Community Centers Volunteering in Pokhara, Nepal

Having recently retired I was new to overseas volunteering - Projects Abroad were extremely well organised and very attentive to details to make this a truly life changing experience. The opportunity to teach so many wonderful children and to meet their teachers is an opportunity not to be missed. I highly recommend Projects Abroad

Meandering through the narrow streets of Katmandu on my way to my placement I wondered if I was totally mad and would I survive this city of chaos. Once I met Bhavani, our project leader, I totally relaxed. She was an excellent leader and explained everything I needed to know. She anticipated a lot of my questions and I felt at home. When we got into the school to do our painting we were made feel very welcome. I cannot describe how beautiful each and every child is. The second week we assisted teachers and enjoyed every minute with these amazing children.

Projects Abroad responded to this reviewNovember 24, 2023

Thanks for sharing your experience in Nepal, Ailish. We're pleased to read that Bhavani made you feel relaxed and at home. We appreciate your nine star review — we'd love to learn if there was more we could have done to make this ten star for you (and potentially, our future participants). Please contact us on [email protected] if you'd like to continue this conversation. Thanks for choosing Projects Abroad!

Personal limits I think the programme is very good because it helped me test and move some of my personal limits especially through trekking and bungy jump. I like the very social aspect of the group but I do not see our contribution to the local community unless we choose to do volunteering work.

I had joined in Nepal as a volunteer a few months ago for teaching and absolutely loved my experience. The local team is fantatic and I can not recommend this program enough. I would definately apply to Volunteering Journeys! Thank you Anish and team for a fantastic time..

My experience with children (from 1 to 7 years old) was very impactful for me: on an emotional and physical level. Maybe I wasn't really ready to live in a condition of poverty, I didn't have all the fundamental information to best face the experience. I mean my help was probably limited compared to what I could have given them (children and my wonderful nurturing family). It was an enriching but very hard experience on a personal level for me.

I previously participated in a trip abroad to represent my country abroad in the field of art and music, and we got third place in singing. I am a girl who loves to travel and help others, especially since I am a doctor. I am used to caring about the health of others. I strive to volunteer in many fields

From beginning to end this was a great volunteering experience. In advance of the trip there is help in place so one can prepare for the trip and a Destination Expert to answer questions via email or by phone if preferred. As detailed in advance I was met at the airport and brought to Hotel Dream City, Kathmandu. This was the accommodation for our group for the 2 weeks of our project. The hotel manager Mr. Ram Hari is especially hospitable and he and the staff looked after us so well; all our requests were catered for and we felt very welcome. If you want to experience Nepali hospitality you can find it here. The Projects Abroad staff members were also fantastic. Induction was invaluable, giving an accurate indication of the work to be undertaken at the school where we were assigned. We were also given some insight into Nepali culture. Each journey undertaken was an experience in the sights and sounds of Kathmandu and one could only be fascinated by the driving also! Work at the school was appreciated and participation by the children was great - there was a lot of fun had by all! We had a lovely welcome and send off at the end of our time. The Grown up Special projects also offer a cultural experience and we enjoyed Nepali dance and food, local sightseeing, momo making and a trip to Pokhara. I think it's important to say that I enjoyed all aspects of the project and our group shared many laughs with Bibek, Bhawani and Rajesh. They are wonderful ambassadors for Projects Abroad in Nepal. They were happy to answer our many questions and share information about the Nepali people and culture. If you're looking for a trip with a difference look into volunteering with Projects Abroad!

Volunteering in the Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital in Bharatpur was an amazing experience. All of the doctors, interns, and medical students were extremely receptive to me being there, and were happy to teach me about any medical process I did not know. The host family is extremely friendly, and the weekend trips were incredible! This is a great place to learn about how medicine can still be meaningful with limited resources.

I had a time of my life i just want live the real life, compartir my time in this moment with real people. See other culture, expand my mind, compartir saberes, be a friend and connect with people a través the universal awareness.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 24, 2019

Hi Rebeca,<br/>Thank-you so much for this enthusiastic review of our programs. We completely agree that volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with people and travel around the world doing humanitarian work.<br/>Thanks again for being a part of what we do here at Love Volunteers.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

I loved my childcare project. The children's home was a lot of fun and a really valuable eye-opening experience. Its an awesome way to see a different culture and get to know people, and there was plenty of down time to explore the area! Nepal is an awesome country. Everyone is very nice and helpful - although do you need to be assertive and able to say no especially when walking alone. The scenery is beautiful on a clear day. I also went paragliding, trekking, and to other attractions around Pokhara. The staff at the children's home were great! There were really helpful if we ever needed anything and happy to help organise things. The project involved helping the children get ready for school, walking them to the bus stop, helping with their studying, teaching some English, and just spending time with them. We also cut vegetables each day for lunch and dinner. I loved my time here so much! We left the children's home a couple of times to teach the children how to ride bikes at the park and to wash clothes at the river.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 24, 2019

Hi Crystal,<br/><br/>Wow, it's so awesome to read this review and get such an amazing insight into volunteering with the children in Nepal. When you write about taking the children for bike rides and washing clothes at the river I feel I am there in Pokhara with you!<br/><br/>Your caring attitude and love for the children shone through on this program and we are so very grateful for the generous gift of your time and energy. What an amazing help you were to the staff at the Children's Home!<br/><br/>Thanks again, so very much, for everything.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

Tirana is a safe, interesting city with lots of places to visit and eat. The people are very respectful and friendly and transportation in the city is excellent. Albania is country full of history, with a variety of museums to visit, from history to art. There are a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars where you can eat and relax. The people are very relaxed and polite. Altin was very friendly and kindly provided airport pickup and departure. He also recommended places to visit. Maria is a lovely lady who cares deeply for animals and there is some really crucial work being done at the shelter such as sterilisation, rehabilitation and adoptions. There are too many animals at the shelter and not enough people to ensure all the dogs for example have enough environmental enrichment and exercise but of course I understand this is difficult and differs from country to country and hopefully will begin to change as the attitude improves toward animal welfare in Albania. TIPS: Make sure you go out into the city and sample traditional Albanian food, visit the attractions such as the museums. As for the project don't be afraid to suggest doing certain things, such as taking the dogs in the clinic outside for exercise as well as interacting and spending time with as many of the dogs as you can. Maria is very open and will listen to suggestions. Cleaning the shelter takes up a lot of time, however there are staff employed at the shelter which gives volunteers time for this crucial interaction.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 28, 2019

Dear Rhys,<br/>Thank-you for this amazing review of our Animal Welfare program in Tirana, Albania. Your care for animals is so apparent in this account and your contribution on the program was highly valued by the local team.<br/>Reading reviews such as yours provides future volunteers an invaluable insight into volunteering and the crucial role that they can play in areas where help is so desperately needed.<br/>How amazing to be involved in such a rewarding project whilst staying in a city as historical and beautiful as Tirana! Great tips btw!<br/>Thanks again for your contribution to the program for being an amazing Love Volunteer!<br/>From all of us at The Team @ Love Volunteers

Such an incredible and eye-opening experience, definitely an experience that I will keep close to my heart. When I first arrived in Nepal I was incredibly overwhelmed, it's difficult to ignore the poverty, the stray dogs and the dust-filled streets. It was honestly such a culture shock, but the people in Nepal are truly the kindest and most gentle people I've ever met. For my 3,5 weeks I stayed in Pokhara, where the childcare home was about a 30 minute walk from Lakeside Pokhara. I was really lucky as most days I had a clear view of the Annapurna mountain range. I don't think I could've picked a better place to volunteer. Firstly, HUGE thank you to Nicole and her team at Love Volunteers. I applied in April 2018 (to Volunteer in December 2018/ January 2019) with another volunteering agency (IVHQ). Unfortunately, I think it was a bit of a scam as they couldn't seem to find a placement for me or give me any information and came up with excuses saying "the schools and orphanages are closed in December", after I had paid a $300 registration fee 6 months in advance. So, last minute and out of complete desperation I applied to Love Volunteers and they helped me find a placement, Nicole was super helpful- giving me all the information I needed and answering all my questions and constantly checking up on me during my volunteering stay. Another HUGE thank you to Manoj, for making sure I got to the hostel in Kathmandu safely and for all the help in Pokhara. Thank you to the staff at the Himalayan Children's home, especially Sonam. I got really sick in my first week in Pokhara and he was always checking up on me to see if I was okay and said that whenever I wanted milk tea, he would organise it (milk tea is heaven in a cup). Thank you to the other staff at the Himalayan Children's home for always being so kind and welcoming towards me. To the kids, although some of you aren't kids anymore- thank you for showing me so much kindness during my stay. Thank you for all the laughs, late night talks, the hugs, walks to the bus stops, for showing me some really cool Nepali songs and dance moves, for helping me and the other volunteers cut onions (seriously). You are all incredible, so thank you. TIPS: 1. Don't expect a hot shower, so shower in the late afternoon. 2. Bring a sleeping bag and a pillow, especially if you're volunteering in winter as the nights get really cold. 3. Bring a headlamp as sometimes the electricity goes out at random times. 4. Buy toilet paper. 5. Spend as much time with the kids as possible.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 28, 2019

Dear Skye,<br/>It's volunteers like you that make our job the best in the world! Thank-you for your kind words :-) <br/>it's so important for prospective volunteers to hear how much of a shock it can be at first to arrive into Kathmandu and see how very different it is from home and be completely overwhelmed. That's what's great about volunteering as our local team are on hand from the minute you come through the arrival gates!<br/>Overcoming these initial (and on-going challenges such as cold showers!) is what makes for an incredibly rewarding experience that really is life-changing. Realising how joyful the children are when they have almost nothing and seeing how life can be lived on such a basic and simple level gives us a new appreciation for our own lives - truly and eye-opening experience.<br/>Thanks again for being such an amazing Love Volunteer and for providing this incredible review!<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers<br/>

It was a rewarding experience to work in Bamenda. It is not easy but worth it. Having worked in a few other charitable places, I found it much harder to work here. But the people still benefit from your help. Cameroon is a poor country when seen from a volunteer's point of view. I have traveled in many parts of the world, including Africa, Latin America and Asia but I was very sad to see the state of Cameroon in the 21st century. People are extremely lovely, especially the ones in English speaking part of Cameroon! It might have something to do with the fact that I don't speak French! Although there was a conflict going on in Bamenda at the time, it does not affect you as far as you stay away from the no-go regions. Be prepared for a little corruption (I had to pay a small bribe at the airport for bringing in my own local anaesthetic cartridges). There are no fast food chains or anything similar in Bamenda. I found one local restaurant in Douala which had similar standards as a standard western outlet. Otherwise most other eateries are not the cleanest. Home cooked food at my homestay was good. The project I worked on was well managed and organised. I had some help from the Cameroonian counterparts, but not a lot till I arrived there. Once I arrived and people realized how serious I was about helping and then things went smoothly. My host cooked some lovely meals for me every day. The meals are simple but delicious. don't expect sweets/ puddings everyday. Usually you will eat only twice a day. The homestay is very safe. The toilet and bathroom is basic but acceptable. Your host will have a means of transport (motor bike) and he will take you around anywhere you need to go. My host was extremely helpful and went out of his way to help me in achieving my goals. TIPS: 1) Don't be put off by the news. Your in-country organisers will take good care of you and make sure you are safe. 2) Be prepared for serious poverty, especially when it comes to resources, such as medical consumables, stationary etc. If possible, bring your own supplies. 3) The town of Bamenda has very few roads and thus it gets very dusty. Take wet wipes with you! 4) some of the standards of cross infection in the hospitals might not be up to scratch. Put your foot down and demand better standards (you might have to carry a few consumables yourself, such as gloves, masks and hand sprays).

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 30, 2019

Dear Sagar,<br/><br/>We can't thank-you enough for your contribution as a qualified dentist on the medical program in Cameroon. As you yourself know well it's a challenge getting things done in Africa and it's a testament to your commitment that you were able to achieve so much during your time in Bamenda.<br/><br/>This review is hugely valuable in letting potential volunteers know about the difficulties and the rewards of volunteering in Cameroon and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your experiences and your continued support of upcoming volunteers.<br/><br/>Thanks again and we wish you all the very best for your dental career and hope to have you join us again in the future if you are able.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

The experience was good. I felt that we enhanced the program they are already running, especially for younger volunteers. Sr Lanka is a beautiful country. The people are friendly and welcoming. The staff were organised and easy to speak with. They are well suited to the position. TIPS: Have some ideas, songs and activities organised for the age group. If you can take some English picture books as they have very few and this would enhance the children’s learning.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 28, 2019

Hi Karen,<br/>Thanks so much to you and your daughter for the wonderful contribution you both made on our Education Support program in Badulla, Sri Lanka. You absolutely enhanced the lives of the children, both through your teaching and the thrill that having you with them brought to their daily lives.<br/>Thanks also for taking the time to provide this feedback and advice to future volunteers - much appreciated!<br/>All the very best to you both. The Team @ Love Volunteers

It was my first-time volunteering abroad and by myself. I have already been involved in several humanitarian projects, but this was a brand-new experience. Volunteering in a developing country, 10 000 km from my home taught me a lot of new things. Helping people in need while I am myself losing my bearings in a new environment made me more mature and allowed me to discover myself more. Working with children also taught me to be patient. South Africa is a beautiful country with amazing landscapes and places to see. Local people were very nice. I was also struck by the inequalities in South Africa and the water shortage situation there at the time. TIPS: Rent a car if you have a driver's licence. Bring warm clothes during winter. Stay open minded and be patient.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 28, 2019

Dear Noëmie,<br/>Volunteering abroad is a challenging and rewarding experience and you have summed up the combination wonderfully in your review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your time in beautiful Cape Town and want to thank-you for your time and effort on the Social Welfare program that tackles the inequalities you mention in this diverse city.<br/>We wish you all the best for your future travels and hope to have you join us again.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers<br/>

My general impression is that I loved the volunteer program. South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is rich in culture, food, and wildlife. I am very content with my project and staff. Everyone was generous and willing to teach. The staff really made my volunteering experience enjoyable. My tips for the other volunteers is to come with an open mind and to be open to new experiences.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 28, 2019

Hi Jazmin,<br/>We couldn't have put it better ourselves: an open mind and flexible attitude is absolutely what make a great volunteer! Thanks for your commitment to the Medical Internship program in Cape Town, South Africa and for taking the time to share your experience.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers<br/>

Fantastic first impression of volunteering. Personally rewarding and I was left with a real impression that we had made a difference by being there, both at the school and with the handicapped children - who were utterly delighted to see us each day. Amongst the 10 volunteers onsite we had a real connection that also made it incredibly enjoyable both at the school and back at the house. This will not always be the case, but for me, this was another highlight! See my comments below, but I would highly recommend Love Volunteers for facilitating this incredible experience. Badulla was a super-friendly place, aided by the fact that there were no other tourists, and wherever we went people smiled, honked their Tuk Tuk horns etc. I will never forget these smiles In the more touristy places, however, this was not the same, but the people remained very friendly. Another good example is that the public buses were very friendly as few tourists use them. I suppose this is the ""progress"" you get from tourism and so we were probably utterly spoilt in Badulla. That said, the people were super friendly if you consider the conditions in which many of them live, and for this reason it does make them pretty exceptional as a nation. I would whole-heartedly recommend Srti Lanka to friends and family :-) Shivanthi, the volunteer coordinator in Badulla, was the sweetest person you could ever imagine meeting - there was not an irritated or nasty bone in her body and she was so incredibly helpful, hospitable and just plain nice. This was not commercially-driven, it was just her nature. TIPS: Be open in your new environment and feel free to immerse yourself and try things you never realized you knew you could do! Always carry a smile with you into each day and above all enjoy the experience as your enjoyment is felt by those around you

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewFebruary 04, 2019

Dear Chris,<br/>We really appreciate you taking the time to share this wonderful review of the education program in Sri Lanka. It's extremely helpful to potential volunteers to hear advice and feedback from volunteers like yourself.<br/>Thank-you for your dedication to the children and your polite and friendly nature to everyone you met. I'm not surprised that there was such great camaraderie between the volunteers on-site with you.<br/>We hope to have you join us again in the future - until then we wish you well in all you do.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

Volunteering was a highly satisfying and challenging experience. Everyone I worked with was warm and welcoming. My only regret was that I missed two days of construction work and that there was no way for me to makeup the time I missed working on the house, which leaves me with a feeling of unfinished business. The environment is clean to an almost shocking degree. The people are extremely kind and welcoming. Rwanda is the most community-oriented and forward-thinking country I've ever been to. The project was appropriately challenging and satisfying to complete. All the staff were extremely receptive and supportive. No complaints. TIPS: - When working with wet mud, wear the tightest gloves available, as wearing looser gloves causes mud to buildup on them and makes your job more difficult than it needs to be - Learn to say "Good morning," "Good evening," "Thank you," "Sorry," "May I help you?," "You're welcome," "Yes" and "No" in Kinyarwanda before arriving, as these are basically all the things you've ever need to say or understand - Drink lots of water - Visit Akagera National Park! - The project center has wifi, but it only works well early in the morning, so do all internet-related things in the morning.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewFebruary 04, 2019

Hi Mateo,<br/>Fantastic to see your commitment to the house-building construction program in Rwanda! Please don't worry about missing a few days as your input on the other days was significant. The local staff really can't achieve what they do without the aid of dedicated volunteers like yourself.<br/>Thanks so much for sharing your tips which will assist further volunteers on this program - and hopefully encourage others.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

The children were a pleasure to work with and having seen their living conditions, I believe that the local team makes a real difference to their lives! I hope they will keep up with their amazing work, but it would also be amazing to see that the lives of their employees improve through their honest work, not just charity of other people.. The country is absolutely beautiful and lush green due to frequent rains (the rainy season lasts 9 months a year! Whilst Rwamangana district is a poverty stricken area and people are hardly managing to get by, the country's capital is up to date with the modern world. There is a lot of contrast between how people live. The country is super safe and I wasn't even scared to walk by myself after dark, the people are very trustworthy. On the other side people are a little reserved and not very smiley unless they get to know you. As mentioned above, the staff were amazing and the project was very rewarding. I was overwhelmed on numerous occasions by the poverty in the area which was very, very obvious - which made me admire the staff even more. All of them are incredibly patient and also dedicated to the mission of the charity. TIPS: bring rainproof outwear bring good shoes - there is a lot of mud here when it rains! learn a few phrases in Kinyarwanda to break the ice don't expect the local people to speak English be very patient - the pace of life is very slow :)

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 31, 2019

Dear Beata,<br/>Thank-you for this frank and informative review of volunteering in Rwanda. It's fantastic to hear volunteers testify about how safe they felt and how friendly and welcoming the staff and locals are. It's often a concern for potential volunteers and, although we at LV can provide assurances, there's nothing like hearing it direct from a volunteer.<br/>Your description of the beautiful countryside and frequent rain gives readers a great image of the country - quite different to what they may have expected.<br/>Thank-you so much for giving so generously of your time to the amazing community of Rwamagana. The dedicated staff couldn't do what they do without volunteers like you and we and they say a heartfelt THANKS!<br/>The Team @ Love Volutneers<br/>

This was an absolutely amazing program! I felt completely at home and everyone treated us very well. I felt safe the entire time and the people at the program were always there to help and answer any questions I had. It was the most amazing time of my life and I cannot wait to do it again. Everything in Rwanda was perfect and the childcare and development program opened my eyes to a new sense of the world and changed my life completely in a good way. I will never forget all the amazing people I have met there, and I look forward to doing it again. The country was absolutely breath-taking, everything is so beautiful and safe and really opened my eyes to a new perspective.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 31, 2019

Hi Emilie,<br/>What a joy it is to read this review of your time in Rwanda and feel how much it meant to you to be there and to interact with the children.<br/>Life is Rwanda is so very different from what we are used to and it's wonderful that you enjoyed every minute and can't wait to go back!<br/>We love volunteers like you with a passion for helping and experiencing different cultures and embracing the way of life in poor communities.<br/>We look forward to having you back with us again in the future!<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers