After six months of fundraising, on the 5th November 2009, Sage (UK) Limited volunteers travelled to Yangrima School, Nepal, assisting the local community as part of Childreach International’s Futurebuilding Programme, repairing ten classrooms and a dining hall, and constructing a playground. The renovation work was completed by volunteers on the 15th November 2009. The renovation of Yangrima School through the School Improvements Programme has provided long term sustainability to a vulnerable institution with the aim to educate 500 children by 2014. Team leader and Sage employee, Graeme Houghton explains the highlights of his experience and exactly why the Futurebuilding programme is a worthy endeavour.

Sage Volunteers in a Classroom they have Renovated

What was most rewarding about the trip?

For me the most rewarding thing about the trip was building friendships with the local community, teachers and students. Everyone I met was fantastic; I really warmed to them and became quite attached. Leaving the school and village for the final time was quite emotional.  

Did you like Nepal, the landscape? The people? The culture? The food?

Nepal is amazing. The mountainous surroundings are so beautiful; I’ve never seen scenery like it. The people were great, so friendly and welcoming, and extremely eager to better themselves. The culture is great, it’s a very religious country with some fantastic customs and the people know how to have a good time too. The food was good, all fresh and reasonably healthy and lot’s of it.

How were the kids at the School?

The kids were amazing. It was great to see the change in them from day one to the end of the project. They were a little nervous of us to start with and rightly so. But by the end of our time at Yangrima School, the kids were running up for hugs and high 5’s, holding our hands and there were even a few tears when we left. I have to say that it’s the kids that make Futurebuilding projects so worthwhile and rewarding.

Was the manual labour challenging or strenuous?

A bit of both, especially at altitude. Saying that it’s nice to get down and dirty after normally being stuck behind a desk. I really enjoyed the physical aspect of the work. It also makes it that much more rewarding knowing that you sweated, bled and blistered for the cause.  

What was your favourite moment during the trip?

My favourite moment during the trip was the cultural evening (party) we had with all of the villagers on the last night. We were all singing and dancing around a big camp firm and for that night it was as if we were all part of one community.

Would you recommend Childreach International’s Futurebuilding Programme to other companies?

Futurebuilding is an amazing concept and I challenge everyone to get over their fears whether it is the fundraising, the culture shock or the manual labour, and sign up to a project. You’ll have the best experience of your life and you’ll help inspire future project teams with your stories and photos.

The children of Sermathang, happy to be back at Yangrima School

To find out more about Futurebuilding with Childreach International contact Ranjeet: ranjeet@childreach.org.uk or call 0203 137 5500.

Additional information about the Futurebuilding scheme is also available in the Futurebuilding section of our website.