HFHI Nepal hosts Australian GV team in Morang

HFHI-Nepal recently completed the hosting of a Global Village team from Australia on a 10 day build in Morang district, eastern Nepal. The 11 member adult team was based in Itahari district and worked in Salakpur, Morang on the construction of two houses.

Home partner and volunteers working together

Despite the hot and humid conditions the team worked very hard, undertaking a variety of work including bamboo collecting, cutting and weaving, mud plastering, cementing and foundation filling. The program was greatly supported by partner organisation, Nari Bikash, who helped manage the program and cultural activities and provided a delicious lunch each day. It was great to also have six local volunteers work together with the team each day.

“I loved interacting with the home partners and the rest of the community. I had a great experience learning the language and getting my hands dirty and seeing the product of our hard work.” Brianna, GV Team Member

Home partners, Sabita Nepali and Bibi Khantung and their families welcomed the team into their communities and their hearts and despite the language barriers, worked together with the team to help realise their dream of a new house. It was rewarding for the team to help finish Sabita’s new home and to hear how much this meant to her to have a decent place for her family to live. Bibi expressed: I was so happy when the team came, I did not expect so many people to help work on my house. It was so hot but they worked so hard. I will always remember them and how their sweat helped to build my dream home.

mixing mortar and passing

The team were also warmly welcomed by the social welfare and preservation society who shared their culture including some local dancing with the team, and also the local school whose visit was a highlight for the team. The team also took the opportunity to visit the view point at Bhedetar and visit the local bazaar. The women also had Nepali outfits made and looked great at the house dedication in all their colours.

The final day was full of emotions as the team were thanked by the community and home partners and Sabita’s home was officially opened. Following one final dance the team sadly departed, taking with them many new experiences and memories. The team returned to Kathmandu and completed their trip with some well deserved rest and recreation in Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and Kathmandu.

“Engaging with the locals was a profoundly moving experience. I learnt so much about communication with others and the experience has altered my perceptions and approaches towards people of other cultures.” Joel, GV Team Member

The Team