I just returned after a month in Pokhara where I
volunteered for 2 weeks in a Buddhist Monastery and
then 2 weeks in an orphanage.
I have previously volunteered in 9 different locations
around the world, and have used 4 different
organizations for my placements, both large and
small. Alliance Nepal, and particularly its director
Krishna was/is the absolute perfect choice for anyone
considering volunteering in Nepal and the Pokhara area
in particular.
First, all the logistics worked perfectly. Was met at
the airport in Kathmandu, a hotel room had been
arranged the first nite and getting me to Pokhara went
smoothly.But it was when I got to
Pokhara that Krishna shined… and showed why I was so
glad I chose Alliance Nepal. It is because Krishna
is personally involved in the entire placement, it is
not delegated to another person.Krishna
also is the easiest fellow to speak with and is
committed to making sure the volunteer has the best
experience possible…. He is just a top shelf person,
totally trustworthy, honest and has made this his
passion and life’s work.
Like I said, I’ve been volunteering for years and know
what I look for in a placement. He placed me in a
Buddhist monastery where 3 other organizations I
contacted couldn’t for January when I was going to be
there.(I taught English to the monks).
Home run! Then the next 2 weeks I wanted to be at an
orphanage as I have done so 5-6 times previously.I must say, it was the best run orphanage I
have worked with and the kids were incredible.
Perhaps I just got lucky with my two placements… but I
don’t think it was luck. Krishna just knows Pokhara
and the placements and NGO’s available there… he was
great!Also, he had me over to his home
twice to share daal bhaat meal with him and his
family, set up paragliding and sightseeing stuff for
me to see….
Anyway, for anyone who wishes to read my online travel
journals and the one about Pokhara, go to
www.Travelpod.com/members/splunk . Feel
free to also email me at
greatevnt@aol.com and
I’ll be glad to try to answer any questions you may
have.
Anyway, Krishna and Alliance Nepal are excellent and I
don’t believe you can do better if you are looking to
volunteer in Nepal. Thank you Krishna.
If you are considering spending time in
Nepal and want to get involved with a volunteer
program then I would strongly advise you to use
volunteers alliance Nepal, I spent 5months living and
volunteering with this organisation and it was one of
the best decisions
I ever made!
I think what initially attracted me to
using Alliance Nepal was the flexibility which it
allowed. I knew I wanted to spread my time exploring
the country whilst volunteering on different
projects. Krishna immediately was so warm, welcoming
and fantastic at allowing me to be flexible with the
time I had.
The early days of arriving and getting
used to being in such a different country and culture
were all eased by the support of Krishna and his team.
I was able to spend some time learning a little of the
language before I moved in with a Nepali family.
I spent the first 3months of my trip
living with Krishna’s family in a village about an
hour north of Pokhara. I think being able to live as
part of a Nepalese family was a huge bonus in being
able to fully understand what ‘real Nepali’ life is
like. Although slightly overwhelmed at first, I felt
extremely welcomed into the home and absolutely loved
my time there. I learnt so much in those first three
months and my language was certainly tested as Ama had
very little English! I never thought I would actually
wake up and look forward to a plate full of rice and
curry but I grew to love eating Dahl Bhatt.
Whilst living in the village, I spent
my days teaching English in the local school. This
was a real eye opener into the world of Education in
Nepal and very different to what I was used to in
England, however I found the pupils and staff very
warm and welcoming and have fond
memories of discussions over Nepalese politics
with the staff!
As previously mentioned I’d wanted to
spend some time exploring more of the country and
decided to do the Annapurna circuit trek which took
around 2 weeks to complete. This was such an amazing
experience and it was wonderful to be immersed in the
awesome Hilmalaya seeing some of the most breathtaking
sites. Krishna helped me organise the trek and I
linked up with a couple of other volunteers who wanted
to do the same trek. Being able to share your
experiences with other volunteers in invaluable and
will create memories that you will never forget.
For the final month that I was in
Nepal, Krishna organized for me to spend time in an
orphan home. There were only 5 children at the home,
which meant that you could really get to know them
individually and build great relationships. Some of
my favorite memories from this time are going out onto
the lake and swimming with the kids and taking them to
make batiks. The children are wonderful and have such
open hearts which makes it difficult when you have to
say goodbye.Overall I had the most amazing 5months in
such a beautiful country and was extremely touched by
the loving nature of all the Nepalese people. I
gained treasured family and friends, who I hope to see
again and again in the future. The support from
Krishna throughout the time I was out there was just
amazing and the projects he run are so invaluable to
the communities out there.
I had the wonderful opportunity of being able to volunteer
at the Himalayan Children Care Home in Pokhara this past
summer. Alliance Nepal (AN) was with me every step of the
way, from arranging my ride from the airport to guesthouse,
to calling a taxi for me on the day of my departure. I felt
like AN truly
cared about my well-being, both emotional and physical.
Krishna, AN's director, showed me around Pokhara on my first
day, and arranged 1:1 language lessons for me before I
arrived at the placement.
My favorite experience at the orphanage is when the
volunteers arranged a trip to the local pool. (The orphanage
does not have a lot of extra money for any luxuries, so
volunteers offered to fund the trip. Total cost was about
$35 for bus rental and admission to the pool.) The children
were absolutely ecstatic and so eager to learn to swim. Many
of the children had only ever been in a pool once or twice
before, and only one or two of them could actually swim.
As a volunteer, I would encourage you to be proactive about
creating opportunities for yourself and for the children.
The administrators of the home are extremely kind and only
want what is best for the children. If possible, bring a
little extra spending money to buy the kids a new football
or to buy mango and pineapple for a fruit salad. If that's
not within your means, just be willing to take the kids to
the park, teach them a new song, or learn their favorite
game. The children are just so happy to have you there.
My one disappointment that came from the trip was actually
from the other volunteers. I was the only Alliance volunteer
at the orphanage, but was surrounded by volunteers from
different organizations from around the world. There were
many amazing people who I met as a volunteer, but there were
also others who seemed to regard the trip as either a
vacation or a punishment. I know that volunteering is not
for everyone and that it can be difficult to be away from
home and adjust to different living conditions, so that is
why I would not take the decision to volunteer lightly. You
are a guest in another country and are there to help make
the lives of children better.
Namaste! The volunteering programme in Nepal is definitely a
once in a lifetime experience for me! I feel so grateful to
have the opportunity to visit their schools, orphanages,
disabled centres and getting to know more about Nepali
lifestyle while staying in their village. It was a truly
wonderful experience that is hard to express in words. A big
thank you to Alliance Nepal for always being there whenever
any assistant is needed! I will definitely hope to go back
to Nepal again someday!! Thank you for making all the
arrangements and making this experience so memorable!
If anyone is interested to do volunteering in Nepal or find
out more about Nepal, feel free to contact me at chenleemei@gmail.com
. I'll be more than happy to share with you my wonderful
experience!!! =)
Volunteering in Nepal was a once in lifetime experience and
I would 100% recommend this to my friends and family. I feel
as though I was given a chance to experience both the
cultural, traditional and tourist lifestyle when I visited.
From teaching in a school, to helping in an orphanage I felt
that I got the true feeling of living in Nepal.
I felt that everything was organised in a great way and I
was able to gain full potential of my time here.
I especially found trekking one of the highlights of my trip
as this was the first time that I have done anything along
these lines and despite at times where I wanted to give up,
I felt that the people I was with gave me the push I needed
to make it to Annapurna base camp.
People in Nepal are amazing and it is so interesting to see
just how creative these children are and how they appreciate
the smaller things in life. It was a real eye opener and I
feel I learnt a lot and it has contributed to the way I see
things now that I am back home.
I do miss the times I shared with everyone I met in Nepal
but I appreciate all the memories that I have made and that
I can pass on to my friends and family when I talk about my
trip to Nepal.
Hope everyone gets the chance to experience the amazing
opportunities I have had in Nepal.
Thank you and I wish you all the best and hope you carry on
doing the good work that you have been doing!!!
Harpreet xx
Email:harpzgrewal@hotmail.com
London.UK.
his has definitely been the most memorable
six weeks of my life - they've been so good that I really
don't want to go home yet! From my very first day I have
been made to feel so welcome even children in the village
would come and greet me everyday and ask how I was.
I love Pokhara, Nepal, the people, the land and the food so
much. This has been the best experience of my life and as
soon as the chance arises again I will come back for as long
as possible.
Thank you Alliance Nepal for placing me in such a lovely
community - with a very special family and with very
beautiful children.
Jessica , Scotland
My experience in Nepal has been unlike any
other of my life. I have learned more than I ever imagined
about Nepali culture, food, history, traditions, geography
and lifestyle.
I have gone from emotions of fear to excitement , from
sadness to happiness. I have truly been able to immerse
myself in another culture and have found Nepalese to be the
most friendly and generous people I have ever met.
This has been an eye- opening experience that I know I will
never forget. I feel lucky to have had the chance to
participate in such a program.
Hoffman,
Maple Grove, MN, USA
I've had such a great time in Pokhara, Nepal
with Alliance Nepal. The volunteer work was a wonderful
experience, I've met so many friendly people + I have always
been made to feel welcome at Alliance Nepal, a home away from
home...
Just wanted to say a BIG FAT THANKS to Krishna and keep up
the good work!
Hope to see you again.
Mabel
Portland, Oregon, USA
My experience with Alliance Nepal is
unforgettable. Oh my God...Memory of sarangkot and pokhara,
I canot forget. My wife and I were living With a family, in
a village west of Pokhara. Everyday, we were teaching
English in shree Mani jothi Lower secondary school sarangkot
approximately 40 students in every class. it was really have
interesting discussions, debates, and talk about more
concrete topics in class, such as politics, environment,
culture, etc.Iam interesting in carpentry My wife Clara were
working in the local sarangkot health post sarangkot. Even
if she is practical Medical knowledge was limited when she
arrived, the nurses and assistants were really kind with
her, teaching her what they knew. From patients' examination
to injections, She learned to do everything that can be done
in a health post! We donate some fund for health post and
some to organization for schooling to poor children.
People from Alliance Nepal were really supportive too. before
beginning, they gave us Nepali language classes, introduced
Nepali culture and showed us important places around Pokhara.
During our volunteer work, they were always present and
supportive, giving us teaching materials for our classes and
more.
I will never forget what I learned in Nepal, and will always
remember My nepali friends and our host family I was placed
to mr krishna Timilsina"s family. It was lovely and nice
family we get English speaking environment there and we
never faced language problems there .Sarangkot is very
interesting place to see sun rise and sunset
It is lasting impressive for me. Thanks.
David and Beth
Cambridge U.K.
I cannot describe it in this small pieces of
paper Thanks to Mr Krishna , Director of this organization
who provide me this chance to write few words about this
organization.
I have got some chance to see some activities in rural area.
Alliance staffs welcomed me, touched me and even more, continues
to touch me... Here is in some words an outline of what was
my environment and my daily activities for the few months
spent in this beautiful country…
The introduction in the community made possible with the
help of Alliance Nepal, and the NGO (non governmental
organisation) was always there during key moments of our
volunteering project, although not overprotective, leaving
place for us to organize our activities. We were lodged by a
familyin kaskikot which was very much involved in the
community for the total duration of our training course.
Dimension of the family life was if not more important as
much as the activities we had during our stay. Since the
family and community values are very present and strong
within the Nepalese culture, living with people of the
community enabled us to be an integral part of the village
and thus made the meeting and development of relationships
easier. The contact with the culture itself, the life
habits, traditions, festivals, etc was thus very strong. The
exchanges with the members close to the family were very
nice . Kaskikot is very interesting place to stay and
everybody feels very easy there.
Monica
Manila.
Philippines.
Where should I strats,? Last month, I was in
pokhara as teaching volunteer . I was placed to shree Jana
Jagrit higher secondary school sarangkot it is 7 K.M. from
pokhara. I was amazed at the trust and love the children
shared with me after knowing me. The basic day was an early
rise followed by exercise. The kids had great energy that
needed to be utilized. Then came their class with the
English teacher at first. I was able to just sit with the
children and provide help with spelling, speech and writing.
Dal Bhat came next before heading off to school at ten. When
the children were occupied elsewhere I would head into the
office to do some paperwork. We would usually have a few
games in the afternoon. Such as hide n seek, cycling,
drawing and reading. The second time for the English teacher
to come was at around half five. I can definitely see the
progress they are making which will help them at school. Dal
Bhat at 7, followed by more games and the occasional comedy
programme on TV. Bedtime was early at 9pm, but remember in
Nepal most people are up by round half 5 to 6am. My
placement was too short for my liking and I am already
planning my second trip in a few years time. My role as
older brother and supervisor was demanding but also
rewarding at the same time. I recommend voluntary work in
Nepal to anyone who is searching for a fantastic opportunity
to give something back to the community and come away
feeling very fulfilled.Thanks to Krishna for providing me
this chance and Krishna small for language teaching .
Lewis Rob
Turky.
I am pleased to get this chance . Nepal, is
wonderful country , friendly and frank people Mr Krishna and
other staffs I cannot forget them My one month stay with
Krishna and Alliance Nepal .
In the beginning of 2005 it was long lasting .we had nice
trekking in Nepal. Lovely place to see there I hope my
little help to a community school at Shree Amarjothi Lower
secondary school will be fruitful. We handed this fund to
school to makes for school Furniture. Thanks to Mr. Krishna
to manage all.I will explain details when I back in France
this much now.
It’s a joy for me to be able to work as a volunteer in
Nepal. The experience I have gained will always be
remembered and cherish.
Firstly, I have no reservation in recommending Alliance
nepal to family and friends. The staff is friendly and
efficient. They are trustworthy and reliable. Every 2 or 3
days one of the staff from Alliance Neapl would come and
visit or call to check on me and another volunteer, David
from Germany. In short, this is what I called “Personalised
Service” which I received from Alliance Nepal.
It was wonderful that Alliance Nepal had arranged for me to
stay with a very nice host family. Throughout my stay with
my host family, I was able to observe their local cultures
and traditions as well as I enjoyed eating Nepal’s national
food, daal-baaht.
I was placed to do my volunteer service at “Annapurna Child
Home” with 22 children. My first impression of “Child Home”
was shocking. I regret to say it has very poor facilities
yet it has given me a better insight and a valid reason that
I could do something to help the local volunteers and
children there.
David and I were honour to be their first batch of foreign
volunteers at “Child Home”. To be honest, although both of
us are inexperienced in volunteering and caring the
children, we did our best to teach and play with the
children. I should mention here that communication with the
children is a HUGE problem as most of them are young and do
not know how to speak English. Nevertheless, when there’s a
will, there’s a way.
One of our biggest project or achievement in “Home” was to
brighten up the gloomy girls’ and boys’ room. We had a
wonderful time in painting some cute cartoons in each room,
including the kitchen. The end result was beyond words to
describe. We also discovered some kids are talented in
drawing and crafting. I truly hope these kids will be given
an opportunity to explore whatever talent they have been
blessed into a skill which will come in handy when they grow
up.
Although I’m back in Singapore now, I never stopped thinking
of the children and people I met in Nepal. May all sentient
beings in this world are blessed with loving, kindness and
compassion.
cared about my well-being, both emotional and physical.
Krishna, AN's director, showed me around Pokhara on my first
day, and arranged 1:1 language lessons for me before I
arrived at the placement. 
