Man travels to explore, to discover and essentially to see the beautiful places God created in the world. But to come face to face with destruction, with human and animal anguish and to try alter the situation calls for a courageous traveller.
The Nepal earthquake cracked open the earth causing large-scale destruction while also mobilising people all over the world to come together to help.
Those planning on a Nepal trip in the coming months would probably be better off postponing it since Kathmandu and Pokhara are in a state of rehabilitation. However, if you fancy a different summer, one of volunteering, then Nepal could certainly use your help.
Many districts lie in a derelict state, the heritage buildings crushed along with people’s morale. At such a time, travelling to help can be a rewarding experience, if exercised with caution.
Before booking a flight it is important to assess your skills set. Nepal is currently in need of doctors, engineers, logisticians and skilled disaster management workers. Keep a lookout for imminent earthquakes since the situation is still volatile. It is also essential to consider the risks involved during the monsoon season from June to September, as Nepal experiences flooding and landslides that can cut off some towns and villages.
Here are a few organisations worth considering to volunteer for:
- VSO
VSO (Voluntary service Overseas) is an organisation looking for professionals in the health, education, engineering and agricultural fields from three and twenty-four months. They are currently recruiting paediatricians, nutritionists and obstetricians and gynaecologists between August 2015 and January 2016.
- Doctors Without Borders
Médicins Sans Frontières or Doctors Without Borders are currently sending out eight medical and non-medical teams for Nepal relief work. Apart from healthcare professionals, they look for logisticians to set up communication networks or manage building projects, water and sanitation projects, as well as project and HR coordinators.
- International Voluntary Projects
This organisation has programmes like rebuilding of schools and working with children which focus on arts and crafts to ease the pain of the earthquake. These programmes generally last for two weeks.
- Global Action Nepal
Those who would like to raise funds by organising activities like running races, triathlons and cycling can find support through this organisation. They have an office in Bath, UK. They also have an ongoing programme Rebuild Nepal which focuses on immediate and long-term support for affected areas.
- Volunteer Aid Nepal
Those looking for rebuilding work can help through this organisation which will be working in the districts of Gorkha, Nuwakot and others from June to September. The aim is to renovate and rebuild schools, community infrastructures and housing for the poor. The duration is normally four weeks but volunteers can opt for two to three weeks instead since the work is labour-intensive.
- Animal Nepal
Animal Nepal is a small NGO that is involved in animal rehabilitation and healthcare. Vets and veterinary nurses can apply to help the animals affected by the earthquake. They also have a fund, Earthquake Relief For Animals if you wish to donate for the cause.
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