Location
Approximately 150 km from Kathmandu, Chitwan is in the middle of the Terrai, a vast, flat and fertile area that borders India and stretches right across Southern Nepal. Our projects are based around the small city of Narayangarth.
About the project
This unique program offers you the chance to learn, volunteer and travel in the beautiful Sothern region of Chitwhan. 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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Informal Education Centres
We work with five different community library/resource centres in the area. These facilities provide vital access to informal education in computer skills and English and also function as a community meeting space.
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Orphanages & Children's Homes
We have partnered with two facilities in this area, the Ganganagar Happy Home and the Sauraha Orphanage Home. Each orphanage houses approximately 14-25 children. The children live and are educated within the orphanage. Volunteers here work to improve the children's daily life by teaching them basic hygiene (brushing their teeth, personal care, etc), English, and assisting the children with their studies.
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Teaching in Government Schools
Volunteers have the opportunity to teach in a number of primary and secondary schools in the Chitwan area. 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 maths and history.
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 s
tay you should purchase these in Kathmandu or Nrayanghat. Narayanghat is the largest city in the Chitwan region and is no more than an hour's bike ride from any of the placements. In Naryanghat and Sauraha 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. The main attractions in the region of Chitwan are Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddartha Gautama Buddha and the Royal Chitwan National Park, a wildlife reserve for rhinos, elephants, tigers and 50 other species of animals, and over 400 types of birds.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18
- Good 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