Kehi Garoun has been promoting volunteering for 9 years.  It is ironic that now, during the aftermath of the earthquakes, we are suggesting that you probably should NOT volunteer IF you fall into any of the categories below:

1. You feel that you are lucky to have survived, and feel guilty that you are not out there doing something.  You are probably with family members who are in shock, and may be in need of help themselves.  Yet, in your youthful burst of energy, you want to go outside...looking for people who are worse-off than your family.
2. You are helping people who are able to help themselves.  In Kathmandu, people have spent days and nights in public spaces, seeking refuge in open, flat ground.  They have defecated in the open and thrown trash everywhere.  Many of them are having picnics and playing card games.  They are able-bodied people...yet you are willing to clean their trash.   
3. You are itching to be involved in the relief efforts, and do not want to wait until it becomes clear what you should do.  You don't have not the patience or knowledge to know how you can be of help.  You want to jump onto a bandwagon...any wagon will do.

There are valid reasons to volunteer, and they are pretty obvious in a way. You SHOULD volunteer if you fall into the either of the two categories below:

1. You are called upon by someone in need.  For example - a neighbour needs your help to move to safety.  You need not be 'asked' per se, but the situation makes it obvious that any one who is able, should help out. 
2. You are compelled to initiate a solution.  You see a problem that needs to be solved.  Not out of guilt, or external pressure, and definitely not for social recognition, you find yourself compelled to solve a specific problem.  In that case, we salute your effort - go be the change!

KG's response to the earthquake is two fold:

1. Short Term Coordination: One of the primary things that needs to be done after a disaster of this scale is to coordinate the linkage of resources (volunteers, goods, money) to the proper distribution channels, so that aid reaches those in need.  KG staff and volunteers are available to coordinate any relief work.   If you are aware of anyone looking for such coordination support, please contact us. 
2. Long Term Rebuilding: Many children have died or been wounded from collapsed buildings. Schools, in particular government schools which are resource-poor, have suffered heavy damages from Saturday's earthquake. KG will work to ensure that all of the 25 government schools in its network will be structurally sound so that students do not have to go to an unsafe school.  In the next 10 days, we will have structural engineers/architects survey the damage in these schools.   If the buildings are unsafe, we will work with the schools to find alternative teaching spaces.  Later in the year, we will work with donors and government agencies to help construct safer classrooms and toilets for these students.  If you would like to finance this effort to rebuild schools, contact us.

May 05, 2015: In reference to point "1. Short Term Coordination" above, please note that KG is no longer involved with co-ordination of relief efforts/ resources. ​