Employment Fund Project (EFS)- Helvetas Nepal (2015-2017)

Action for Development (AfD) has been instrumental in the reconstruction efforts following the devastating April 2015 earthquake in Nepal. This catastrophe highlighted an urgent need for construction workers proficient in earthquake-resilient building techniques. To address this, the Employment Fund launched an innovative 50-day onsite training module. This hands-on program required participants to work in groups of five to construct a house for one of their members, fostering a "learning by doing" approach. This method proved to be highly effective and has since been adopted as the government standard, receiving approval from the National Reconstruction Authority.

The Employment Fund Project received substantial support from Helvetas Nepal and was funded by notable international organizations, including The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), The UK Department for International Development (DFID), and The World Bank. Action for Development contributed significantly by providing specialized training for construction carpenters and stone layer masons. This initiative aimed to build 125 homes in the Sindhuli and Dolakha districts, training a total of 638 participants.

The impact of this project has been profound. Not only have participants successfully rebuilt their own homes, but they have also gained valuable skills that have secured them steady employment in the construction sector. Impressively, 84% of those trained are now employed in the industry, reflecting the program's effectiveness in creating sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, the project has pioneered training in retrofitting techniques. This involves reinforcing and making earthquake-damaged buildings safe, adding another layer of resilience to the communities affected by the earthquake.

Overall, our efforts and collaboration with our partners have led to the creation of a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Nepal's long-term reconstruction and development. By focusing on practical, hands-on training and community collaboration, the project has not only addressed immediate housing needs but also established a foundation for future resilience against natural disasters. The success of this approach serves as a model for other reconstruction initiatives globally, demonstrating the power of community-based training and international cooperation in post-disaster recovery efforts.