Location
The capital of Nepal, and the countries only major city, Kathmandu is a fascinating place. 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 in places as crowded, dirty and bustling as virtually any developing world city.
About the project
This unique program offers you the chance to learn, volunteer and travel in the fascinating capital of Katmandu and the surrounding rural valley. A key element in local community development is the ability to further education and economic prosperity with out 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 Nepali 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 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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Happy Home
Established in Kathmandu in February 2005, Happy Home is a Children's Centre dedicated to providing a caring home and schooling for 10 children from the least fortunate minorities in Nepal. Children here are either orphans or from landless families, and often have been rescued from providing child labour. These kids are also provided with quality education, something they would not have received otherwise.
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Basundhara Orphanage Home
This orphanage is based in Basundhara in Kathmandu. This orphanage currently has 19 children between the ages of 6 -14. Volunteers here help out with the daily routine including basic hygiene and care of the children. Volunteers also have the opportunity to assist the children with their academic work.
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Manibaya Children's Orphanage
This orphanage is based in Maharajgung in Kathmandu. This orphanage currently has 41 children between the ages of 4 -14.
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Birendra Peace Children's Welfare Centre
This small children's home is in the region of Balaju, a rural suburb a few km north of Kathmandu. There are 13 children in the home, ranging in age from 3 to 13. They live in four rooms of a shared house, and share a backyard with the other families who live there. The home has no formal support from the Government, and is dependent on donations from many sources to provide for the day to day living costs of the children.
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Teaching in Kathmandu Schools
Volunteers have the opportunity to teach in a number of primary and secondary schools in Kathmandu City and surrounding villages. 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.
Volunteers working at orphanages, homes and welfare centres will help out with the children's daily routine including basic hygiene and care. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to assist the children with their academic work. Volunteers working in schools will be teaching English.
The Nepali work week falls 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 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 homestay you will eat with your host family. Traditional Nepali food is Dal Bhat with rice and curried vegetables which is eaten at every meal. In Kathmandu city center there are a great variety of Nepali, Tibetan, Indian and Western restaurants. A typical meal in Kathmandu will cost anywhere from 50 - 300 rupees ($1-$5).
Not just work...
The capital of Nepal, and the countries only major city, Kathmandu is a fascinating place. 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 in places as crowded, dirty and bustling as virtually any developing world city. Other areas are architecturally stunning and home to numerous notable Hindi and Buddhist temples and ancient buildings. 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. A feeling that increases when the area is plunged into darkness by scheduled daily power outages. Kathmandu city centre is walkable. If you wish to go out of the centre there are many taxi's and cycle rickshaws available, be sure to negotiate before getting into one. 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)
Additional information
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