Maya Universe Academy

Unlike all pre-fabricated abroad trips, this is still an authentic and true Nepal experience in the middle of this beautiful country. I had the time off my life in the 2 months I was here. Great people, both the volunteers as the locals.

This magical experience was, not only, unbelievably rich in knowledge, it also, completely bolstered my faith in humanity. to be able to witness such unconditional love and passion for the children is extremely inspiring. I have a genuine admiration for the "Maya" project, and its organizers. It was a huge privilege to be a part of it. However my words could not give justice to this beautiful place one would need to experience it for oneself. If you truly believe in a better world and the creation of this better world through the education of the children of humanity, Maya is the program for you.

The Journey The departure from Malta to Kathmandu was on Sunday 6th August 2017. Excitement started kicking in, mixed with a hint of sadness to leave family behind. I was traveling with my friend Maxine Busuttil. It was early morning when we arrived at Kathmandu airport, and it took a while to get the VISA permit. Once that was ready, we started our journey to the hotel in Kathmandu. We explored the city for a while and we meet Ms. Hannah Cremona and some other volunteers for lunch. All volunteers gave us very positive vibes and we couldn’t wait for the next morning to start our journey to Damauli. Following an 8 hour journey and with many questions and wandering, we arrived in Damauli and waited for a couple of hours till the local bus arrived at 3:00pm. It was very hot, but it was also lovely to have some time to observe how the locals go around the village during the day. I also got to meet a 16 year old girl who was studying English, and guided us to the school. It was also evident that locals are used to Europeans visiting Maya Universe Academy (MUA) as those who couldn’t speak English were asking each other if we were actually going to the school. Upon arriving to the school (after a very sweaty journey), we were greeting by some students who instantly introduced themselves and made us feel welcome. We met with Lea Miss (a french volunteer who is currently the coordinator), who showed us around the school and gave us brief information on how the school operates. We were shown to the volunteer house and went for a shower in the local tap and started meeting more hostel students (there are a total of 70 kids that are permanently living in the school hostel). The day always starts with breakfast, and later on the morning circle with students, teachers and the volunteers. It was very evident at this point, that the students are very self autonomous. During the first morning, I was instructed to do some agriculture, where together with some other volunteers, we walked to the forest, to clear grass from the lemon trees. It was a rather tough job, since the temperature was not ideal, but I did feel it was a new learning experience. In the afternoon, I had no tasks allocated, and together with another volunteer (Maxine), we decided to clean the volunteer house. The next days, I was instructed to help with teaching. I was assigned to different classes; Maths, English Tuition and Computer lessons. Every morning, together with the other volunteers the schedule of lessons is done and in a matter of minutes, you will see that all students are in their classrooms ready to start learning (Yes, sometimes they wanted to just play too). On Saturday’s there is no school, and while I was there, Ian Sir was planning a trip for students in Grade 2 to take them to Bandipur. All kids were very excited and it was agreed which volunteers would help during this trip. During this trip, we went around the village, visited a temple, went to a garden and later on lunch. Kids were spoilt that they as they could choose if they wanted MoMo or Chow Mei. They had a blast! Another off-school activity happened on a Monday, when the school had to be cancelled due the amount of rain and wind, which restricted students from the village to attend. Together with other volunteers, we decided to plan some games and activites, pitch in some gifts, and spent the day with the hostel kids, playing some games in the kitchen area. Daily, between 6pm to 7pm, students have study time, and on a number of days, I spent some time with the kids to help them with their homework or studying. Following this, there would be dinner and also loads of dancing, till it was bedtime at 8:00pm. This is the time where I felt I managed to connect with the kids. Volunteers are also assigned kitchen duties, and together with the kids, and the kitchen lady, I got the chop vegetables and clean the kitchen area. My last day was rather the hardest, kids kept coming in with flowers and letters, followed with a lot of tears from my end. The Experience Putting down the experience in words is very overwhelming. The feelings that I felt during my days in Nepal, especially once I arrived at Maya Universe Academy were like seawaves. However I did manage to pen some words on my first and last day and had them on placed on Social Media, in hope to inspire more people to try volunteering. The kids are very inspirational, and although there are times where you feel sorry that you can’t do more, they show you how happy and carefree they are. The benefits for the community Overall, I feel that the community gave me much more than I had to give, however on the other hand, I do feel that I’ve learnt how to understand a new culture that is totally different from Europeans. Experience how life can be beautiful without the hustle and bustle that we experience on a daily basis back home. Although I feel the time was very little, I did try to leave a mark in these kids life, especially while I was giving one-to-one tuition and also tried to clear the computer lab as much as I could to make it a better place. On the otherhand, they left an open door for me to keep exploring how I can help them in the near future. Personal benefits for the volunteer I cannot say I am a new person, however the students and the people I have met there taught me how one can lead a simple life, with the basic necessities yet be content and happy. Although it was nice to come back home, I know that one day I will get to see the kids again, with the aim to help them make their life even better. Apart from this, you do get to appreciate the simple things in life that we take for granted (Shampoo, Washing Machine, Biscuits...). Maya kids will remain part of my heart especially those who stole my heart a bit more.