I feel completely out of my depth, faced with the daunting prospect of stepping into a room of 27 expectant, bright and perceptive children, with no formal teaching experience, equipped only with chalk, blackboard and my imagination to keep my young charges entertained throughout the class 
Gaynor Parkinson
Nepal is a kingdom with an intriguing history, delightful people, rich cultural diversity, enigmatic religious practices, and, of course is home to the most breathtaking mountain range, on the ‘roof of the world’. In juxtaposition to this is the heartbreaking poverty that many Nepalis still live in. I was fortunate enough to experience both ends of the spectrum during an exciting and unforgettable three months in this gorgeous country. I volunteered at ‘Little Gems’ girls’ hostel and at nearby Tri-Ratna school, teaching English to Nepali children.
I arrive in Kathmandu uncertain of what to expect from children who, as former child labourers, have undoubtedly been through difficult experiences in their young lives. The lively, affectionate and inquisitive children I meet on my first day pleasantly surprise and delight me. I undergo a rigorous inspection and my hair, clothes and jewellery are closely scrutinised. Even my freckles are remarked upon by giggling children and I realise that, as one of only a few white people in the village, I must look very strange to them. The rural village of Bungamati is a small hive of activity, where random goats, chickens and ducks boldly trot around and people conduct their everyday lives outside in the streets. I get many curious stares during my frequent wanderings, though by the end of my stay I am decked out like a Nepali lady, with glittering bangles adorning my wrist and mendi-stained hands, in a feeble attempt to ‘blend in’.
My hostel and teaching itinerary are finalised, in collaboration with the Nepali charity co-ordinator, Rabindra. I plump for teaching 2-3 English classes each day, with weekends free. I am told I can teach Maths and Science if I wish, (subjects taught in English language), but politely refuse, following unpleasant flashbacks of my own nightmarish GCSE classes in these most hated of subjects.
I feel completely out of my depth, faced with the daunting prospect of stepping into a room of 27 expectant, bright and perceptive children, with no formal teaching experience, equipped only with chalk, blackboard and my imagination to keep my young charges entertained throughout the class. I do my best to fake assuredness and confidence in an attempt to hide my inner terror. The pupils demonstrate an impressive grasp of English and can’t help thinking that I will learn a lot more from them than they will learn from me.
As my three months progress, my confidence develops for real, as does my imagination in devising educational games which hopefully the kids will enjoy more than the unspeakably tedious textbooks. I enjoy going home each evening to my wonderful Nepali host family and their Labrador, Blackie, who stations herself under my bed to sleep most nights. At the hostel, I help with the cooking, the kid’s homework and try to satisfy their insatiable appetite for games and general tomfoolery.
I have plenty of opportunities to explore the country, visiting the birthplace of the Buddha and enjoying a fascinating week in Tibet, among other places. I get to know my way around the wonderfully chaotic streets of Kathmandu and spend many happy hours exploring the winding alleys of Thamel, with their glittering array of goods for sale. I visit Buddhist monasteries and sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, finding out more about the afore-mentioned enigmatic religious practices and enjoying the colourful pageantry on festival days. I discover the delights of sweet lassi, paneer and Nepali gin, frequenting the many ‘hairy hippy’ bars that Thamel has to offer. I quickly learn to avoid the back of the bus during fun-filled dodge-the-pothole journeys, but don’t quite manage to pluck up the courage to ride on the roof. A highlight of my trip is experiencing the majesty of Mount Everest on a mountain flight.
In contrast to all this is the poverty that many people still live in. For my first visit to Asia, I experienced a way of life so very different to my own. I felt immersed in the culture and daily life that put into perspective my expectations for my own future. It will certainly involve the many kind and generous people I met in Nepal and the gorgeous Little Gem’s girls, who impressed me with their insouciant approach to life, despite having had difficult childhoods.
I highly recommend the experience to anyone interested in volunteering in this special country, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
