Description

By volunteering in Asia, you can change the lives of thousands of Nepalese by teaching them English and looking at ways to improve their lives locally. Nepal is ethnically a very diverse country, where the majority of the people live in small villages with a very traditional lifestyle. High in the Himalayas, life in a small village is not very lucrative financially and many migrate to Kathmandu in the hope of finding a job and an opportunity to break free from poverty.

The Tibetan minority in Nepal face numerous obstacles regarding finding employment and in their daily life in general. These obstacles range from poverty and low literacy levels to discrimination and legal uncertainty. Many do not have a residence card, which restricts their daily life to the extent where they cannot get a driver's license and their children cannot attend public school. In addition to this, many initiatives to improve their situation are blocked or complicated by political issues. The low level of literacy within these minority groups means that finding a job is extremely difficult. The project aims to help these minority groups by providing them with English tuition; a skill which is invaluable to them when seeking a job. The project also runs a job-placement database to aid them to find employment.

The project needs volunteers for 2 main roles: teaching and administration. Volunteers can do a mixture of these or focus on one area. With regards to teaching, the adult English classes are immensely popular and are always in high demand of volunteers. The project also requires help with marketing and the management of their website and job database. Anyone with skills in these areas are particularly welcomed to pass their knowledge on to the local staff.

Highlights

There are numerous things to see and do around Kathmandu. Among the highlights are the Three Goddesses Temple, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Mahakala Temple, Pasupatinath and Bodhnath. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy tasting the vast variety of tantalizing food and shopping and bargaining in the labyrinth of small restaurants and shops. Kathmandu is a complete mix of modern and ancient; with its software houses, tuk-tuk taxis buzzing around at breakneck speed, cows roaming the streets freely, mobile phones ringing, Buddhist monks in wingtips shoes, children playing on 500 year-old temples, the smell of incense, and images of Hindu gods everywhere. Sitting watching the world go by should be enough to keep you entertained for hours!

Himalayas

The most famous highlight in Nepal is certainly the Himalayas. There are many well-known treks here the most popular being the "Mount Everest Base Camp Trek". These treks can last anything from 8-16 days depending on the departure point therefore it is essential to have a reasonably good level of fitness.

Chitwan National Park

Home to the endangered Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhino, the Park offers the possibility of close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. Take an elephant safari through the lush jungle to experience a lost world of ancient trees and tangled vines.

White Water Rafting

Trisuli is Nepal's most famous rafting river and it offers great scenery, exhilarating rapids and impressive gorges. There are also easier sections for first-timers.

Qualifications

Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please see website.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Single or shared room in a homestay
* Food: 2 meals per day
* Airport Pick up and drop off
* Training: Pre-departure pack, On-site Orientation and project induction provided
* Support: 24 hour support
* Excursion planning: Staff will help organise trips and activities in your spare time (activities may cost extra)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Minority Groups
• Refugee Relief
• Social Services, Social Work

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

At least 18 years old.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008