Promotion of the study and training stay on the subject of earthbag building in Nepal by Dr. Owen Geiger, whose results have been incorporated into a standardized text and training manual for Nepalese bricklayers and engineers. In addition, weekly training seminars on Earth Bag construction were funded.
The training sessions included:
- Implementation of the overall training – both the theoretical and practical part by a trained trainer
- Theoretical lessons in Kathmandu
- Practical learning days on a specific construction project
- The allocation of the teaching material including the textbook by Dr. violinist
Almost all of the participants were Nepalese, mostly engineering students, specialists from NGOs and government employees. Non-Nepalese were some private contractors and their employees and volunteers on their way to the Earthbag projects. Two graduates went on to become site supervisors in Good Earth Nepal projects. Numerous NGOs chose the earthbag method as their preferred construction method.
Due to the success of the training program, the recognition and thus the application of the Earthbag method grew throughout Nepal. Good Earth Nepal made many presentations to State Technical Committees. These presentations led to the official adoption of Earthbag technology as a construction method recommended by the Nepalese government. The acceptance on the part of the government meant that the Nepalese affected by the earthquake could use the government funding for reconstruction with the earthbag method.
Project sponsor: GLS-Treuhand Zukunftsstiftung Entwicklung
Project partners: Expansion Nepal, Kathmandu, Good Earth Nepal, New York
Funding year: 2016 – 2017
Project No.: 52-16 se/an