Volunteer at an Orphanage in Nayabazar, Nepal

Diarmuid S.
Dublin, Ireland

Volunteered in the ‘Orphan Help Centre’ and the ‘Nepal Society for the Disabled’ in Kathmandu for 5 weeks in July/August 2007:

“My time at the OHC was a fascinating experience, everyone at the centre is hugely welcoming. There are 19 kids at the centre and the variety of characters is a source of endless entertainment. The 3 staff and 19 children are like a big family and it was a privilege to be invited into this environment, to experience the local lifestyle, to learn about the reality of life here and to see how people manage to keep upbeat regardless. My time at the Nepal Society of the Disabled was an equally interesting experience. It provided me with an invaluable glimpse at Nepali office life, the workings of NGOs and the hardships faced by the physically disabled in this country. The Mountain Fund Volunteer Visitor Centre was always there to help and Sudhir is a good guy.”

About the Orphan Help Centre:
Location: Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Established in August 2004, the orphanage cares for Nepalese village children whose parents have either passed away, disappeared or are too poor to feed and educate them. At this time, the orphanage is home to 17 children. The most important requirement to be a volunteer here is that you love connecting with children.

Volunteer assistance needed for: Reading; Teaching English; Helping with Homework; Playing Games; Arts and Crafts; Helping with Cleanliness; and Taking the children on outings on the weekends.

Work with Children in Kathmandu, Nepal

Jane B.
Birmingham, England

Was teaching part-time English at a Secondary School and part-time volunteering at a Child Protection Home in Kathmandu for 4 months in April to July 2007:

“I would describe it as an excellent school for using and gaining teaching experience. Very enjoyable! The placement has well behaved and attentive students and friendly and helpful staff. I respected the staff and students at the school, and I was made a part of the school team from day one. The students eagerly participated in every class and I was often asked to stay later to chat with them. I really enjoyed my time with the children and had such a beautiful time with them that I did not want to leave them."

"My volunteer experience at the Child Protection Home was amazing. Working with 61 children from an age range from 6 to 14 years, who have almost no one because their parents are in jail, was a very special experience for me. They were always excited to see me and spend time in the library or playroom making pictures, doing arts & crafts activities, reading books and playing games both inside and outside. Each day spent with the children is both personally rewarding and very beneficial for the children."

"Both of my volunteer placements were extremely worthwhile; there was not a single day when I did not look forward to going in, so of course I would do it again! The Mountain Fund Team were welcoming and helpful, I was given a full orientation at the school and told what to expect. The staff are always on hand to answer any questions I had about the placement and volunteering.”