Childcare Volunteering in Kathmandu, Nepal

Volunteering in Nepal with IVHQ has been the trip of a lifetime that I will forever be grateful for. I’ve made some lifelong friendships all around the world with likeminded people that similarly want to make a difference in the places that need it most whilst travelling and getting to experience new cultures. The IVHQ headquarters team were beyond helpful with organising and answering any questions we had. The local team were incredible. They were so helpful, accommodating and understanding when we wanted to adjust plans. They are highly knowledgeable on things to do, and have provided us with many add on activities to explore the country and culture. Whilst in Nepal they have helped organise a beautiful trek, a wildlife safari, temple viewing, and the opportunity to stay in a Buddhist monastery. Being able to live with a local Nepali host family was by far the most valuable way to experience the community and local culture. They cooked local food for us and we partook in their daily religious activities. We got to hear about their lives and stories, whilst being provided a home away from home; the host mother called me ‘daughter’. The volunteering experience was so eye opening. My first childcare placement was in a government school for kids that live in the slums. My host brother took me to see where they lived, and it was heartbreaking to witness some of the worst conditions I’ve seen. They live in a community along the river that overflowed during my stay, flooding their home (which hardly consists of a roof over their head). The annual flooding can make the community sick potentially leading to death. These kids live in awful conditions but you’d never know. They have unwavering spirit and determination to learn. The second placement was at a volunteer run childcare centre. I’ve never been so in awe of what people can do for others when they put their mind to it. This centre was run so well, funded only by donations and volunteers. It was made mostly for single, struggling parents who need to work to support themselves, but have nowhere for their kids to go. It provides the children with food and classes. It was so inspiring. This whole experience has been incredible that whilst I was still volunteering, I was already looking at which IVHQ destination I could go to next. Volunteering and supporting developing countries is something that you will never regret doing, and if you have the ability to help others, why wouldn’t you? I’d recommend this experience to everyone.