Joy in helping less fortunate

Marion Douglas is part of a Habitat for Humanity trip to build houses in Nepal in November. Photo / John Borren

Marion Douglas will travel to Pokhara, Nepal, in November to lead a team of Kiwis who will help build 100 homes for the less fortunate.

The 62-year-old retiree said she was involved with the Habitat for Humanity project because she "had the philosophy that what comes around goes around".

"I'm really fortunate that I have my own home so I'm really thankful that I can help others.

"It will be absolutely fabulous. People will learn a great deal about themselves, other people and construction. It's an adventure."

Ms Douglas, who became involved with the organisation about 10 years ago, said 10 people had showed interest in going on the trip but 15 were needed to complete her team.

Roughly 200 New Zealanders will go on the trip to Pokhara, which is located 200km north of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

"By working together we can meet the final need of getting houses built for people," said Ms Douglas.

Volunteers did not need any experience to participate, only the willingness to learn, she said.

"It's just having that good old Kiwi 'I can give it a go' attitude.

"I was building in Fiji two years ago and a friend of mine had no experience at all. In no time she learnt how to nail up framing, cut glass, make doors and teach other people the same."

The homes would be built from bamboo framing and other simple materials.

Group leader for the Habitat for Humanity Nepal build Warren Jack said the work would give volunteers the first-hand experience of living in developing countries.

The trip was already planned before the devastating earthquakes that hit the nation in May, but the organisation would like to do more to help the rebuild.

Mr Jack said the trip would be a wonderful experience.

Volunteers would partner with Nepalese families for the build, he said. "There is always at least one person from each family working on the site. By the end there is always a strong bond between the volunteers and families. It is a very emotional experience for them."

Mr Jack said 60 New Zealanders had signed up so far. The $6200 cost covers flights, insurance, accommodation, meals and contribution to building costs.

"Many people go on these international builds purely by raising money on givealittle or from family and friends, because people want to help a good cause."

For more information visit www.habitat.org.nz.