Nepal - Orphanage and Teaching in Kathmandu
Volunteer in the fascinating capital city of Kathmandu. Experience the magic of one of the most beautiful locations in the world, while making a real difference to the lives of some of the most marginalized and needy people of Nepal.
Fast Facts
| Location of Project | Kathmandu and villages in the rural Kathmandu valley |
|---|---|
| Project Length | Min 2 weeks – Max 12 weeks |
| Arrival Airport | Kathmandu International Airport |
| Volunteer Work | Orphanage work, English teaching |
| Number of Participants | 2 – 10 international volunteers |
| Age | 18 - 70 |
What's Included
| Accommodation | Home-stays or guest houses |
|---|---|
| Food | Traditional Nepali food (2-3 meals/day) |
| Support | Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support |
| Airport Transfers | Included on arrival when volunteering for 2 weeks or more |
| Pre-Departure Kit | Full project details will be sent following registration |
| Orientation | All necessary introductions and training provided upon arrival. Optional orienation week with language and cultural activities available at an extra cost. |
What's Not Included
Location
Nepal, landlocked between India and China, is best known for its spectacular treks, historical temples, and stunning architecture. As the home of eight of the world's ten highest peaks, the most famous of which being Mount Everest, Nepal hosts many trekking and extreme travel opportunities. The city lies high in the Himalayas and is home of the Kathmandu valley made up of three mini-kingdoms: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The area is known for its sophisticated urban culture and despite being one of the poorest countries on earth, the Nepalese people have a reputation for being humble and inviting. Nepal is an adventure destination, whether you decide to try white water rafting, mountain biking, jungle safaris, or bungee jumping, you’re sure to get your heart racing. Walk through the narrow streets, look through old carved windows, and explore the magnificent temple architecture and historical essence that is Nepal.
About the Project
Volunteers can choose from either the Orphanage or English teaching program. Both programs may include an optional language and cultural orientation week upon arrival for an extra fee. The programs are located in Kathmandu and sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur.
Orphanage Program:
The orphanage volunteer program in Nepal is essential to the management and survival of the orphanages, providing invaluable support to the institutions that often lack the resources to function on a daily basis. The volunteer program aims to give its participants a challenging and rewarding experience, providing them with daily opportunities to contribute to the function and quality of life within the orphanage.
English Teaching Program:
With the effect of tourism on the Nepalese economy, knowledge of English is essential to find a good job. The English teaching program provides support to the community where understaffed public and private schools rely heavily on volunteers to assist in the education of English language skills. Volunteers are mostly placed in primary schools however may be placed in high schools upon request. The program thrives on the help of native English speakers who not only provide support to the staff but also ensure the quality of language education and thus create a foundation not just for language, but also for the future of these children's lives.
Both programs allow for volunteers to truly get a sense of the Nepalese community while directly impacting the quality of lives of those around them.
Volunteer Work and Contribution
Volunteer contribution is varied according to the selected program.
Orphanage Program:
Volunteers will integrate themselves into life in the orphanage, giving love and affection to the children, creating a feeling of a family environment, and becoming a pseudo-sibling. Basic requirements of volunteers would be the following:
- Teaching conversational English
- Helping with school work
- Guiding about personal hygiene and sanitation
- Taking kids on excursions
- Engaging kids with fun activities
- Being innovative with new and exciting activities Administrative duties with the orphanage staff
English Teaching Program:
Volunteers are mostly required to assist the teaching staff, however on occasion may be required to teach a class alone. Volunteers are involved in creating new and dynamic ways to teach English and engage the children. As a volunteer you are required to converse in English at all times, this is essential to the language development of the children as they pick up on a lot of things along the way. Volunteers will take part in numerous programs with the children such as playing games, dancing, going for picnics, organizing an outing, etc. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to participate in other programs at school such as music, art, and sports.
Orientation week
Volunteers have the option of adding a language and cultural orientation week onto their placement. Orientation week is a great foundation for the project; during the week volunteers will partake in exciting trips to see some of Nepal's stunning tourist attractions, while learning valuable details about the history and culture of the people. During the week volunteers will also learn basic language skills and other valuable information that will help during the placement. The time also helps bonding between the volunteers and creates a strong point of focus for the program. The orientation week will incur an extra cost of $220.
Living Arrangements
Accommodation: shared accommodation is provided with a local family. The home-stay accommodations are neat and comfortable; all have running water, electricity and basic amenities. All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper, and electricity. Occasionally volunteers may be housed in guesthouses. All accommodations are within 2-4 kilometers of the volunteer project, easily allowing bus, foot, or taxi transportation to the project site each day.
Food: 2 or 3 Nepalese meals will be provided per day, depending on your work schedule (lentils, rice, vegetables, and sometimes chicken & meat etc.)
Internet: no internet available in accommodations, however internet cafes are available for use around town.
Travel Highlights
The capital of Nepal, and the country's only major city, Kathmandu is a fascinating place. It is set in the Kathmandu Valley, with the Himalayas rising to the north and the gentler slopes of the Mahabharat Range to the south. Kathmandu is architecturally stunning and home to numerous notable Hindi and Buddhist temples as well as ancient buildings that are great to see in your spare time. Kathmandu, and particularly the tourist area Thamel, has a large variety of Western food, shopping, guest houses, and Internet cafes, however even this can have an old world feel with its labyrinth of small restaurants and shops. Nepal itself is home to numerous infamous trekking routes as well as an array of adventure sports such as mountain biking, white water rafting, etc. The city center is walkable however if you wish to go out of the center, there are many taxis and cycle rickshaws available. If you would like to take a break to do some sightseeing or trekking contact your coordinator and a small break can be arranged.
Minimum Requirements
- Min age 18
- Good level of English
- Motivation to work with children
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"During our time volunteering at the ophanage, we mostly became playmates and baby sitters. We did read and draw with the kids, but most of what we did was hike, play games, and watch movies. They were unbelievably excited when we first arrived and started calling us brother and sister immediately. Even the youngest children came running and weren’t shy at all...One widowed woman runs the orphanage, and she is truly a loving and generous person. She gave us tea and breakfast every morning and has been managing to care for all the children on her own. You can see the love and devotion the kids have for her and her in their eyes. The kids were quite upset when our volunteering was done and begged us to stay longer. They are avid learners and good listeners and really just enjoy your company, I miss them all!"- Jessica Z., GoEco Katmandu Volunteer, 2010
