On my arrival to Nepal I looked around in amazement at the crowded streets full of people, bikes, buses and…cows? I remember wondering where on earth I was and how I would ever settle in here.
Little did I know that 2 and a half months down the line I would be in love with Nepal and it’s amazing people.
I was greeted at the airport by Ishwori Thapa, the hostel warden. She showed me to the lovely Hostel where I would be living and made me feel immediately welcome and at home. Ishwori was my support and source of help if I needed it during my stay. She also became a great friend, inviting me to her house on many occasions to eat dinner, meet her family and dress me up in beautiful saris!
I was introduced to the girls of Little Gems Girls Hostel as they returned from their homes after Dashain festival. Words can’t describe how much I grew to love these girls. Their generosity and ability to make you feel like one of the hostel family is really touching. Each day I would help them with their homework before and after school. I also enjoyed teaching them to cycle and trying to keep up with the endless list of drawing requests I had! Their dedication to their studies, senses of humour and smiles are inspiring. Despite the hardships they experience they remain positive and graceful. These girls are making the most of the opportunities they are being given by Help to Educate, I feel so happy to have helped them get closer to their dreams. I have learnt so much from them and will certainly look at my life in a different way after meeting them.
I chose to teach 3 English lessons a day at the local Peace Garden School. My classes ranged from ages 7 to 13, and so were very excitable at times! I initially felt out of my depth faced with a full class and just chalk and a blackboard, but by the end of my stay I felt like a real teacher. Ideas started flowing and my confidence grew so much that I could even be first-name friendly with the children. I know that I made a difference and helped them, even if some days it was mainly with their conversation skills! The principal was incredibly helpful and supportive to me and a very interesting insight into life as a teacher in Nepal.
I became good friends with the grade 10 class who are the most genuine and kind-hearted group of people have ever met. They welcomed me into their homes and the beautiful Khokana village as a ‘sister’ during the many festivals. The experiences I had inside Nepali houses with families made my stay even more magical.
Volunteering with Help to Educate brings opportunities to travel this fascinating country with its mountains, jungles, lakes and bustling cities. With a bit of added time there are also chances to help the local people and learn more about how they live. The best part of volunteering with Help to Educate is the chance to make a real difference to deserving children’s lives and be fully immersed in the colourful Nepali culture. It is an added bonus that this comes with the chance to have the experience of a lifetime and make life-long friends.
Laura volunteered in Little Gems Girls Hostel and a local village school between October - December 2009. Thank you Laura!
