Orphanage Work - Nepal

I volunteered for orphanage work in Nepal in 2011, and was a bit apprehensive about booking online. With the sea of scams and uncertainty, it's hard to know who can be trusted. After a few chats with past volunteers and a large amount of positive reviews online, I chose to go through IVHQ and was pleased to find the trip went smoothly.

The staff in NZ was very friendly and accommodating to some special requests I had prior to booking my trip, and I was able to pick the specific volunteer location I wanted to work at. Airport pickup went smoothly, and the hotel I was placed at in Kathmandu was located within walking distance of Thamel. The hotel staff was very accommodating and helpful, the food served was more than average, and the tours and lessons upon arriving were a nice way of getting a feel for the country. With all the new sights and sounds of a new place, it's easy to get overwhelmed. IVHQ's placement services took all the guesswork out of my arrival, and let me really enjoy my first few days there.

I was transported to a small orphanage outside Kathmandu a few days after arriving to Nepal, and received a warm welcome from the children and house staff. Accommodation was right at the orphanage where I had my own room, and it was simple but comfortable. Living right at the orphanage greatly enriched my understanding of what life is like for the boys, and it was great to be there day and night. Meals were basic, but since they were identical to what was traditionally served and consumed in Nepal, I was fine with them. We had running water, a heated shower, and power for a good portion of the day.

Most days were spent getting the children ready for school, walking them to class, and helping with homework afterwards. On the weekends we'd play games or walk into town, and sometimes I'd help out at the school with lessons. It's a slower way of life than I was used to, and if one doesn't have their heart set on really helping the children, it might turn into a boring experience. I loved it, and threw myself into helping, mentoring, and spending time with the children.

Nepal was a great experience, and I was able to see parts of the country on the weekends. Since there was really no set structure at the home, I was able to come and go as I wished. I took a mountain flight to see Mt. Everest, and did some canyoning up near the Tibet border. Prices were very inexpensive, allowing me to stay weeks longer than I could have afforded in other places around the world.

Like all new places and cultures, you certainly need an open mind when traveling to Nepal. It's vastly different than things are back home, but it's a wonderfully beautiful country filled with very warm and caring people. Just make sure you get out of Kathmandu and see what the country has to offer.