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Shopping is best done at home, so please come prepared.
Be prepared for any clothing you wear on the work site to get ruined and dirty. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a requirement for volunteers.
Please pack light - think about what is needed vs. wanted; space on base is tight, and the environmental impact of items left behind after programs is a serious issue in rural communities.
Please see the following lists for required and recommended items:
REQUIRED
REQUIRED
Passport
Work Boots: These should be sturdy work boots or hiking boots, they must be closed-toe. Puncture-proof soles and steel toe boots are recommended (no Converse or running shoes allowed on site)
REcommended
REcommended
Bedding: sleeping mat, sheets, sleeping bag, pillow.
We do not provide bedding so you should bring what you need to be comfortable. Sometimes previous volunteers leave items behind, but we can not guarantee it.
Work clothes: We provide short-sleeved work shirts but you should bring pants/shorts to work in. Pants are recommended for colder months (November through February.) Shorts must be knee-length!
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)-such as safety glasses, ear protection, and gloves.) We will provide this equipment, but we encourage volunteers to bring their own when possible.
Long-sleeved shirt: for concrete pouring and as protection from mosquitoes
Normal clothes for after-work/days off and community events.
No short shorts or tank tops as they are culturally inappropriate.
Waterproof rain jacket
Indoor shoes - these must be indoor shoes only to keep our base in the best shape possible!
Cash and credit/debit card - ATM available only in Hetauda/Sindhuli
Unlocked cell phone
Personal first aid kit, including any medication e.g. paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhea, etc. (We are unable to provide any medication)
Vitamins, food supplements, comfort food: Highly advisable to bring any supplements that you regularly take at home, or any food that will make you feel more at home.
Personal items, toiletries, towel
Water bottle: we provide safe drinking water but for easier accessibility reusable water bottle is preferred.
Mosquito net for your bunk bed
Mosquito spray
Sunscreen
Lots of socks (these tend to disappear in a communal living environment)
Good to have
Good to have
Battery pack
Earplugs and sleep mask
Personal coffee: It can be hard to find a good coffee in the area. There is mainly instant coffee available.
Travel mug - if you want to drink out of a non-plastic vessel we recommend bringing your own mug
Sanitary products: Tampons are not widely available in the area. Make sure to bring enough for the duration of your stay if not use a reusable alternative like menstrual cups or period underwear.
Anything else to make your bunk bed homie (lights, pictures, decorations, pillows)
Personal speaker: it always comes in handy, especially on the working site. It's not compulsory, but volunteers are usually happy if they bring it.
Headlamp or flashlight: useful to have when lights go off
Tetanus shot + all the necessary vaccinations
Sharpie (for marking your belongings)
Packing Guidelines:
When packing, please include clothing that aligns with the following dress code:
Fieldwork & Events: Volunteers are required to wear trousers or shorts that go below the knees and shirts that cover the shoulders.
Everyday Life in Villages: While not mandatory, covering shoulders and knees helps show respect for local traditions and makes a positive impression in the community.
Thank you for respecting local customs and representing All Hands Volunteers in a positive way!
For inspiration on what other volunteers pack for different programs - check out this video!
( Note that program-specific requirements are listed above ).
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