Teen GAP Year Community Building Program Nepal

I spent a majority of my summer in 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was an extremely enriching experience for me that allowed me to grow and learn in so many different ways. I was forced out of my comfort zone on so many occasions that I can't even count them. I not only learned to appreciate a different culture, but come to feel like I was a part of the culture. I learned so much about Nepal, people, and myself during my two months abroad. I was especially lucky, because I got to experience the extreme resilience of the Nepalese firsthand, since I arrived in Nepal two weeks after the second major earthquake hit.
Ultimately, I wouldn't trade my experience for anything, and would completely recommend GAPNepal, and Nepal in general to anyone looking for an extremely life-changing experience. I am forever thankful for the friends I met in Nepal, that became my family as I spent the two months away from my own family. I am even more thankful for the person I was able to prosper into after such an unique experience.

I decided to do some volunteer work when the earthquake struck Nepal in April 2015.

I wanted to join a group but had no idea who to join up with when I arrived. I met up with this organization with another friend and they were so organized and nice. I agree with their value system and also their goals of helping communities and involving them in the operations.

They did amazing work during the earthquake period and worked super hard. I am sure that they are still continuing with their projects and I would highly recommend them if you are interested in partaking in their program.

I arrived in Nepal with not much of a plan at the beginning of April in 2015, so just before the major earthquake.
I ended working with a group of children in a village not far from Kathmandu and stayed there a while longer, after the earthquake to help until the schools reopened.

At this point I joined this project. And I couldn't have been more grateful for this encounter in many ways. First of all the open and loving arms that received us all. There was no doubt in my mind about whether I should stay or move on. I felt entirely safe and taken care off. The community of volunteers was incredible. People, young and old, who were willing to leave all comforts behind and move out to remote villages for extensive rebuilding projects. And the wonderful thing about these projects was the way we, the volunteers, and the communities managed to get together over the job at hand. It really was an entirely joint effort.

I remember the first night I went out to the new project at the time in Nuwakot. It was great to see how everyone got together, the kids included, because this was their school we would be rebuilding. We all had dinner together and then sat outside under the exceptional village tree until late at night watching thunderstorms gather and unload themselves over the hills beyond the river.

The way they looked after us was just incredible. As much as it was sometimes really difficult in the hot and humid climate, in a very remote area, there was never anything that couldn't be found if needed. Because Gap Year Nepal is so incredibly well connected to those local communities, it felt like this was extended to us at all times.

And back "home" in Kathmandu we had a great, comforting hub to return to, in very close proximity to the international tourist area Thamel. Here we would meet not only with "our" volunteers and throw brilliant parties on the roof top. But also get together with other organisations doing similar work, to make sure that sustainable networks and plans were being made.

All in all, this experience has changed my life. And I can't wait to return to Nepal, see everyone again and start the next journey.

Indeed I have many stories, but you should join the program and write your own story☺ I have joined the team just after the earthquake, so rather usual circumstances. The beauty, the people and the high spirit to raise again was an incredible experience. I have travelled all over the country and it’s hard to put in to words how interesting it was. Nepal has so much to offer, come see it and feel it for yourself. Namaste and see you soon!

I joyed the Project in July of 2015, a few months after the earthquake. I saw a beautiful country trying to rebuild their buildings and their lives after such a cruel event. I'm glad I've had the change to help, even though I know how much it needs to be done. I had the chance to know the country, but at the same contribute with such a great team. They all want to make a difference in their communities and their overcome any financial barrier to ensure the reconstruction of the villages. They provide all the infrastructure, such as food and a room to sleep. They are 24 hours available and you are free to do some sight-seeing while you participate on the Project. You actually collaborate, with you hand work and ideas. They give you space in their Project, so you fell very welcome. And the most important thing: you see the project happening and you witness it. I definitely recommend to participate!

When I was in Nepal, I worked with Volnepal during the reconstruction of a school in Duwakot, which was destroyed because of the earthquake.
We were with a group of about 7 volunteers and had a really great time. The second day a new earthquake hit and almost knocked down some walls we rebuilt before. Despite the loss we worked big time and cleared all the rubble in a couple of days. That's the beauty of it: if you're able to work hard and at the same time chill even harder.
During one of our (neccesary) baths at the local washing place we even saw THE LEGENDARY SOAPY GUY, believe me you've never ever seen anyone that soapy. But alas, as it goes with legendary figures, we never saw him again.

I came to Nepal a few days after the second major earthquake back in May 2015. I had no idea what i was doing, or why i was coming; after one month i was put in touch with Gap Year Nepal. I'm so grateful for their help and support during their programme, as their hospitality really put the icing on top of the programme.

I mainly worked in Admin, and helped write their funding proposals, and did some project research. Alongside this, i spent some time out in the field with various projects. I personally helped with some building, and field research.

When we were in the villages we slept in tents and village houses. It definitely was an authentic experience, alongside the hearty Dal Bhat meals home cooked by our host Didi. The work was tiring but extremely rewarding. We had breaks and were told not to push ourselves.

We had lots of down time whilst in the villages to do as we wished - Play with the kids, explore the area or chat to the locals.

Getting to the villages was sometimes tricky. Because Gap Year Nepal works with pretty rural areas (giving a more authentic experience) you can only go so far by bus/car. We walked for many hours to the villages, which i both enjoyed and hated at the same time! Despite being incredibley hot and tiring - it gave me a chance to do some simple trekking and see the nature (which given the circumstances, it would have been difficult without their aid)

When not staying in the villages, they have an apartment block in Nayabazaar, just a few minutes walk from Thamel the tourist area in KTM. There is an in house Didi who cooks delicious meals, and depending on the group size, you'll have a room to share with either yourself, or max 2 people. It is a homely place, and you're definitely well looked after. The only downpoint i found about staying in their appartment was that the door was locked at 10pm, and i felt bad ringing the door to wake Didi up to let me in at night!

They are an extremely well connected organization, who can personalize your experience to a degree as to how you want it. All in all i had an amazing couple of months with them, and can't wait for my next visit!