| Volunteer in Nepal
created 23 October 2007 AdoptionsForever Volunteers has partnered with Pragya English School in Kathmandu to offer volunteers a rich, rewarding, truly unforgettable experience. Nepal is about the size of Arkansas, rich in history and cultural treasures, and has some of the best hiking trails on the planet. Kathmandu, perhaps the most exotic city in Asia and the cultural heart of Nepal, is the country’s capital. It is located in a wide valley, is known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is said to be a mystical city where myth entwines with legend. Having stated this, Nepal remains one of the poorest and least developed nations in the world. Pragya English School has made it their mission to educate as many as 450 impoverished and disadvantaged children from pre-school through high school, providing scholarships for the brightest and most talented. The school is currently looking for teachers, retired teachers, students and anyone with a willing heart, unique ideas, and a desire to help change the plight of these very deserving children. START AND DURATION OF VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS Volunteers can choose to volunteer for periods of 2 weeks to 5 months. They can begin their volunteer stay at any time of their choosing and plan trekking or other excursions around Nepal during their stay. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS If high school students (aged at least 16 years) are interested in going to Nepal, they should go as a group with a teacher or as an individual with a parent or guardian for supervision. Otherwise, the school would prefer volunteers to be 18 years of age and have graduated from high school. VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT DESCRIPTIONS TEACHERS In this program, volunteers can work by themselves or alongside other teachers and volunteers. Typical subjects taught include – English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, History, Geography, Art, Dance, Music, Physical and Health Education. Nevertheless, the school welcomes the expertise of its volunteers and welcomes subject material of all kinds. The academic year starts in April and the main holiday/vacation is held during the month of October, however, there are other shorter holidays/vacations throughout the year. Nepal celebrates many different festivals, which often disrupt school schedules. Volunteers DO NOT need to be certified experienced teachers. A willingness to be creative and work with young minds is all that is necessary. New ideas, plans and projects are always welcomed! TEACHER TRAINERS In this program, the school is looking for experienced teachers or retired teachers to share their knowledge and expertise with the school and its teachers. These volunteers may work closely with the director of the school to assist in the development of the school’s curriculum or arrange training sessions for the school’s teachers in a variety of subject areas from computer skills to teaching English. Again, new ideas, plans, and projects are always welcomed! MEDICAL PLACEMENT Healthcare is neither easily accessible nor affordable for many Nepali’s. Poverty creates a large barrier to the acquisition of healthcare in general. Volunteers are invited to provide health education to the students as well as basic healthcare services at the school. For the MEDICAL PLACEMENT, volunteers need to be trained or qualified in a relevant medical field. Therefore, volunteers are required to present a copy of their qualifications and/or certificates to our program partner before traveling. CONSTRUCTION Volunteers are needed for repairing, maintaining and enhancing the building and grounds as well as constructing new projects, etc. No special training is required but engineers/engineering students are welcomed to help with the concrete planning and any one with an artistic flair is welcomed to help make our surroundings more cheerful and inviting. LIBRARIAN We are looking for a volunteer librarian to help create a library with a computer lab. This volunteer would help students learn about research techniques, develop workshops and seminars for the public and help with fundraising efforts for the library. ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS Volunteers have options. They are welcome to stay at a hotel/hostel which can be arranged but at the volunteers own expense. A more affordable option would be to stay at a Home Stay with a Family or share a flat with another volunteer at the home of the School’s Director and his wife. If in a home stay, the host family is paid (from your nominal program fees) to ensure you are sufficiently accommodated and well fed. Food is traditional Nepali fare and meals are always generous and diverse. COST OF VOLUNTEERING There is a $175.00 registration fee and a fee of $125.00 for room and board for the month. This does not include traveling to Nepal, visa, airport departure tax and trip excursions. Twenty dollars per week is recommended to cover expenses such as personal care items, bottled water, etc. All costs relating to your volunteer experience (including airfare) will be tax deductible. NEPAL INFORMATION Capital: Kathmandu Population: 26 million Official languages: Nepali is the official language but English is widely spoken Currency: Rupee Time zone: GMT + 5:45 hours Kathmandu Climate: The Kathmandu Valley has a pleasant climate most of the year. Between October and March it can become cold at night although it is sunny and warm between mid-morning and afternoon. In the monsoon season, June-September it rains heavily but nowhere near Kathmandu. Adoptions Forever 509 Strathmore Road Havertown, Pa. 19083 610-853-2635 www.adoptionsforever.org E-mail: Adoptionsforever@yahoo.com slokyl_2000@yahoo.com |