.
The whole experience reinforces to me that projects like this matter.
Besides, the gift of a good education enriches an entire community.
In conjunction with Relief Nepal, the programme goes further by conducting training on disaster-risk reduction to increase knowledge and best practices within the community.
All Hands and Hearts also shares knowledge in child protection and water, sanitation and hygiene critical for sustainable maintenance.
Then, there are initiatives like the organisation’s female mason training programme which equips local Nepalese women with masonry skills that help expand their economic and social well-being.
I’ve always had an interest in social movements that advocate for women and provide opportunities to help them realise their ambitions.
During my time in Nepal, I was therefore fortunate to spend time too at the Namaste Cooking School in Kathmandu.
Run by local women, the school provides more than just cooking classes.
Set in a tranquil rooftop hideaway in the neighbourhood of Thamel, Namaste epitomises how women can gain essential life skills and financial independence through a shared love of cooking.
For those who don’t mind a bit of chopping, stirring and seasoning, joining a culinary class is a great way to support Nepalese women.
Ingredients are directly sourced from local farmers. It means you’re treated to a cultural tapestry of Nepali flavours, regardless of if you prepare a Dal Bhaat or Carrot Pudding.
Needless to say, my time with these remarkable women was a deeply enriching experience.
As was the time spent with new found friends at All Hands and Hearts and my wonderful Nepalese guide Kabita who’s recount of the day the earthquake hit will always stay with me.
On reflection, I consider Nepal a great story of resilience.
The generosity, kindness and sense of community of the Nepalese people makes me think that we need to somehow inject a little of Nepal into our daily lives back home.
This incredible experience has only strengthened my belief that everyone can make a contribution in some way.
That each one of us can bring our own life experiences and be able to make a purposeful impact on others.
We each met as strangers, but leave with an unspoken bond and connection that will live in us forever.
In turn, I take home so much more than I could ever give.
Click here to learn more about All Hands and Hearts.
"The gift of a good education enriches an entire community."
Janet Middlemiss
FOUNDER
JEM
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