By Anil Giri
Kathmandu, Sep 3 (IANS): International NGO Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Center Work Project will bring together 1,500 volunteers from within Nepal and around the world to build 100 houses in southern Nepal's Chitwan district.
A statement from the NGO said its 32nd annual jamboree will be held from November 1 to 6, during which volunteers will build 100 homes in partnership with low-income families in need of permanent shelter.
In a recent interview, former US President Jimmy Carter expressed his willingness to participate in the project despite suffering from cancer.
Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford said the families were living in makeshift grass and thatch huts with mud floors.
"Over the course of the week, we will replace these unstable structures with permanent housing that they can call home," he said.
"Such improved housing can help the families feel a sense of security, as well as enable better educational and health outcomes and create improved employment opportunities.
"We are looking forward to building alongside Nepali families and helping them to achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families," the CEO said.
The families will be selected based on their need, ability to repay an affordable loan and willingness to contribute their own labour towards construction of their homes.
Habitat for Humanity Nepal held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 28 with some of the families, government representatives and NGO partners.
Desiree Bartosiak, Habitat for Humanity Nepal's national director, said the "important, transformational project" will improve the lives of many families in Ratnanagar region of Chitwan.
"We will be able to help 100 families have safer places to live. They will no longer have to fear their roofs getting blown away by wind, or water leaking into their homes when it rains."
Since 1984, Carter and his wife Rosalynn have given a week of their time to help Habitat build and repair houses.
The Carters "have been champions of Habitat for Humanity for more than three decades, and we are grateful for their support and passion for our mission", said Reckford.