A real Difference

In the summer of 2012, I spent three amazing months at the Umbrella Foundation in Kathmandu. I was volunteering in a children's home, with thirty Nepali kids aged 8 to 18. While I was nervous at first, I never could have imagined how much I would enjoy the following three months. As a big brother, my duties included bringing the kids to school, helping them with homework, planning activities and, of course, playing hours and hours of football! I was able to build a strong, lasting friendship with the kids, providing them with the emotional support to grow personally. Achieving this in just a few months reflects the friendly and welcoming nature of the children at Umbrella, and the Nepali people overall. While living in Nepal requires stepping out of your comfort zone a little, it took no time at all for me to settle in. Day trips around Kathmandu with the children, as well as a volunteer's trip to Gurje, made me love Nepal even more. These memories will stay with me forever. What impressed me most about Umbrella was its sense of community. The children, volunteers and staff are one big family. Volunteering as a part of this family was a unique experience in which I was able to learn about myself, make new friends and help the amazing cause that is Umbrella. My only regret is that I didn't stay longer, it's only a matter of time before I go back! As a volunteering opportunity, I cannot recommend it highly enough!