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Thinking of volunteering in Nepal? Here are several tips:
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What to bring
1. Torches: Power outages are frequent so torches are a must.
2. Power banks: Power supply is cut on a daily basis so if you want your smartphones to keep working, do bring portable chargers.
3. Wet wipes, dry shampoo and powder: The temperature can dip to as low as 1 deg C in Bhakunde Besi, and showering with ice-cold water may be a tough choice for some.
4. Hand sanitiser: Public toilets are few, and hand soap is hardly available. When one has to answer nature's call outdoors, hand sanitisers will come in handy.
5. Cup noodles: Three square meals are prepared each day but familiar noodles can offer some comfort for late night hunger pangs.
7. Motion sickness pills: Roads to villages are often bumpy and windy, with many turns, so the pills can be helpful.
8. Sleeping bag: While there were beds in the guesthouse we put up at, we were warned about bugs.
9. Warm clothing: It may be sunny in the day but the weather turns cold at night, especially during the year-end period.
10. An open mind: Don't be daunted by the living conditions. Instead, take in the experience. -
How to volunteer?
YMCA of Singapore plans to organise more of such trips to Nepal.
Visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/YMCA.Singapore or livinghopenepal.org, a non-government organisation based in Nepal, its partner for the trip.