Projects Volunteer Program in Nepal
Teaching English in Monasteries
This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to Teach English in Monasteries. There are several Tibetan refugees Camps and Monasteries that house hundreds of Tibetan kids taking Buddhist monk educational training in Katmandu to preserve the amazing cultural richness of Tibet and Buddhism practice. Knowledge of English can be an enormous help to these kids to explore more scriptures written in English and circulate Buddhist teachings practice to the whole world.
Volunteers will teach English to the monks, both young and old. Volunteers will be responsible for planning their own lessons, organizing games, conducting workshops and other creative activities. Volunteers can also have a chance to participate in some monasteries run programs and meditation during free time. Teaching is one of those skills that really make a difference in someone’s lives. By taking part in Teaching English program abroad you are able to fundamentally impact the future of children in developing county like Nepal.
Many Tibetan Monks are unaware of issues around them, English language are very important but due to economic problem they are facing it is very difficult to receive proper education. This project is created with the goals of mobilizing foreign volunteers to help in giving basic English teaching . Knowledge of English can be an enormous help to these kids to explore more scriptures written in English and circulate Buddhist teachings practice to the whole world. The project objectives are to enhance the knowledge of monks in both religious and secular subjects, to provide basic English and to improve communication for Monks who are unable to afford such opportunities elsewhere and to give opportunities to those who want teach English to monks in return receiving a rewarding experience.
As a volunteer you will be placed in a monastery where you will Teach English to monks. Depending on monastery size you will expect the number of student’s monks from 15 with moderate or beginners level English. The monks study Buddhist as a major subject. English, Nepalese and others are optional in order to improve their additional language skill.
Volunteers are welcomed to join the students monks and teachers in practicing group meditation, Buddhist prayers and chants, along with other religious and cultural celebrations and activities that occur within the Monasteries. These activities are optional for the volunteer. The students and administration will not be hurt or upset if the volunteer does not want to partake in the religious activities.
You do not need any formal teacher training or experience to participate, but whatever experience you do have will be taken into account when arranging your day-to-day activities.
Volunteer Placements are available in Katmandu Valley. Volunteers stay in the monastery.
This project is not available in February due to festivals.
Child Care & Orphanage Program
The projects in this program include Children's Homes and Orphanages throughout the Katmandu Valley. What you will be doing will vary in each project. Generally some of the children attend school during the day so there may not always be children around during school hours however there may be sick children who need care at the project. You may be required to help in other ways besides taking care of the children, for example helping with medical visits and daily medical treatment, educating about personal hygiene (tooth brushing, bathing, hand washing), walking the children to school, mending clothing and monitoring chores.
Once the children return from school, your role will be to assist and encourage them with their homework, planning after school activities such as games, songs and other activities which will be extremely popular with the children. It is also a requirement of volunteers on this program to write a monthly report, using a standard template on the home they work within; therefore basic computer skills are useful.
There is no need of specific qualification for this program in Nepal. However volunteer interested to work with orphans kids must have love for the kids and a willingness to share time with them.
Orphanage projects are located in Katmandu Valley . Some placements in Katmandu are just 30 minutes from the main tourist area. Katmandu is a vibrant capital city of Nepal has a wide range of restaurants, internet cafes, clubs, shopping centers, and banks.
Click here for pictures of this program on Flickr
The team of coordinators in Nepal
volunteer testimonial
I had an amazing 2 weeks of volunteer experience in Nepal, my only regrets is that I couldn’t stay longer. Teaching English to monks has been a great experience. I would like to thank everyone on the Nepal volunteer team for their hard work and hospitality and for giving me a rewarding and unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Cristina Izquierdo
Spain
volunteer testimonial
I spent two weeks volunteering with WLS in Nepal and would not have changed a minute of it. Volunteering in Nepal has changed my life and is an experience I will never forget.
Jessica Patterson
UK
volunteer testimonial
I had a really nice time in Nepal, I learned a lot about the culture and people. Nepal was actually starting to feel like home. The people and children in the orphanage we’re very nice to me and I loved doing things with them. Thanks for the great time in Nepal.
Noor Taams
Netherlands