Lending a Hand to Rebuild

KAVRE, NEPAL: POST QUAKE UPDATE On Sunday 17 July, we went to Rabi village (our third in five targeted villages) to check on the house rebuilding work. Out of the 15 houses to be built, 8 are in progress. The following 3 families have finished casting their reinforced concrete footers.

Another 3 families have completed their house foundation with full concrete pillars. One housewife commented that this is the first time she will get to live in a proper house made of reinforced concrete foundation, framing and brick walls – something she never dreamed possible in her life. All her life she has been living in mud housing. She is very thankful that out of the earthquake, a beautiful gift has been given to her and her family.

The 3 house recipients who have completed casting work for their houses went on to help in pillar casting work for other houses. It is just great to see families lending a helping hand to each other in the community.

A mother and daughter awaiting their turn to cast concrete pillars for their house. They are indeed glad and finally looking forward to shift from their current tin shelter where the family has lived in for more than a year.

With solid foundations laid and concrete pillars rising as new houses are seen being built with much progress, we could sense the spirit of the villagers being lifted up and smiles are returning to their faces. They expressed their gratitude by insisting that we stay for food or snacks before they let us go. Looks like when winter comes this year, at least 40 families do not have to bear the cold in tin shelters but be able to keep warm and safe in properly built, earthquake resistant houses.