Location
Approximately 200 km from Kathmandu, the city of Pokhara is situated in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara valley and is the gateway to the dramatic Annapurna mountain range.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level, the city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. Today, the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
About the project
This unique program offers volunteers the chance to learn, volunteer and travel in the stunning region of Pokhara. A key element in local community development is the ability to further education and economic prosperity without compromising traditional ways of life and the natural environment. This exciting project seeks, with the aid of motivated international volunteers, to improve the lives of the poorest and most marginalized members of Nepalese society through a variety of different fields including orphanages and social work, informal and formal English teaching and education, and health and sanitation. Volunteer in this project will contribute their skills and knowledge to the benefit of the Nepalese people, while gaining an in-depth experience of their culture and community. Volunteers will live with a local Nepalese family and meet other like- minded volunteers from around the world.
Program structure
- Airport pickup
- 2 days training and orientation in Katmandu
- Transfer to volunteer placement (by public bus)
- Volunteer placement
Orientation in Kathmandu
Orientation is a fun and enlightening first step in the Nepal Volunteer experience. During this week, volunteers first participate in 2 days of language classes, and sightseeing, before being placed in one of two training villages in Kathmandu valley for additional culture immersion. Training schedule generally includes language lessons, classroom survival tips for teaching English, cultural introductions to food, household, and way of life, and sightseeing in the surrounding areas. During this week volunteers will stay together in shared bedroom and will enjoy all 3 meals together each day.
Orphanage and Volunteer Placement
Each volunteer will be considered individually. Their strengths and preferences will be assessed and a suitable placement will be found. Options for volunteer placement include:
Teaching:
One of the most important aspects of teaching in Nepal is teaching English. Because all higher education is taught in English here, early introduction to the English language is vital for continuing education. Volunteers have a light schedule of 3-4 lessons a day, but can supplement this by initiating and organizing after-school programs such as arts and crafts, sports, or music activities to brighten the students' days.
Orphanage:
Volunteers can be placed in one of 3 orphanages in the Pokhara area, and will live either inside the orphanage, or in a host family nearby. The children are from 5-15 years old. Volunteers will help to improve their daily life by teaching personal hygiene, English tutoring, drawing, etc.
The Nepali work- week runs from Sunday - Friday with Saturday being the only day off. Volunteers will work from 4-6 hours per day with the opportunity to work more if they choose. Times for each placement vary, when working in children's homes and informal education centers, volunteers will teach and help the children in the morning before school and for a few hours after school. Hours are approximately 6-9am and 4-6pm.
Accommodation & Facilities
Volunteers live in the orphanage or with a host family. This will provide volunteers with an opportunity to learn about all aspects of Nepali life, culture, food and people. Nepali households are basic compared to households in the west. Bathrooms have squat toilets and cold running water. Volunteers will sleep in a separate room and may share with another volunteer. Mattresses are quite hard! Do not expect luxury. Volunteers will essentially become a member of the household, and participate in all activities including cooking, washing, working in the fields, and generally caring for the house and family. This is the best way to experience the real Nepal.
In the home stay, volunteers will eat with their host family. Traditional Nepali food is Dal Bhat with rice and curried vegetables, which is eaten at every meal. If volunteers would like to bring extra snack food or Western food to their home stay, they can purchase this in the Pokhara city center. Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is never more than an hour's bus ride from any of the placements. In Pokhara there are many restaurants where one can find Nepali, Indian and Western food. Dining out at a restaurant normally costs between 50 and 200 rupees ($1-$3).
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18
- High level of English
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with children
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)