Construction of new earthbag house in Nepal for Dipa (Dalit widow) & her daughter

Dipa's story

Dipa's former house was destroyed in the 2015 earthquakes and never rebuilt. Her husband died of a heart attack around the same time and Dipa has been forced to live in the tin shack (see photo) for the past 5 years. It is uncomfortable and cold in winter and hot in summer. Dipa has 3 daughters including 14 year old Ishwori, who sometimes lives with Dipa. But Ishwori often stays with her step-sister as she finds her mother's house/tin shack uncomfortable. We hope to change their situation and provide them with a safe and comfortable house, a buffalo for income and nutrition, a toilet and a new life!

Dipa received a government earthquake victim grant of NPR 50,000 to build a foundation but given her poor situation spent the money on food.

Why we want to help Dipa:

Dalit widows in Nepal are often blamed for their husband's death and rarely can re-marry.

Dipa was a hard working labourer in the village but fell and badly broke her leg while working the fields. She is walking again (with a limp) and has limited mobility and strength.

How we can help Dipa and her daughter Ishwori

Dipa has a large piece of land suitable for an earthbag house. We've had a site assessment completed by the team at Good Earth Nepal (http://goodearthglobal.org/). They have determined Dipa's land is suitable from a geotechnical and location perspective. The project will employ a small team local labourers at NPR1,200 (US$10/ NZD$15) per day and create some much needed employment in the village. It will also teach the locals how to build an earthquake-proof house from local materials.

New life for Kamala and her 3 children in Bhumlutar

Six months ago we fundraised NPR767,000 (USD$4,067.94 / NZD$6,320.63) to build Kamala (another Dalit widow in Bhumlutar) and her 3 children a cement house in Bhumlutar village. Kamala didn't have land for sourcing materials for an earthbag house. We also provided Kamala and her 3 children with a toilet, beds, and a buffalo for milk and income. This generosity has completely changed their lives as you can see from the photos on our website (https://gbfriendsofnepal.weebly.com/). We hope to provide this love and opportunity for Dipa and her daughter as well.

Use of Funds for Dipa's project :

1 earthbag house & outside kitchen (NPR 648,690 / USD$5,500 / NZD $7751)

1 Buffalo NPR 30,000/USD$254/NZD$359

1 Toilet NPR 30,000/USD$254/NZD$359

2 Bed frames NPR14,000/USD$$118/NZD$167

2 Quilts NPR 5,000/USD$42/NZD$$60

2 Mattresses NPR 5,000/USD$42/NZD$$60

1 Pair of turkeys (NPR 2,000/USD$20/NZD$25

1 Small greenhouse with seeds (NPR 3,000/USD$25/NZD$35)

Total Fundraising Goal: NPR 725,690.05 / USD $6,255.32 / NZD $8,815.28

100% of all donations go to Nepal to support these community projects. We have no salary/travel budgets and cover our operating expenses out of our own pockets. We do this because we have traveled extensively in Nepal and have been touched by the warmth, kindness and generosity of the Nepali people - this is our way of giving something back.