Repair Bicycles In Nepal!

Wrench Nepal runs a small bike shop in Kathmandu, Nepal, that is operated by bike mechanic ‘interns’ — Nepali teenagers who, for any reason, are in danger of entering adulthood without marketable job skills, or are otherwise at a disadvantage.

There are over 400 homes in Kathmandu alone for children who have been orphaned or abandoned by their families. At the moment, Wrench Nepal works with kids from a drop-in shelter and a group that supports the families of those in prison, with a seemingly endless supply of possible new interns: teenagers eager to learn a useful skill, to practice their English, and to become self-sufficient. With only one person training them, however, the shop cannot work with more than 2-3 people at a time. That’s where you come in.

They’re looking for two people at a time to act as bike mechanic instructors and program organizers. Two positions are available to be filled immediately; the second shift will be open in May, when the current instructor’s visa expires.

The requirements are:
– Working knowledge of basic bike mechanics
– Good communication and organizing skills
– Willingness to live in a foreign environment and work with people from a very different culture

Bike shop or co-op experience is a major advantage, as is experience in business administration or community activism. Grant writing skills will be helpful. Each position is for approximately 4 months and requires that you live in Kathmandu. As this is an all-volunteer program, there will be no pay, and any profit that the shop raises will be distributed among the Nepali interns for things that they need as future bike mechanics. Cost of living is very low, rent in a comfortable place can be as little as $50 per month. Volunteers can also pursue part-time paid work to support themselves while in Nepal. Wrench Nepal encourages those of you who are presently enrolled in universities to consider this as a possible independent study abroad opportunity.

Wrench Nepal will work with the administration at your school to determine if this can be a for-credit internship for you. If you do not have mechanic skills, they may still be interested in your participation as an organizer.

If interested, please send a brief resume of your relevant experience and a short cover letter to [email protected]. Make sure to highlight your experience working with bicycles and working in community organizing positions.

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