ActionAid is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help a poor community in Nepal build homes for their families.

Readers can now sign up for the 2008 ActionAid Nepal Challenge, where they will work side-by-side with the Kamaiyan people to construct vital housing for families recently released from bonded labour.

The Kamaiyan people live in severe poverty. Without homes or an income many have just simple shelters which are exposed to the elements.

Helen Walker, ActionAid fundraising spokesperson, said: "This is ActionAid’s third building challenge, our first was in Sri Lanka, post tsunami and the second in Cambodia. The building challenges are chosen by the local communities who decide when and how they want volunteers to help them.

"The work needed in Nepal is essential and the volunteers will make a huge and positive change to the lives of the Kamaiyan people."

For five days volunteers will be digging, laying bricks, plastering and painting. But no building experience is necessary.

In the evenings there will be the chance for the small team to enjoy local music, dance, food and drink.

And after the challenge volunteers can visit a completed Kamaiyan project as well as explore the stunning sights of Kathmandu.

Andrew MacAlpine, Sri Lankan Community builder volunteer said: "I loved the work – mixing concrete, laying bricks, fetching and carrying, watching the house grow. The camaraderie within our little team was great, with a wonderful local foreman who knew exactly when to let us get on with it, when to show us what to do, and when to do it himself"

Helen Walker said: "Charity adventures are a challenge, both mentally and physically, testing people’s endurance to the limit. But at the same time, they take people to some of the most culturally rich places in the world and they leave with a sense of achievement and understanding of the developing world that you don’t get from a two week package holiday."

Participants are required to pay a registration fee of £300 and then raise around £3,200 in sponsorship. At least 55% goes towards ActionAid projects and the rest pays for the trip.

To find out more about this or other challenges, log on to www.actionaid.org.uk/adventures