Teach children from disadvantaged background in Kathmandu

Living and working in Kathmandu is a fascinating experience. Volunteers get the chance to help out at a number of community run primary and secondary schools in and around Kathmandu itself, as well as in the famous and historical nearby centres at Patan and Bhaktapur. Amongst these are schools which have been established specifically for the benefits of street children and children from the poorest backgrounds, who otherwise would be deprived of any proper formal education.

Your role: Volunteers are expected to teach English and can incorporate other subjects according to their own areas of interest, including sport, music or drama. Children are aged between 4 and 16 and class sizes vary depending upon the school.

Resources are minimal and sufficient numbers of teachers are often lacking. Consequently, there is a great need for support and input from GapGuru volunteers who bring energy, English and fun to the schools. They compensate for deficiencies in basic resources and can make a real difference to the quality of the children’s education.

Previously, volunteers have found themselves involved a number of extra-curricular activities at their schools, as well as providing personal language tuition or teacher training for local staff.

The projects are well organised so that volunteers can make a good contribution in a relatively short amount of time. Pre-departure briefings and continuous support by the locally based manager helps with preparation and enables volunteers to maximise their contribution as well as their own enjoyment.

What you Gain: This is fantastic opportunity to gain insights and experience of Nepalese schools and to make a difference to the education of genuinely needy and disadvantaged students. The physical conditions at the schools are often basic and it can be challenging to teach without much equipment! However, the children are eager to learn and volunteers comment on the rewarding and enjoyable experience of providing English language classes and interactive, fun-based learning activities for the children.

Requirements/eligibility criteria:

• Energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
• An interest in helping children with education.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Empathy and understanding.
• Patience in dealing with children and staff who may not understand your language or accent.
• Proactive in relation to your work.
• Must be over 18 by the date of departure.

Prior teaching experience is not essential. Enthusiasm, energy, resourcefulness and an open mind are crucial, however, as are an interest in education and an affinity for children. Volunteers should be prepared to immerse themselves in a new culture and a different way of life.

Living in the area [incl accommodation]: Living in Kathmandu offers a wide variety of sensual experiences. You can sample freshly cooked food from street vendors or international dishes at popular restaurants, and discover deserted wooden alleys or explore bustling market squares.

And for those who want to escape the buzz of the city, weekends offer the chance to head for the hills and mountains amongst the worlds’ highest peaks.

Volunteers usually live with local families, although there is a huge range of accommodation from simple guest houses to comfortable hotels according to personal preference.

Going to a new country can be unnerving. But it’s a great experience when you have the basics taken care of. At GapGuru, we have arranged for what we believe will make for a comfortable trip.

What’s included?

• Country and Project Guidance – There is so much to choose from! Our team gives you a run down on destinations and projects that you are tempted to go for, so that you can choose the right placement. If you are not sure of what you want to do or where you want to go, our experienced team is there to guide you all the way.
• Pre Departure Briefing – Before you leave for your chosen destination, we will arrange for a pre departure briefing where we help you out with extremely helpful details. Things like – what clothes are suitable, peculiarities of people, food that you could get, safety of the place and precautions if any, how much should you pay for a cup of coffee – simple things to make your life easier !
• Guidance for processing visa – GapGuru will arrange for all the relevant documents and guide you through the visa process.
• Airport Pick Up – Arriving in a new city and not knowing where to go and how to go can be quite unsettling. A GapGuru representative will meet you at the nearest airport or train station and take you to your place of stay.
• In country Orientation and Welcome Pack – When you arrive in the city, you will have an orientation where you could meet other gapers from GapGuru, know all about the city, how to find your way around, where to get SIM cards for the phone, small bits that you will need help sorting out in the first few days.
• In Country Support – Our local co-ordinators act as a friend and guide through out your stay. Whether you feel home sick or just want some local information, they are there to make sure you have a memorable experience.
• Accommodation – In most cases, you will be staying with a local host family. It gives you a taste of the daily life of a local and sample some delicious come cooked food. In some cases accommodation is provided with the projects.
• Breakfast and Dinner

Not included: ( But we are happy to assist you with)

• International Flights
• Visa and Travel insurance fee
• Vaccination
• Local Transport and Travel
• Personal Expenses

Next Steps
If you like this project, you can apply now here.
If you have some questions, send us an enquiry or call us and we’ll be happy to help.

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