Description

Babita Beswkarma, like many of Nepal's orphans, has had a life filled with tragedy. When she was seven her parents died of AIDS and she was left in the hands of her fellow villagers, who treated her cruelly for a year until they finally rejected her, calling her the "AIDS girl". Finally left in the care of her uncle, she was made to work as a slave, without rights or property.

Babita's story is all too common in a country where starvation is rife, home sanitation and running water are incredibly scarce, and where this year, around 10,000 adults living with HIV/ AIDS are expected to die.

You can bring hope into the lives of these impoverished children, giving them the love and affection that they have been denied. You'll dance, sing, and play games with children as well as helping out in many small practical ways with washing and basic care giving in a remote mountain orphanage. The sound of children playing and laughing is your ultimate reward.

* What will I be doing?

The initial training period is designed to prepare you for the coming weeks, incorporating basic language lessons, classroom survival tips, cultural introductions and the chance to see some of the sights of Kathmandu. Upon completion of the training you will transfer to your placement, experiencing the adventure of Nepal along the way with activities that may include white water rafting and trekking.

The exact location of your placement will be determined by local need at the time, but you can be sure of the opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of the children you meet. Drawing on your own personal experiences, you may be involved in the teaching of any number of subjects ranging from English to basic hygiene, and although their lives have been harsh the children are extremely friendly and will be interested in learning all about who you are and where you come from. You will leave Nepal safe in the knowledge that you have contributed to a better future for some of the most marginalized communities in the region.

Highlights

Nepal is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing destinations in the world. With its combination of mystical Buddhist origins and peaceful and spiritual indigenous populations, it attracts those who wish to visit a less developed country where much of the ancient religious and cultural heritage has been maintained.

This unique program gives you the opportunity to combine spending time in the spectacular city of Kathmandu, where swallows swoop amongst the elegant spires of the ancient temples, with delving into vast nature reserves, and enjoying adventure activities in the dramatic mountain foothills. You will also have the chance to absorb local customs, observe traditional dances and festivals, and even learn to write and speak some basic Nepali. Finally, you spend an unforgettable time in an orphanage or school, where you teach, play and sing with children who have known little kindness in their lives.

* Visit one of the most intriguing destinations in the world.
* Teach English to the enthusiastic & friendly children.
* Explore the lesser-known regions of Nepal.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

GBP 795

Program Fees Include:

Before you go:
* Pre-departure support
* Travel & medical advice & documentation
* Equipment advice
* Discounted medical kit
* Free Frontier t-shirt
* UK TEFL training weekend if enrolled on TEFL BTEC course

In-country:
* Food
* Accommodation
* Airport pick-up
* Ground transfers
* Local orientation
* Project training
* In-country emergency support
* 24-hour international HQ back-up

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Frontier's Mission Statement

To conserve the world's most endangered wildlife and threatened habitats and to build sustainable livelihoods for marginalized and under resourced communities in the world's poorest countries. To create solutions that are apolitical, forward-thinking, community-driven, and innovative and which take into consideration the long-term needs of low income communities.

Year Founded

1989