Project Space

Information Pack 2012 • Nepal

Dear Friends,

Project Space would like to invite you to share our dream and join hands to serve the children in needs in

Nepal. Indeed, this is a blessed opportunity for us to volunteer and try to serve a community thousands

miles away from our home. Lahchok is a beautiful agriculture-base village, which its community needs to

increase school’s classroom. We believe that with your help and participation, we will be able to bring a

better future to the Lahachok community (a village locates near Pokhara) in June to July 2012.

What is Project Space? Project Space was founded in January 2012 by fifteen Hong Kong students

studying Architectural Studies from a local tertiary education institute, who want to serve the needy with

their professional skills and interests in architecture and building services.

We networked with a Nepal-based NGO Volunteer-aid Nepal (VAN) and came to an agreement of

collaboration on a school building project in an agriculture-based village in Nepal. This trip will provide you

with a firsthand volunteer experience from a brand new perspective, within a different cultural context. Not

only will this enrich your cultural understanding, but it will also help you to develop new friendships among

local Nepalese and other volunteers. Although the trip will comprise of an exhaustive variety of challenges,

we are confident that you shall find it an inspirational, inimitable and invaluable experience.

Join us now! In this information package, you will find out more about Project Space, with our Nepal trip

2012 outlines, sample itinerary and expenses breakdown…etc. Last but not least, please be aware of the

application and payment deadlines.

We look forward to the journey to Nepal and building a better future for the children in Lahachok with you.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Cheung,

for Project Space Team 2012

Contents

Part A Join Us 1

Part B Programme Outline 2 – 3

Part C Project Scale 4

Part D Expenses & Payment 5

Part E Frequently Asked Questions 6

Part F Travel Checklist 7

Part G Precautions 8

Part H Fast & Useful Facts about Nepal 9

Part I Important Phone Numbers 10

Part J Acknowledgements 10

Part K References 10

Part A. Join us 1. Programme Duration

There are two options: Period Dates 1 30 June 2012 (Sat) – 7 July 2012 (Sat), 8D7N 2 7 July 2012 (Sat) – 14 July 2012 (Sat), 15D14N

*Applicants can choose to attend either period. However, we encourage our volunteers to stay for 15 days in order to have a quality experience.

Please note that we cannot accommodate early dismissal/late arrival requests due to limited resources.

2. Application Procedures and Important Dates

You should fill in the application form, which is distributed under separate cover, and submit it together with the payment receipt to hiprojectspace@gmail.com on or before 14 May 2012. Successful applicants will be notified on or before 18 May 2012. We will contact you personally by email or phone in due course. It is imperative that we receive your payment receipt by 14 May 2012, as we will have to place orders for air-tickets the soonest. Since price of air-tickets fluctuate from season to season, late order might cause a possibility to pay extra fare.

Part B. Programme Outline

To facilitate the local need of studying space in Lahachok Village School, this year we will construct two classrooms and possibly some complementary facilities in Project Space 2012.Nepal. Depending on one’s attending period, volunteers will be involved in different stages of hands-on construction work. Aside from construction work, volunteers will also be able to visit an orphanage and some UNESCO scenic spots subject to the construction progress. We always try our best to diversify our volunteers’ experience by involving them in different tasks. However, with a charitable purpose, we also prioritize the progress of our project, thus preference is given to volunteers who are able to attend the 15-day service period.

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² Proposed Itinerary – 8 Days 7 Nights

30 June, Saturday

1 July, Sunday

2 – 5 July*, Monday - Thursday

6 July*, Friday

7 July, Saturday

4:30

Wake up and Breakfast

4:30 5:00 5:00 5:30

Bus ride to the airport 5:30

6:00 6:00 6:30

Assemble & Light Breakfast

Wake up and Breakfast

Wake up and Breakfast

Arrival at Airport & Departure (Immigration channels, luggage drop)

6:30 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:30 8:00

Bus to Project Location (Pokhara)

Walk to Site

Walk to Site

Flight Departure at 8:10

8:00 8:30 8:30 9:00

Service Sitework

Service Sitework

9:00 9:30 9:30 10:00 10:00 10:30 10:30 11:00 11:00 11:30 11:30 12:00 12:00 12:30

Lunch

Bus to Kathmandu

12:30 13:00

Assemble at Hong Kong Int’l Airport

13:00 13:30 13:30 14:00

Service Sitework

14:00 14:30 14:30 15:00 Arrival at 14:50 15:00 15:30

Flight Departure at 15:55 to Kathmandu

Dismiss 15:30 16:00

16:00 16:30

Check in Guest House 16:30

17:00 17:00 17:30

Welcoming by Local Organization/Biefing

17:30 18:00 18:00 18:30 Arrival at 18:20

(Immigration channels, luggage claiming)

18:30

19:00

19:00

19:30 Dinner, Bus to Hotel at Kathmandu, Check-in

Dinner

Dinner

19:30 20:00 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:00

Free time/Shower

Free time/Shower

Dinner, Check in Hotel at Kathmandu

21:00 21:30 21:30 22:00

Free time/Shower

22:00 22:30

Free time/Shower/Pack

22:30 23:00 23:00 23:30 23:30 00:00 00:00

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² Proposed Itinerary – 15 Days 14 Nights

30 June, Saturday

1 July, Sunday

2 – 12 July*, Monday - Thursday

13 July*, Friday

14 July, Saturday

4:30

Wake up and Breakfast

4:30 5:00 5:00 5:30

Bus ride to the airport 5:30

6:00 6:00 6:30

Assemble & Light Breakfast

Wake up and Breakfast

Wake up and Breakfast

Arrival at Airport & Departure (Immigration channels, luggage drop)

6:30 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:30 8:00

Bus to Project Location (Pokhara)

Walk to Site

Walk to Site

Flight Departure at 8:10

8:00 8:30 8:30 9:00

Service Sitework

Service Sitework

9:00 9:30 9:30 10:00 10:00 10:30 10:30 11:00 11:00 11:30 11:30 12:00 12:00 12:30

Lunch

Bus to Kathmandu

12:30 13:00

Assemble at Hong Kong Int’l Airport

13:00 13:30 13:30 14:00

Service Site work

14:00 14:30 14:30 15:00 Arrival at 14:50 15:00 15:30

Flight Departure at 15:55 to Kathmandu

Dismiss 15:30 16:00

16:00 16:30

Check in Guest House 16:30

17:00 17:00 17:30

Welcoming by Local Organization/Briefing

17:30 18:00 18:00 18:30 Arrival at 18:20

(Immigration channels, luggage claiming)

18:30

19:00

19:00

19:30 Dinner, Bus to Hotel at Kathmandu, Check-in

Dinner

Dinner

19:30 20:00 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:00

Free time/Shower

Free time/Shower

Dinner, Check in Hotel at Kathmandu

21:00

21:30 21:30

22:00

Free time/Shower

22:00 22:30

Free time/Shower/Pack

22:30 23:00 23:00 23:30 23:30 00:00 00:00

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Part C. Project Site

Lahachok is one of the agricultural-based village in Nepal, located at a platform with sea level

1100m in Annupurna Mountain, Himalaya. From the Google Map, we can see High School

Lahachok locate in Lahachok village.

Site at Janakalyan Primary School

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Part D. Expenses & Payment 1. Tour fare coverage

² Air ticket (Nepal Airline)

² Living expenses (transportation, accommodation and food)

Transportation includes coaches between Kathmandu Airport and Lahachok, and to Kathmandu city

centre. We will be staying at Farm Stay House in Lahachok Village, Pokhara. Meals will be provided

during the stay at Lahachok.

² VISA application fee

For those who will stay behind for travelling might need a longer staying period for his/her visa (details

refer to PartD.2). Such expenses won’t be covered during applicant’s personal sight-seeing.

² Travel insurance

² Others (t-shirt, technical equipments & first aid kit)

2. VISA application 2.1 Deadline By 13 June, 2012 Wednesday, applicants shall submit to Ms. Janie Wong / Ms. Sohan Cheung documents for visa application. 2.2 Needed documents i) passport (original copy); ii) 2 recent photos; and iii) a duly signed application form with "Address in Nepal" left blank. The form is attached in this Resource Package or downloaded at Copies could be downloaded at http://www.nepalconsulatehk.org/visa.php#1) 2.3 Visa Fee For those who need a 30-day visa or 90-day visa, please bank-in extra HKD120 and HKD600 respectively. 2.4 Collection of the documents Applicants shall either - Contact Project Space Member Ms Janie Wong at 9621 9811 /Ms Cheung So Han 51943638 for pick up directly or ; - Mail the full documents by Registered Post to

Ms Cheung So Han, Address: 3B, Bayview Garden, Tsuen Wan, N.T, Hong Kong

2. Personal Expenses

We suggest participants to bring extra cash for lunches, souvenirs, and other personal expenses. Vaccines injection will not be covered in the tour fare, and we suggest participants to seek advice from his/her family doctor on vaccination though Hong Kong’s Department of Health does not has a compulsory injection list regarding travelling to Nepal.

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Part E. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is Project Space 2012‧Nepal and how long does the organization found?

Project Space is established in January 2012 by a group of enthusiastic young people, who want to serve the needy with their professional skills and interests in building services and architecture. Project Space aims to provide decent, safe and sanitary shelters and spaces for people in rural areas around the world and to empower youth in Hong Kong to learn about design, architecture and building through solid design-and-build progress and overseas volunteering experience. In 2012, we started to co-operate with a NGO in Nepal called Volunteer-aid Nepal (VAN) for a school building project in an agriculture-based village in Nepal. Please visit our blog at http://hiprojectspace.wordpress.com for further information. 2. Where do I stay? Who do I stay with?

Volunteers will be staying at Farm Stay House in Lahachok Village, where it’s a 15-minute walk from school site). We are expecting to occupy the entire guesthouse so volunteers will mostly be staying with other volunteers from our trip. 3. Will I need injections?

It depends on you. Vaccinations you may want to consider for a trip to Nepal include Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which, depending on where you take the injections, might require more than one dose. Therefore, it is imperative that you discuss your needs with your doctor and plan your injections in advance. According to Hong Kong’s Department of Health, the disease Malaria will likely to rise with the onset of the monsoon in Nepal. We recommend preventive malaria drugs, which need to be prescribed at least one week before the commencement of your trip. 4. Is the country safe?

Situations have improved significantly as the government emphasizes on development issues. The growing tourism industry has been a major economic focus and also a testimony to the country’s safety. A list of precautions is enclosed in this booklet. 5. Will there be an opportunity to travel around while I’m there?

Volunteers will be preoccupied with their work during the service period. Volunteers can opt you're your extended travelling after the service period. Volunteer is liable for Transportation, Travelling safety, in your extended travelling period. For volunteers who need to extend the trip and travel around Nepal after the services trip: -Please notify us for your travel information during your Application. Be aware that Extra fees may be needed for arranging Flight ticket extension, Insurance coverage and Visa application. -For our convenience in arranging Flights ticket, Insurance and Visa, please provide us with the following informations: 1. Your expected Returning Dates from Nepal to HK; 2. Destinations of Travel, 3. Activities

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Part F. Travel Checklist

² Packing ² Pack luggage, but not more than you can carry ² Summer Clothings ² Rain gear, umbrella and a light jacket (Be prepared to work in humid and wet work site,

Plastic Rain Coat is highly recommended due to Monsoon season.) ² Sports shoes, sandals, slippers, hiking boots, etc. Water Proof shoes is recommended. ² Socks, underwear, nylons ² Hats, caps, sunglasses, gloves ² Pajamas ² Attach luggage tags include emergency information ² First Aid Kit (Project Space will have one, however it’s your own preference to have one) ² Camera, camcorder, film, tapes, memory cards, batteries ² Cell phone, cell phone charger and back-up batteries ² Laptop or PDA with charger and connectors ² Personal Identification (HKID card, Passport and Visa) ² Your personal medical insurance card with worldwide service covered (if any) ² Binoculars for sightseeing ² Flashlight and batteries ² Lighter or matches ² Sewing Kits ² Trash bags, small plastic bags ² A hand-carried bottle for boiled water ² Sufficient cash – US dollar and Nepali Rupees ² Entertainments ² Gifts for donations

² Medications / Hygiene

² Headache medicine, pain relievers, aspirin (covered in Project Space’s First Aid Kit) ² Motion Sickness Pills (covered in Project Space’s First Aid Kit) ² Cold Medicine, cough medicine (covered in Project Space’s First Aid Kit) ² Participant’s necessary prescription pharmaceuticals ² Glasses, sun glasses, contact lenses and solution (a second pair of glasses if you have) ² Indigestion medications ² Insect repellent ² Sunscreen, skin burn lotion, lip balm ² Vitamins ² Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss ² Combs, brushes ² Deodorants ² Shampoo, conditioner, body cleanser, bar soap ² Shaving cream and razors ² Cosmetic kits, mirrors ² Blow dryers ² Feminine hygiene items ² Nail clippers, tweezers, scissors ² Tissues, towels

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Part G. Precautions

² Leave a photocopy of your visas, passport and any other travel documents at home as well as

have an extra copy on hand just in case your documents are misplaced or stolen. Scan your important documents and email them to yourself.

² Drink enough water to avoid dehydration, drink only after water is boiled or iodized. Avoid salads, unpeeled fruit and ice in drinks. Always wash your hands before eating.

² Wear comfortable clothing, especially breathable fabrics.

² Keep an eye on your personal belongs. Don't be showy with expensive items, and always lock your room or baggage.

² Treat the locals with respect. Know how to greet strangers as to not offend anyone and learn a few key phrases that will allow you to communicate with more than hand gestures.

² Be careful when you do the site service, remember to wear safety helmet all the time and gloves or masks when necessary.

² Most Nepalese don't mind being photographed, but some do. Ask first, especially if

photographing ceremonies or older people. Paying for a picture reinforces a hand-out mentality. Try instead to establish a friendly rapport with a few words or gestures.

² Do not give candy, pens, trinkets or money to children but instead donate to a school, monastery or hospital. Nepalese give a few rupees to the handicapped and religious mendicants; you can do the same.

² Bargain for souvenirs and trekking services but respect posted prices in restaurants and lodges. Ask around to establish a fair price: paying too much adds to inflation and paying too little denies the merchant of a fair return.

² To show appreciation and respect, use two hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money.

² Do not wear knee-length shorts when visiting temples, monasteries or homes.

² Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.

² Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men the traditional palms-together "Namaste" greeting is preferable.

² Don't eat with your left hand and nor eat beef among Hindus.

² Try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a hearth.

² Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery (and leather items in Hindu temples) and avoid smoking and wearing scant dress in religious settings.

² Do not offer food from your plate, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.

² It is not wise to give medicine to a sick Nepali unless you can watch his or her reaction. Most Nepalese have never been exposed to Western medicine and may react unpredictably. Encourage villagers to wash cuts with soap and boiled water, and to see their closest clinic for medical treatment.

² Keep calm and don’t panic when there is an unexpected circumstance. 8 of 10

Part H. Fast & Useful Facts about Nepal

² Nepal is 2 hours and 15 minutes behind Hong Kong time

² Most shops open after 10 am and close at about 8 pm and are usually closed on Saturdays

² Summer season (between June – August) Monsoon season: the weather is hot and wet at times. Occasional thunderstorms happen in the evening. Average temperature ranges between 23-25 degree celsius.

² Nepal's Country Code is 00977, and Kathmandu's city code is 1. Normal and Mobile phone

numbers are 7 and 10 digits respectively. Inquiries can be made at 197.

² Making long distance call Cyber cafés could be easily found in Kathmandu and Pokhara to make long distance call. Many cyber cafes or communication shops in Pokhara give you a call back option. You can call your home, give them the phone number of the shop or your hotel, and ask your friends or relatives to call you back. The cost to you would be the cost of one minute of long distance call. You may also consider purchasing a pre-paid phone card introduced by Nepal Telecom after arrival

² Currency

Nepali Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are found in denominations of 10, 25 and 50 paisa. One rupee equals 100 paisa.

² Exchange rates (for reference only)

Currency Unit

Convert to

Currency Unit US dollar 1 Nepali Rupee 82.4 Sterling pound 1   Nepali Rupee 116.5 Hong Kong dollar 1   Nepali Rupee 9.15 Australian dollar 1   Nepali Rupee 77.28

² Transportation in Nepal Taxis, tempos (three wheeler auto-rickshaws), Rickshaws, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, buses, mini-buses is available. In bound Fight is available everyday from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa.

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Part I. Important Phone Numbers ² Tour members  

Sohan Cheng 5194 3638

Frank Yau 9061 8856

Kimmy Shum 6938 6701

Philip Tse 9463 2807

Kenneth Lui 9033 7933

² Emergency phone numbers in Nepal (Nepal Country Code: 00977, Kathmandu city code: 1, Pokhara city code: 61)  

Police (Emergency) (+977-1) 100

Tourist Police (Bhrikuti Mandap) (+977-1) 4226359/4226403

Ambulance, Red Cross (+977-1) 4228094

Tourist Police (Bhrikuti Mandap) (+977-1) 4226359/4226403

² Emergency phone numbers in for Hong Kong Residents

Assistance to Hong Kong Residents +852 1868 (24 hours)

Embassy of the People’s Republic of

China in Nepal

(+977-1) 4411740 (9am – 5pm) (+977) 9851071888 (24 hours) Address: Baluwatar, Kathmandu

Part K. Acknowledgement ² Advisor, Mr. Bryan Chan C.S., Lecturer, HKU SPACE ² Advisor, Mr Joshua Lau P.K., Lecturer, HKU SPACE ² Advisor, Mr Chris Wong C.K., Lecturer, HKU SPACE ² Advisor, Benjamin Yiu C.P., Program Coordinator, HKU SPACE ² Sponsoring company, Mr. Thapa Dhan, Managing Director, Alpha Travel (HK) Ltd. ² Chairperson, Mr Bhuvan Poudel, Volunteer Aided Nepal, Nepal

Part J. Reference ² http://www.visitnepal.com/travelers_guide/

http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/outsidehk/assisthk24.htm

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