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.
About the project
This unique program offers you 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. As a volunteer in this project, you will contribute your skills and knowledge to the benefit of the Nepalese people, while gaining an in-depth experience of their culture and community. You will live with a local Nepalese family and meet other like- minded volunteers from around the world.
Katmandu induction program
All volunteers arriving in Nepal are given between 2 days and two weeks of training, language lessons and initiation in Nepali life. The amount of time volunteers spend in Kathmandu will depend upon the length of their placements however all volunteers will start their stay in a guesthouse near the office and will have 2 days training and sightseeing in the centre of the city. Following this volunteers are moved onto one of our two training villages in the Kathmandu valley for further cultural and language introductions and initiation into Nepali life. All of the villages are located within one and a half hour's bus ride from Kathmandu's centre and most have a well- developed infrastructure, with water readily available, and reliable roads. Once your training is finished you will go to your placement village and commence with your volunteer work. Training will incorporate: Nepali language lessons; classroom survival tips and instruction along with classroom immersion; cultural Introduction; and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Volunteer work and contribution
Your placement will be decided once you have gone through training period. Your strengths and preferences will be assessed and a suitable placement will be found for you.
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Sarangkot
Sarangkot is a small village one half hour's bus ride to Pokhara. Volunteers will teach in a local primary or secondary school in the Sarangkot village. Volunteers will work together with a local teacher to help improve English skills including listening and speaking, grammar, and reading for children and teachers. You will also be able to assist local teachers in a variety of other subjects including math and history.
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Kaskilkot
Kaskilkot is a small village one hour's bus ride to Pokhara. Volunteers will teach in a local primary or secondary school in the village. Volunteers will work together with a local teacher to help improve English skills including comprehension and speaking, grammar, and reading for children and teachers. You will also be able to assist local teachers in a variety of other subjects including math and history.
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Maidan Children's Resource Center - Pokhara
This Resource Center was established in November, 2006. The center is in the middle of the village and everyday 20 to 40 children access this center. The host family is just 5 minutes walk from the center. There is a day care center, as well, 10 minutes walk away. Volunteers are able to go here and play with small children.. You can also teach in a local school where the children are aged from 7 to 12. On the weekend you can visit the city center in Pokhara. The bus leaves in the morning and evening and takes 1 hour. If you walk, than it is a nice 3 hour walk. From the Resource Center, you can view the beautiful Annapurna mountain range.
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Children Welfare Home
The Children's Welfare Home is within the city center of Pokhara. It is a non-profit social welfare organization that was established in 2001. The home currently has 32 orphans between the ages of 7-18. Volunteers placed at the home will help the children with their studies before and after school in the mornings and the evenings. Volunteers also can help with the daily routine including basic hygiene and care, not to mention sports and other extra-curricular activities. Volunteers will have a room in the orphanage.
The Nepali work- week runs from Sunday - Friday with Saturday being the only day off. You will work from 4-6 hours per day with the opportunity to work more if you choose. Times for each placement vary, when working in children's homes and informal education centres you 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 a host family. This will provide you 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. You will sleep in a separate room and may share with another volunteer. Mattresses are quite hard! Do not expect luxury. You 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 your home stay you will eat with your host family. Traditional Nepali food is Dal Bhat with rice and curried vegetables, which is eaten at every meal. If you would like to bring extra snack food or Western food to your home stay, you should 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).
Not just work...
If you would like to take a break to do some sightseeing or trekking, contact your coordinator and a small break can be arranged. Pokhara offers a combination of nature and culture with a distinct tourist district in the southern subdivisions of Baidam, Lakeside and Damside. It is mostly known as starting and ending point for the incredible Annapurna treks.
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)
Additional information
About GoEco
Frequently asked questions
Volunteer logs
Pictures