Location
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and is enriched with temples more than homes and festivals exceeding the number of days in a year. The whole valley with its seven heritage sites has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kathmandu is not big when compared to other cities in Asia. However it is a fascinating old city where pagodas, narrow cobbled lanes, old carved windows, and stone shrines are like a stage to the drama of life that continues unhindered. Here the experiences are amazing, views fascinating, and the climate is comfortable.
About the project
This unique program offers you the chance to learn, volunteer and travel in the fascinating capital of Kathmandu 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 orphanage aid 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 Nepalese people, while gaining an in-depth experience of their culture and community.
Project structure
- Airport pickup
- 2 days training and orientation in Katmandu
- Volunteer placement
Community volunteer placement
Volunteer work takes place Sunday through Friday, for anywhere from 3-6 hours per day. Saturdays are free.
Each volunteer is considered individually, and based on your personal strengths and preferences, you will be placed in one of the following areas:
Teaching
Education is probably the most important tool in development. Therefore, volunteers are invited to teach English & special education in a self- chosen fashion to the local children at a primary school and at the center premises during & after school activities.
Requirements: Volunteers should have a good level of English, some knowledge and prior experience in teaching are highly appreciated. You have to love children, as you will be surrounded with many of them everyday.
The mission of this project is multi-fold: Teaching English is the main task, but also other subjects, such as arts and crafts or sports like football, hockey, cricket and athletics -Motivating the children to learn -Instilling social, psychological and physical security to the children
Community & Social Work
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work along side different organizations involved in development of the underprivileged. The slum reality is a big issue in the entire country; our aim is to spread awareness among the people and to give them more instruments to feel confident and free to decide for their future, and for the future of a new generation.
Requirements: The only requirement is that when you decide to volunteer bring loads of enthusiasm with you and show dedication in your work.
Some of the Projects would be:
- To organise a multi-purpose project to involve the community and sensitize community/people about the Health & Hygiene problems
- To Spread awareness on Women rights issues and social welfare
- Environmental issues
- Health & Medical Training
- Working with other NGOs in community service projects
- Assisting at Orphanages
Accommodation & Meals
The volunteers stay together in Kathmandu at the project center in shared bedrooms. Three meals are served daily. The food is generally traditional Nepali and is a variety of dishes made of rice with sauces and vegetables. Meat is also served, especially chicken. All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and tidy.
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)