Teaching English to Children

Teaching English in School:
Children are the future of the nation. Future Nepal has supported some schools and Libraries in different parts of Nepal.

In schools, students range from 5-16 years old. Each class typically includes 30-50 students. Daily lessons follow the Nepali students’ standard book. However volunteers are also encouraged to create their own lesson plans depending on their specific area of expertise such as music, dance, art etc. Each school has its own permanent staff member who assists volunteers with their teaching and in communicating with the children and colleagues. Classes generally run six days a week, with four to six class periods each day and a break for lunch.

The Libraries are set up in small communities to offer educational opportunities to children and youth to some of the poorest regions in Nepal. The children attend before and after school. Volunteers do not need teaching qualifications to partake in this program, just a passion for children and having fun! Children enjoy new experiences as much as us so anything you can bring from home to show them how your life works and culture differs is beneficial. Volunteers may also help establish new libraries in needy village. For this, both technical and financial support from the volunteers will be highly appreciated. If possible, the volunteers are kindly requested to bring English books, teaching materials, stationery items and sports materials.

Teaching English in Manastery:
This program involves teaching English to Buddhist monks. Volunteers will teach monks ranging from the age of 7 to 19. The volunteers and monks can spend a lot of time together and have fun, for example during  meal times, at the weekends and in class, of course.

The monks are all friendly, very helpful and welcoming. Volunteers  teach between two and four hours per day, depending on how many other volunteer teachers are there at the time. If a volunteer has expertise in other subjects, it is possible to run classes in maths, science, health etc.  There are no classes at the weekend, and  volunteers  will have the opportunity to spend more time with the monks or may go sightseeing during their  free time.

It is also possible to attend  the daily puja in the morning and afternoon in order to learn about the Buddhist culture.

Our Mission

Our Mission:

Our mission is to provide volunteering opportunities in Nepal that make it possible for both hosts and visitors to learn. Volunteers gain a sense of satisfaction from contributing to Nepalese communities, but they also learn language and gain insights into culture, ecology, history and geography. Host families and communities benefit from enthusiastic helpers, teachers, and organizers, but they also learn about diverse cultures and perspectives that help them see beyond stereotypes.

Our Volunteer Programs

1. English Teaching

2. Agriculture and Organic farming

3. Home stay and Cultural Exchange

4. Women Empowerment

5. Assist Orphanage

6. Environmental Awareness

Volunteers are welcome to design their own program in various area. You are most welcome to work in any field and we will support you to arrange the all necessary things.

About us

Future Nepal Friendship Organization (FNFO Nepal), Nepal is a non-profit, non-governmental organization registered at Government:  241 and Social Welfare Council: 30840 providing rich volunteer and learning experiences in Nepal. So far, we’ve served the interests of more than one hundred volunteers from various countries. Our organization builds on the belief that mutual understanding is at the heart of improved relations across communities, cultures, nations, and religions. Through our own experiences both in community organizing in Nepal and with visitors from around the world, we’ve learned that personal encounters and conversations among people working together create some of the best opportunities for mutual understanding.

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Environmental Awareness Program

Like other countries, Nepal is suffering from rapid deforestation, global warming, decreased biodiversity, soil erosion, and desertification. In our land-based economy, these problems have immediate effects on people.



Our Environmental Awareness Program places volunteers with communities to promote understanding and implement practical solutions.
Based on interests and expertise, volunteers may…
1. work with community forest development committees to promote the equitable and proper management of meager forest resources.
2. teach in various environmental awareness programs, showing villagers how to smokeless stoves, solar energy, or biogas for fuel and waste management.
3. provide leadership in local schools or community groups to develop eco–clubs, plant trees, promote kitchen gardening, improve waste management and recycling, demonstrate smokeless stoves, build composting toilets.
4. help youth clubs or women’s groups share ideas, skills and knowledge on environmental issues.

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Homestay and Cultural Exchange

Family is the cornerstone of Nepalese social life. Those who wish to immerse themselves in language, culture, and daily life should consider spending time with a host family. This provides an intimate experience of Nepal and also allows the host family to learn about other cultures, lifestyles, and languages.

Most placements are arranged in rural areas with typical Nepali-style houses. Volunteers participate in activities based on their interests:
1. helping prepare food
2. taking care of the kitchen garden
3. looking after the animals
4. teaching English or other subjects to children
5. contributing to social mobilization on different issues
Of course, homestays can be combined with other volunteer work available in the local community.

We have ongoing arrangements with host families of various jati (caste or ethnic group) who are always keen to welcome guests and provide optimum care and satisfaction. Typical Nepali meals will be served at least three times a day and include simple, but nourishing rice, vegetable curry, dal (lentil soup), chutney, milk, fruit, and sometimes meat. The food is prepared in good hygiene and is mostly organic. No worries for vegetarians. Host families can easily accommodate them.

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Organic and Agreculture

Nepal is still rooted in agriculture, so spending time on a farm will shed light on many aspects of Nepali culture and language. But volunteers have been drawn to this program for more varied reasons: to learn skills in running an organic farming operation so they can start a business back home, to take a sabbatical from desk jobs by working outdoors for a month or longer, to learn techniques to help relieve hunger among impoverished people without using toxic pesticides or fertilizers.

No matter what your skill level, you can volunteer with our Organic Farming and Permaculture Program and gain hands-on experience helping farmers, students and local communities cultivate and harvest organic crops, vegetables, fruits, herbs through sustainable farming methods. We work with several vibrant farms within Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan and Pokharawhere a variety of vegetables, crops, fruits and herbs now thrive.

Staying on our farms, you will have opportunities to learn more about organic farming, experience rural Nepali lifestyles and practice Nepali. Volunteers participate in the seasonal and daily rounds of the farm and household and can also engage in community projects. Specific activities may include:
*milking buffaloes
*plowing
*planting or harvesting vegetables, fruits, crops and herbs
*developing forest farms
*helping to design new projects
*preparing compost
*controling pests with organic methods
*preparing organic liquid fertilizers
*preparing biogas.
Of course, growing food is only part of the job. Next comes all the work that gets that food to the table. In Nepal, that work is often done by women, but in many of our host homes, men are encouraged to join in too. So volunteers may learn to churn butter, grind turmeric and specialty flours, prepare spicy chutneys, and learn how to make homestyle Nepali dal bhat.

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Orphanage Propgram

Every year, hundreds of children leave their destitute villages to find work in Nepal’s crowded cities. And, many children become orphans due to natural calamities, conflicts or natural deaths. Most of these children lack education, basic health care, food and end up working as child laborers in restaurants, hotels, garment factories or as domestic servants.. Many also become street children as well. These disadvantaged children need attention, love, care, and the opportunity for education.

We place volunteers with organizations that provides orphaned children with care and education that can lead them to brighter futures. Activities may include:
*teaching basic English
*teaching drawing, painting and other creative outlets
*teaching math and science
*organizing tours, games, singing or dancing
*helping children get ready for school
*guiding them through homework
*preparing food and providing maintenance in their living quarters

Our Orphanage Program is an enriching and life changing experience for both volunteers and the children. Many of former volunteers report that this project in particular has changed the way they view the world.

Women’s Empowerment

Throughout Nepal, women are organizing to pursue healthy and sustainable livelihoods, cultivate leadership and political opportunities, improve family health and literacy, ensure personal safety, expand and protect their rights, and develop safe places where they can discuss other challenges in their daily lives.

We support women’s organizations throughout the country and can place volunteers in diverse settings where you might participate in the following activities:

*help organize or conduct literacy classes
*train literary facilitators
*provide leadership training
*help organize or conduct trainings in community development, savings and credit, income generation.
*teach specific skills in organic farming, candle-making, pickle-making, sewing, knitting.
*teach basic English skills

Whatever your level of expertise, your efforts can make a big difference to women in marginalized communities.

Orientation Training and Placement

Arrival
You will be met at the airport by a FNFO Nepal representative holding a placard with your name and FNFO Nepal on it. The representative will take you to your guest house. Please provide us your flight information as soon as possible so that a punctual pick-up can be arranged. If you are planning to arrive by bus let us know when and what time you are arriving in Kathmandu. Just in case give us a call.

Orientation and Training
We offer 3 days to 5 days of orientation and training at our office, depending on the type of programs. These trainings help volunteers to understand our organization, various programs and opportunities, country, Nepali language and culture, safety measures, visa issues, dos and don’ts, etc. During the orientation and training period in Kathmandu, we arrange placements in local host families within walking distance of Thamel. This provides them an introduction to Nepalese family, language and culture.

During the orientation and training period, you will be participating in:*2 hours basic Nepali language class per day
*Cultural information/safety issues
*Volunteers’ interests, programs & opportunities, and placement information
*Sightseeing in Kathmandu every day after training
*Shopping opportunities upon request

Note: If you want to take a break for any reason after the orientation and training progrm, for sightseeing, trekking, etc. then, of course, you may do so. And, we will be pleased to provide you with assistance.

Placement
After the orientation and training, we transfer you to your working area. Our staff will accompany you to the host family and help you settle in.

Volunteers either stay at a home with local families or if working in an orphanage they often stay in the orphanage and volunteers working at monastery stay at the monastery. Nepali people are extremely hospitable and volunteers will be well looked after however the accommodation will be typically Nepali and therefore basic by Western standards. Toilets and showers are usually Nepali style, and the electricity supply in many places can be unreliable. Most of our homestay families have lots of previous experience in looking after volunteers. Volunteers staying in orphanages or at the monastery are given their own room within the orphanage. Volunteers with families stay in a simple single room with a bed.

Meals
Based on Nepalese dining customs, the host provides two major meals a day plus two tea and snack breaks. Tea is served around 7 am. Brunch is served around 9 to 10 am and is usually typical Nepalese food, dal/bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables). Tea is served again at around 2 pm with local snacks. Dinner is at around 7 to 8 pm. The food is very simple but also extremely tasty and filling. In addition, you can purchase other food items if required.

Work Hours
The number of hours worked by volunteers will depend upon the area of volunteer work. The Nepali work week falls from Sunday – Friday with Saturday being the only day off. Volunteers work from 3-5 hours per day with the opportunity to work more if you choose. Times for each placement vary, when working in children’s homes or at the monastery you will teach and help them in the morning before school and for a few hours after school. Hours are approximately 6:30-9am and 5:30-7:30pm. However these are just approximations, as we try and tailor your hours to the needs of the children.

Letter of Appreciation
Once you finish your placement, you will get a FNFO Nepal’s letter of appreciation stating the time and place you have worked.

Fees and Expanses

FNFO Nepal is a non-profit, non-governmental organization solely funded and sustained through volunteer fees. We appreciate the economic sacrifices volunteers make to visit and travel in Nepal, so we attempt to keep our fees as low as possible.

The program fee should be paid to us upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you would like to transfer money in to our bank account we will email you bank details.

Expenses for an individual volunteer (in US Dolar)
Registration Fee: $ 50 ( Dolar)
Program Fees:
*1 week $ 200
*2 week $ 250
*3 week $ 300
*4 week $ 350
*5 week $ 400
*6 week $ 450
*7 week $ 500
*8 week $ 550
*3 months $ 750
*4 months $ 950
*5 months $ 1150

The above cost includes the following:*Airport pickup and drop
*Language and cultural training
*Sightseeing in Kathmandu
*Specialised training for your chosen program
*Land Transportation to and from village placement
*Accommodation and meals during training period in Kathmandu
*Accommodation and meals with your host family during the placement
*Accommodation and meals for one day before departure
*24 hours Volunteer supervision and office administration
*Legal Service
*Scholarship and sponsorship for orphanage children and deprived children

You will be responsible for your flight tickets to Nepal and visa fees as follows:*US $25 – 15 days multiple entry touist visa fees
*US $40 – 30 days multiple entry tourist visa fees
*US $40 – per month thereafter, for a maxium of 5 months of stay

Any time you spend in Nepal outside the duration of your training and placement and any trips or activities you arrange in your spare time you will have to pay for yourself, although we can help you to plan these.

Program fees don’t include:*Visa/Visa extension fee
*Traveling and other expenses out of the placement during weekends
*Air Tickets (Domestic/International)
*Airport departure Tax from Nepal( About $30 US dollars)
*Insurance (Health/Accident)
*Laundry service
*Bar Bills
*Telephone Calls (Domestic/International)

The program fees can be paid in local currency and US Dollar.
Full payment should be paid at the registration period, upon arrival at Kathmandu.

We’re in the process of seeking both financial and technical assistance from various organizations to support our work. If you’re interested in making a donation or sponsoring a particular program or project, please contact us. We are particularly interested in raising money towards scholarships for educating orphaned children.

FAQ

Why do I have to pay a registration fee?
The registration fees goes towards the running of the organization (office space, staff, computers, email/internet, stationery, etc.). FNFO Nepal has a central office in Kathmandu and a branch office in Chitwan.

What kind of volunteers is FNFO Nepal looking for?
FNFO Nepal has worked with other volunteer organizations, community schools, women groups, farmers co-operatives, clubs, youth groups and individuals. You do not need any specialized training to work with us. We will provide you with appropriate orientation and training for your prospective program, although experience in teaching, organic agriculture, health work, social mobilization or environmental project can be advantage.

When should I arrive in Nepal?
We are very flexible and as such you can arrive at a date which is best suited to your needs. You are welcome to arrive a few days earlier than the start of your program. Our representative will meet you at the airport holding a sign with your name. He will take you to the hotel. We can arrange your accommodation if you arrive a couple of days earlier, but you will need to pay the costs for the extra time yourself, and for any non-FNFO Nepal activities. In some cases, the dates of your program can be adapted if you contact us.

Do I meet any FNFO Nepal staff at the airport?
Yes, one of our representatives will meet you at the airport to pick you up holding a sign with your name and take you to the hotel.

Where will I be staying during my training period?
During your training period, you will stay at Guest House and Homestay (that will be walking distance from the office) in Kathmandu.

How much money do I need?
If you prefer to come before starting the progrram, you can get a room for $5- $8 a night, regular food for about $4 to $8 a day, internet access for about $1 per hour, laundry for about $3 for a medium-sized of load (they charge by the item). Transportation is relatively inexpensive too. We recommend that you purchase the Lonely Planet guide to Nepal. The travel guide for Nepal will help you estimate how much money you may need.(Remember that you need money for your visa and your flight tickets as well).

What kinds of thing do I need to bring with me?
*Sleeping bag
*Warm clothes (during winter months)
*Sun cream
*Mosquito net/repellent
*Water purification tablets and water filter
*Flashlight
*First aid kit
*Any other personal items which you might need.

What other useful items can I bring with me?
*Children’s books and other goods
*Stationary and sport materials
*National flag, local currency, stamps
*Your photo albums
Any other things which you might consider useful for FNFO Nepal and its programs.

Is there an age limit in the program?
Yes, the prospective volunteers should be at least 18 years old.

What types of immunization/ vaccines do I need before coming to Nepal?
*Tetanus
*Diphtheria
*Polio
*Hepatitis A & B
*Typhoid
*Rabies
*Tuberculosis
*Malaria (but first consult with your doctor)

Do I need any travel medical and accident insurance?
Yes, we highly recommend that you have travel, medical and accident insurance.

Does FNFO Nepal pay for my trekking and other activities?
No, these are non-FNFO Nepal activities so you need to pay for them yourself. However, we can organize and recommend some trekking, rafting, travel agencies who will help you to arrange these activities.

Is Nepal safe?
Nepal is the land of Buddha. A couple of years ago it was one of the most peaceful places on the earth but these days because of political unbalance crime is increasing and there is some violence but, unlike many developing countries, Nepal is quite safe. Every year hundreds of thousands of tourist visit Nepal. These days the situation is getting better.

What’s the weather like in the placement areas?
Nepal’s climate is seasonally changeable and different in different regions. Geographically Nepal is divided into three parts. The mountain region of Nepal is very cold in winter while the mid-hill region (Kathmandu and Pokhara) and mid-terai region (Chitwan) have different climate in different seasons. The weather is cold from December to March, humid and quite hot in the summer. The spring and fall are cool and pleasant. Please bring your winter clothes if you are coming in November, December, January, February and summer clothes for the rest of the months. We advise female volunteers not to wear short skirts in villages, and male volunteers not to wear shorts. It is traditional for Nepali people to dress modestly and for girls to cover most of their body.

Emergency contact
In case you miss our representative at the airport or if your flight schedule changes suddenly, please give us a call at 9849056230 or 9851088020. If you dial from outside of Nepal, please dial the country code 977 before making the call.

Contact Us

Future Nepal Friendship Organization
Bhagabatisthan, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.B.O.: 13481
Email: volunteeringtonepal@gmail.com
Website: http://www.volunteerhelpcenter.blogspot.com

Volunteer's Report Writting

 
Name : Anna, Carlota, Clara, and Ariadna (Spain)
Sex: Female
Program: Teaching in Monastery
1.    What did your average day look like?  
We woke up at 6:45am, had breakfast at 7am and went to Zumba lessons at 7:30. After the lessons we taught English at women's concern, the class used to start at 9am until 10 am. Then we had free time until 13:00pm that we went to Himalaya Deep Jyoti boarding school, we went to monastery and we taught to the little monks from 16:00pm to 17:00pm. Friday's we had the day off in the monastery and Saturdays also at school so we went to do sightseeing.

2.     Other things I did on my placement.
We went to the monkey temple, Bouddanath, Bhaktapur, statue of Shiva, Thamel…(sightseeing and hiking)

3.    What are some of the issues or challenges you faced? 
 The language barrier was challenging, sometimes it was hard to communicate with the teachers and the kids and also getting used to the traffic as well as the pollution.

4. Advice to next volunteer going to your placement?
Prepare the lessons because children really appreciate the effort and you will feel more secure while doing the class. Try really hard to fit in as soon as possible so that the culture shock is not too over whelming
.
5. Would you volunteer at this placement again?  
Definitely

6. Would you volunteer at this organization again?  
Definitely

7. Suggestion or problem?  
To have more information about the program before the placement even though once there you are really helpful.

8. Please write a Journal-type entry of you experience now. This will be for our monthly newsletter & also for our future Volunteers. It will be better roughly one full page.  
For the three firsts days we stayed at hotel lily and in the morning we had Nepali lessons with Durga and in the afternoon we did sightseeing. The first week we did the monastery program and we stayed at Durga's with two other volunteers from Israel and other from Sweden. The second week we went to another placement, an orphanage NCHPS, we had a really good time there but the living conditions were harder. For our last week we came back to Durga's and taught again at the school, monastery and the women's concern center.            


Name: Linnea Petersson (Swedish)
Sex: Female
Program: Teaching English in School
1. What did your average day look like?
I got up at 6:30 went to Zumba class at 7:30 after breakfast. Then at 9 I had English class with the women. After that I went to school to have English or some other subject with the children. I usually come back around 13 and then had lunch. On the afternoons I prepared for the next day and just do whatever I felt like, just chilling or going sightseeing.

2. Other things I did on my placement.
I went to the KAT Center in Kathmandu where the rescue stray dogs. It was very interesting to see their job and what they do for the animals.

3. What are some of the issues or challenges you faced?
Getting used to not having electricity at different times, especially if my phone was out of battery should have brought a flash light.

4. Advice to next volunteer going to your placement?   
Bring flashlight! And books if you are alone.

5. Would you volunteer at this placement again?   
It's possible but there are still many other countries I want to go to, but I recommend it.

6. Would you volunteer at this organization again? 
Yes.

7. Suggestion or problem?   
Maybe the possibility to work on a public school is the children are in more need of help with English. I liked the school and the children very much but they were already very good with the language and they had help from the teachers at all time.


Name: Christina Manriquit (US)
Sex:  Female
Program: Teaching English in School and Monastery.

1. What did your average day look like?
Class with little monks(grade 1) or tutor older monk from 8-9am. Substitute for science teacher at Himalayan Deep School 9:45 – 11:55am (grades 6 7 and 8). Class with older child monks(level 4) 4-5pm. Dinner at 7pm, lunch at 12pm, breakfast at 7am. Bed time at 9pm. Sunday – Thursday I volunteered. No afternoon class at monastery on Fridays.

2. Other things I did on my placement. 
Hike to White Gumba, but closed for 1 year for earthquake repairs. On Fridays and Saturdays, I went sightseeing in Kathmandu, Thamel.

3. What are some of the issues or challenges you faced?  
There were bugs in the apartment- cockroaches in my room. I had to buy bug spray. The bathroom was not as clean as I would have liked. Electricity + Internet outages were challenging because I used the internet and printer to prepare my lessons. There was little to no instruction by staff at school or monastery what to teach and what the children already knew and needed to learn. But overall it was a good learning experience in how to be flexible and creative.

4. Advice to next volunteer going to your placement? 
Be flexible – rigid lesson plans don't work. Make teaching as fun as possible- just as much play as learning.
Little monks love to draw and play with little cards. Lessons incorporating these activities were very popular.
Children are very wild and unruly at first but they settle down once they get to know the volunteer more and you make the lessons fun and engaging.
Don't be afraid to be very creative in your lesson plans or to take risk! (safe risks of course…)

5. Would you volunteer at this placement again?
I would like to volunteer at another Bhuddhist monastery possibly but live there instead of living outside the monastery.

6. Would you volunteer at this organization again?
 Yes- Durga and her family are very nice, friendly, helpful, and reliable and they genuinely care for their volunteers and the Nepal is who benefit for the programs.

7. Suggestion or problem? 
Ask volunteers to keep a reward of the lessons they taught and the materials they used. This will be helpful for next volunteer and the children too. Make a bathroom cleaning schedule.

8. Please write a Journal-type entry of you experience now. This will be for our monthly newsletter & also for our future Volunteers. It will be better roughly one full page.
I arrived at airport al 4am May 7. Durga arrived with a taxi to pick me up. I stayed at Hotel Lily for next 3 nights. There were 3 days of Nepali Language classes taught by Durga for 2-3 hours each day. The lessons were just the right amount of basic information to get around Nepali. There was sightseeing in the afternoon after classes with Divya, Durga's daughter for 2 hours. We went to Monkey Temple, Bouddhanath, and Durbar Square. I went trekking for 2 weeks and did a meditation retreat, then came to stay at Durga's apartment in Raniban, Kathmandu. The monastery and school where I taught were a 10 minute walk from Durga's house. I ate all my meals at Durga's because she is a great cook! Dinner time her two children were there too. Weekends(Friday and Saturday), I would take the microbus or taxi to Thamel and other parts of Kathmandu. Two Spanish volunteers arrived my last week and we went hiking in the nearby forest twice. Days were relaxed and there was plenty of time to prepare for lessons. I stopped going to teach at the Himalayan School because they had exams and there was no class. The last night the volunteers and Durga and her children went out to eat at restaurant nearby. It was very good.
Overall, had a lovely experience Durga and her family are very kind people. They are welcoming to foreigner and accommodating to their different needs and cultures. I really enjoyed talking to them and getting to know them.            


Name: Linda Cutler
Nationality: British
Gender:Female
Program: eco-village and teaching english


1. What did your average day look like?

Eco-village, Chitwan National Park
Our day began with "breakfast"at 7am - a cup of tea and popcorn - served with a smile by Bishnu.
 The day begins early due to the heat and also because  it is a working a farm.  Bishnu's mother, Amah,
loved to come and speak to us whenever we were eating, she spoke nepali and we spoke english and we
communicated beautifully.  Work on the farm begins about 8 am (although I understand this is earlier in
the very hot months) and everybody tucks into dal baht and vegetable curry at 10 am.  Your time is your
own during the heat of the day - going for a walk, sitting under the mango tree writing your journal...
Work begins again about 4 pm and continues until 6 or 7 pm, when more dal baht is served.  Most people
retire early due to the heat and also the regular power cuts.

My day was different due to the fact that i was not working on the farm.  I did not want to do physical work
so I spent my day cooking the meals and teaching some basic english to a group of local women. Their level
was quite basic, there were some resources there (eg flash cards, abc books etc, but there is nothing for a
higher level of english.  I guess when the library is finished this may change.
In Kathmandu I taught English at a local school.  The school was a 15 min walk and the day begins at 10 am, unless it is a festival (day off) or school holidays, and continues until 4 pm.  I taught three classes of 45 mins each, spaced out during the day, each class a different level and with a varying number of students,
one class having only 3 students!  I understand this changes from day to day.

2. Other things I did on my placement.
In Chitwan I went on a jungle safari on an elephant to see the black rhinos (we saw 2 that day).
In Kathmandu I went with Durga to a Hindu temple early on the morning of their New Year (April 14). It has a large prone statue of Vishnu on a pond.

3. Issues, challenges faced.

This was my first time in Nepal, although my daughter had visited a few years ago.  I am quite a bit older
than many of the volunteers and perhaps more set in my ways and less adaptable; that being the case, I found
the lack of water (and showers) a challenge; the diet takes some getting used to, not the dal baht specifically
as I am a vegetarian and love indian-style food, but eating a huge portion of rice and curry at 9 or 10 in the
morning was difficult to adjust to as was the lack of variety.

4. Advice to other volunteers.

None


5. Would you like to volunteer at this placement again?

Yes.

6. Would you like to volunteer with this organisation again?
Durga is very efficient and runs the organisation very well; she is very flexible and helpful, and you really get
the feeling that she cares for all her volunteers, like one big family.  So if I were to come to Nepal again as a
volunteer I would certainly use this organisation.

7. Suggestions

Nepali culture differs so much from others, particularly in the western world, that it is difficult for Durga and
Bishnu to understand that the volunteers may have different expectations from their placements. Things that may concern volunteers would not necessarily be important to nepali people. As an example, on my placement at the  school, I have spent a considerable amount of time sitting waiting for a class to take place, or for a book to be provided as a resource for teaching; to me,this is a waste of my time, and that of the school too, but for nepali people it is a way of life.  We are much more used to being busy and our time being filled.  This is not to say that I am criticising the nepali culture, it is simply an example to highlight where difficulties can arise. When I was in the eco-village again I felt that my time could be better used; I appreciate that most of the work in the village is physical but I would have appreciated more direction and guidance.

8. Additional comments

Whilst on my placement in Kathmandu, Durgu very kindly allowed me to stay in her apartment with her family. This was a great privilege for me: I was treated like one of the family and made to feel very welcome.  I would like to thank Durga, Diwash and Dibya for their kindness.  I hope that they have benefitted from the extra English lessons and the exchange of culture.  I am sorry if they did not appreciate my cooking!!