Volunteer Program in Nepal
The Program
For many of us Nepal conjures up images of immense snow-capped mountains. Indeed, eight of the world's eight-thousanders lie in Nepal, making it a mountaineers dream. But Nepal has more to offer than just the high Himalayas. Small as the country may be, the land is diverse geographically as well as ethnically. You will find rich cultures and vibrant traditions, exquisite temples and monuments as well as fast flowing ricers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable one.
Volunteering in Nepal, givse you a unique opportunity to make a real contribution to Nepali society, while simultaneously experiencing the rich culture of Nepal. Placements are available in the Katmandu Valley and Chitwan.
You can start the program on any date of your choice throughout the year. The program is from 2 weeks up to 3 months.
This is an example of a 2 week program:
Day 1 : Arrival in Katmandu and transfer to your accommodation. Relax and explore Katmandu.
Day 2 - 3 : Training and orientation in Katmandu with sightseeing in the afternoon.
Day 4 – 13 : Your volunteer work starts.
Day 14: End of the program.
Return home via Katmandu.
Placement Locations
Katmandu
The city of Katmandu is surrounded by beautiful countryside otherwise known as the Katmandu Valley. The heart of Katmandu is a busy, bustling city bursting with people, cars, motorbikes and buildings. Areas directly outside of the main tourist district have well developed infrastructure, with many shops, running water, electricity and reliable roads. Areas laying at the foot of the mountains that border the Katmandu Valley may still be well developed but generally have larger farming areas which are primarily agrarian. Most placements will be near to a local 'chiyaa pasal' (tea shop) where you can purchase fresh snacks (samosa, pakora, etc). There may also be other shops close by where you can purchase bottled water, biscuits, stationery and other items.
Chitwan
Located in plain belt of the country, Chitwan is one of the most known tourism hubs in Nepal. One can enjoy the bliss of nature by traveling to another World Heritage Listed magnificent place known as Chitwan National Park. Elephant riding for Jungle Safari to witness one-horned Rhino and Bengal Tiger, Canoeing, Viewing sunrise and sunset, Bird watching, Tharu village walk and Cultural immersion programs are the attractions of the place. In addition, Chitwan is popularly known as the store house of corn as it is one of the most fertile lands of the country.
Training and Placement
Training is divided into two phases as detailed below. The training is shorter for short term placements.
Phase One (day 1 and 2) - Training includes:
- Introduction to the volunteer program and project
- Introduction to the volunteer responsibilities
- An introduction to Nepali culture
- Basic Nepali language lessons
- Tips on personal health and safety
- Lunch
- Sight Seeing
Training ends at approximately 3.00 pm during phase one, leaving you with free time in which you may wish to explore your surroundings, go shopping or meet up with other volunteers. Accommodation on days one and two of training will be in a local guesthouse which is located in Thamel and near to our partner's training center. All of the rooms have 'western-style' toilets and hot-water showers. A telephone is available in reception, a safe is available to keep valuables secure and meals are available from the dining room. Depending on availability, during training you will either have a single room or you may have to share a room with a volunteer of the same gender. During phase one of training (day 1 and 2) only breakfast and lunch will be provided (for the rest of the program all meals are included).
Phase Two (days 3 to 5) - For phase two of training the volunteer will move to their project or local village to provide volunteers with an orientation into Nepali village life. Volunteers are placed individually into local host families or in a guesthouse depending on your project. You will eat traditional Nepali food, observe village culture and get a general feel for local life while continuing your Nepali language and cultural lessons. You will also be offered the opportunity to attend local sights of interest. During this phase of training there will be plenty of time to review language lessons, practice language with the locals and adjust to the slow pace of Nepali life.
I had an amazing 2 weeks of volunteer experience in Nepal, my only regrets is that I couldn’t stay longer.
Cristina Izquierdo, Spain
Accommodation and Food
Volunteers will either stay with local host families or if working in an orphanage or at a monetary they often stay in the orphanage or the monastery. Nepali people are extremely hospitable and volunteers will be well looked. There are different home stay families in the area all of whom have lots of previous experience with looking after volunteers. Volunteers staying in orphanages are given their own room within the orphanage.
All meals are included in the program (breakfast, lunch, dinner), except for the first 2 days of training when only breakfast and lunch are included. Food will be healthy, nutritious, and locally sourced.
Transportation
Volunteers are met at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Katmandu upon arrival into Nepal. Once you are in your placement you need to work out transport for any traveling you wish to do, whether this is simply to the local shops or further a field for sightseeing. Travel will usually be by micro bus, tempo (tuk-tuk), taxi, larger buses or simply walking. Any travel in this respect is at your own expense. Several project are just walking distance.
Projects in Nepal
There are different kind of projects that you can join :
Child Care & Orphanage Program
The projects include Nepali run children's homes and Orphanage throughout the Katmandu Valley. Each and every home will vary in terms of number of children, cleanliness, management capability, funding assistance, health issues, education provided, etc.
Medical Health & Education Program
Many Nepali people are unaware of issues. Therefore this program mobilizes volunteers mainly to work with the youth clubs, women's groups and other local organizations to teach them about proper health and sanitation habits.
Teaching English in Monasteries
This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to Teach English in the 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.
Teaching English in Schools
The goal of this program is to ensure that the children of Nepal are able to advance their practical English language skills, both written and verbal, to ensure their success in the future. In Nepal, English is becoming more and more of a required skill for job placement and educational advancement.
Woman Empowerment Program
This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to work with the woman’s in Nepal. As one of the poorest country in the world, the Nepalese society is dominated largely by males, almost all the women after marriage are fully depended on their husband as female child hardly get education in Nepal, illiteracy makes them unfit for any government or private job and the worst part is the unaware about their own fundamental rights. Without education they cannot undergo any academic based training's or vocation as a result they are left helpless and dependent on their husband.
