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Volunteer 1 :
My Experiences About Volunteering
and Nepal.....
1.
Nepali Language Training Course
I was extremely grateful to Teka for providing this
service. Even though I was only in Nepal for three
weeks, learning and practicing Nepali with my host
family was beneficial when out in the community. I feel
that people are much more willing to help and welcome
you into their culture because they see that you are
taking an interest and making an effort in a foreign
environment
2.
Home stay with Nepali family
The time spent at home with my host family is one of the
most memorable things about my experience. They welcomed
and accepted me into their home from day one and tried
to make me feel as comfortable as possible, even when I
was sick. I think staying with a family allows you to
experience things that you would never be able to if you
traveled to Nepal just as a tourist. For me it was
experiencing a relatives wedding. I felt special and
honored to be invited to those two days of ceremonies,
parties and eating! But it was the simple things such as
hanging out together, talking and enjoying delicious
Nepali food that stand out as some of my favorite times.
3.
School Teaching
The students at the government schools are some of the
most motivated, energetic and caring children I've ever
met. They are eager to learn not only the curriculum but
also about you and your country. The teachers welcomed
me into their workplace and were always open to new
ideas.
As with most government schools though, there were many
problems and challenges. One major problem is the lack
of proper teacher training. As far as I understand, the
majority of teachers in government schools have had no
formal education or training in the teaching profession.
While some teachers care about and are concerned with
their students futures, many see jobs at these schools
as just a way to earn an income. You can make up for
lack of resources by providing donations of books, pens,
games, etc. But to solve the problem of ineffective
teachers you need to change the system. Ideally I would
like to see Teka provide training for teachers of
government schools. Not only for how to better and more
efficiently teach the curriculum, but also for how to be
better role models and overall educators.
4.
Volunteering in Children Shelter
Volunteering in the shelter was the highlight of my stay
in Nepal. I love those kids and I really wish I could
have spent more time with them. When I think about the
histories of each and every one of them it fascinates me
to see such happy and loving children. Of course they
fight amongst each other and get on each others nerves,
as would any group of children or siblings; but when it
comes down to it they are amazing at working together,
supporting and looking out for one another. If it wasn't
for the staff, the programs and the opportunities that
saathi provides these children would not be such strong
individuals.
One thing that I'd love to see is the kids use their
skills and interests in some kind of community event.
They love singing, dancing, reading and playing sports.
Whether it be a talent show or a football tournament
with other local children, giving the children a project
with this type of goal could be not only beneficial to
their development but of course extremely rewarding.
5.
Village Stay
Staying in the village was such a unique experience. How
often do you get to eat delicious homemade rotis, watch
your host cousin milk the family cow and then drink the
freshest milk there is, or enjoy the sunrise over a
peaceful mountain village? One of the first things I
noticed was how clean the air and the environment was.
Quite a shock actually when coming from central
Kathmandu. I must admit I was a little worried as I
wasn't sure what to expect exactly...but my host family
was so happy, loving and generous that all my fears
instantly disappeared! I truly enjoyed learning about
life in the village and their relationship to the rest
of Nepal.
6.
Complementary Service (at Osho) and Yoga
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Osho was.....interesting. It was very peaceful, relaxing
and educational. Set in the mountains at the edge of the
Kathmandu Valley, Osho and the activities that take
place there are absolutely magical. I had ever
participated in (or even heard of) dance meditation
before going to Osho so I didn't have any expectations.
There was no instruction at the retreat so at first I
felt extremely lost and confused but as I gave it time I
slowly got into this style of meditation. I think the
best thing for me was the music; both calming and
energetic sounds filled the room at each session. There
were some exercises that I couldn't get into at all but
it was definitely a learning experience. Another great
thing about Osho is the food! All meals are vegan,
everything is fresh, and it's 'all you can eat'! |
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Practicing Yoga with Yoga Guru. |
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Yoga became the highlight of my mornings in Nepal. Guru
was a considerate, patient and experienced yoga master.
I was grateful to study some of the yoga theories and
background and properly learn the basic positions. I
truly miss meeting with and learning from him.
7.
Sightseeing
Both my host family and their many volunteers made sure
that I saw all the famous and historical sights in and
around Kathmandu. I think the best thing though about
staying with a host family was that I got to see the
smaller, less touristy spots. And I got to ride around
town on the back of a motorbike!
8.
Nepali Wedding
I was very fortunate to have been in Nepal at the time
of a family wedding. Learning about the many ceremonies,
procedures, and events that take place during this
important Hindu celebration was one of my favorite
things about Nepal. There are so many details that go
into making the ceremony a success and it was
fascinating to watch everything unfold. I felt honored
to be a guest and to participate in this couple's
special occasion. One thing I definitely discovered that
day is that Nepalese people love to party, they know how
to party right, and if you're not parting, they'll make
sure you are!
8.
About the program cost
I initially thought that $250 (us dollars) was expensive
for only 3 weeks in Nepal. However, when I think about
the services provided by Teka and the programs into
which my donation is going I realize that this cost is
reasonable.
9.
About the overall program.
As I was only in Nepal for such a short period of time I
would have liked to have started volunteering from my
first or second day there. I think it would have been
more beneficial (both for me and the children) if I had
simultaneously studied and done yoga in your home and
volunteered at the school and the shelter. For example,
study/yoga in the morning and volunteer in the
afternoon. I could have gone sightseeing on the
weekends. All in all, I was very pleased with my program
as it gave me motivation to continue volunteering and
contribute to Teka in any way that I can.
10.About Teka
I think if anyone is considering volunteering in Nepal
please seriously think about going through Teka. Teka is
a small organization run by two intelligent, experienced
and compassionate people. The work they do covers a
broad spectrum of issues currently of concern in Nepal.
One special thing about Teka is how they work with your
interests and desires to develop a program that you not
only feel comfortable with but one in which you can be
the most productive.
11. About Nepal
I can honestly say that Nepal is the most beautiful
country I have ever visited. Its people, its culture and
traditions and its natural environment stand out as the
most honest, richest and magical in the world. Generally
speaking, Nepalese are proud and generous. They are full
of stories and pride and I felt honored to be a guest in
their country. Sure, it's difficult to always be face to
face with the poverty, pollution and problems that
effect this country, but every nation has it's negative
side, albeit some worse then others. That's why it's our
responsibility as able and fortunate people to make sure
everyone is provided for.
10. Recommendation to other volunteers
Take the time to stay in the village, travel throughout
Nepal and talk with as many people as you can. I
recommend staying in Nepal for at least one month if you
want to truly experience this amazing country.
Sarah Faith
O'Hagan
Canada
faithcummings@yahoo.com
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