"Wherever we are and whatever we are doing, it is possible to learn something that can enrich our lives and the lives of others... No one's education is ever complete." -Sir John Templeton
Code
GoEco17
Location
Various locations in Nepal: Katmandu (capital city), Pokhara (second largest city), Chitwan (lowland region) and Langtang (mountain region).
About the project
Volunteers are welcome to assist local communities with education, sanitation and environmental awareness throughout the beautiful kingdom of Nepal.
A key element in local community development is the ability to further education and economic prosperity with out compromising traditional ways of life and the natural environment. This exciting project seeks, with the aid of motivated international volunteers, to improve the lives of the poorest and most marginalized members of Nepali society through education, sanitary living and environmental management programs. As a volunteer in this project you will contribute your skills and knowledge to Nepalese people, while gaining an in-depth experience of their culture and community. You will live with a local Nepalese family and meet other like minded volunteers from around the world.
Project dates
All year round.
Minimum stay 2 weeks.
Minimum requirements
·Above 18
·Families with children are also welcome
·Conversational English (A high level is required for English teaching)
·Strong motivation
·Keen interest in working with people
·Good communication skills
·Patience and open-mindedness to new cultures and customs
Volunteer tasks and contribution
As a volunteer in this project, you will contribute to one or more of the following programs:
Environmental and Sanitation Awareness: These education programs are conducted at a very basic level, introducing communities to concepts and creative activities concerning environmental management. Volunteers may also provide assistance to youth clubs or women's groups in the community sharing their ideas, skills and knowledge about environmental issues. Example projects include: creating "green" clubs, planting a flower garden, planting trees, garbage management, recycling programs, making a smokeless stove, building a toilet pit, etc.
English Language Instruction: Classes will be conducted in schools, libraries or Resource Centers. You will either be teaching alone, or with a trained educator, to classes of 10-80 students. The primary purpose of these classes is to further English comprehension and speaking abilities. Most students are 10-18 years of age, however, in some areas, you may be teaching women’s groups or professionals. You will be provided some guidance on activities, but you are expected to bring your own teaching methodologies as well.
Working in Orphanages: Your daily routine will depend on the particular placement. In general, tasks include improving children’s hygiene, assist with academics and English Language, Planning games and activities, and conducting cultural exchange and awareness.
Work in a Disabled Care Facility: Assist care givers and provide new care methodologies for children with a range of disabilities including Autism, Downs Syndrome, Physical and Mental challenges. You may also spend a small portion of your day to teach 'polite English' to care facilitators to better communication with medical staff, and other people.
Primary Health Care Expedition: Personnel with medical background (e.g. doctors, nurses and medical students) can apply for this volunteer expedition, providing basic health care to impoverished rural populations, and children of orphanages in Nepal. You can organize your own groups of 3-12 participants. Program start times are flexible according to your groups' needs. This will also be a cultural and sightseeing experience, as well as clinical application of medical knowledge to those in need.
Veterinary Care: Work in facilities that care for wild and domesticated animals.
Note: you may state your preferred program and location on the application form ("why did I choose this project") and we will do our best arrange that placement for you.
Accommodation As a volunteer, you will live with a traditional family, not more than 30 minutes from your volunteer placement. You will have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of Nepali life, culture, food and people. Be expected to share items which show their own culture, customs and to share information about their home with the family and the community. During your stay, you will become a member of the household, and participate in all activities including cooking, washing, working in the fields, and generally caring for the house and family. This is a great way to experience Nepali life.
Not just work...
With some of the highest peaks on earth, the Kingdom of Nepal commands incredible views and is rich in natural and cultural diversity. Depending on your placement you will have the opportunity to visit exciting areas, such as, the cultural city of Pokhara and the bio-diversity rich Chitwan National Park. You stay with Nepalese people will allow you to experience unique places and trek off the "beaten track" (Nepal is considered a trekkers paradise). Rafting, trekking, sightseeing and jungle safari trips can also be arranged for a low price.
Cost
Period
Cost
2 weeks
€400
4 weeks
€600
6 weeks
€675
8 weeks
€750
10 weeks
€800
12 weeks
€900
Price includes
·GoEco's administration fee
·Transportation to and from Katmandu Airport
·Transport to and from the village placement
·Accommodation and main meals during training period and placement
·Language and cultural information classes
·Staff's skill development training
·Administration and Government tax
·Food & Accommodation in Katmandu only, for 2 days (not Pokhara) for Visa Renewal, if your program is longer than two months.
·$30 USD visa fee for the first two months (to be paid at the airport upon arrival)
·$30 USD per month thereafter
·Departure tax of 1,700 RS (to be paid at the airport upon departure)
·Personal travel and sightseeing (trekking, jungle safari etc)
·Personal expenses (food, laundry, internet access, telephone, drinks)
How do I Register? Stage 1:If you would like to join this project, please complete the application form and submit it to GoEco. Stage 2: Once we receive your application form, GoEco will evaluate your suitability for the project that you have chosen. At the same time, we will check availability of dates. (When completing your registration form, it is advisable to indicate a second and third choice in case your first choice is fully booked or the dates wanted are not available). Once GoEco receives confirmation of your acceptance to the project, we will notify you immediately by e-mail.
Stage 3: Once you have been accepted on a project and we have answered any additional queries that you may have, you will be asked to send a deposit within 7 days of €190 in order to reserve your place. This deposit is non-refundable.
Stage 4: After receiving your deposit, GoEco will send you a Disclaimer form and a Declaration form as well as a file containing all the relevant information about the project, including recommended ways to reach the site. You should return the two forms, duly signed, by mail to our office. Only upon the receipt of these forms, will we be able to complete the registration process.
Stage 5: The balance of the project fee must be paid to the project manager upon arrival.
General note: It is important for you to know that during the registration process and the duration of the project, the GoEco team is always on hand to answer your questions and offer any assistance needed.
