Special Needs Care Volunteer Project in Nepal - Kathmandu

My Program Manager was friendly and approachable regarding any questions I had prior to going to Nepal. Very good support from IVHQ and local team when the floods happened, reassurance provided from the local team. The program guide was very helpful to know what to expect.

Excellent assistance from the local team, always ready to go above and beyond to help, such as when you need to buy a SIM card, order a taxi, or send packages back to your hometown. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the festivals whilst being in Nepal. The hotel staff in Chitwan and my homestay family went out of their way to ensure volunteers were involved in seeing the rituals and celebrations. This was an amazing authentic experience I will never forget!

I really enjoyed volunteering at the elephant sanctuary and feel I made a bond with Sita (elephant) she knew I was easy-going so would come up to me and put her trunk up for food when I was making Kuchi (food), this was a lovely feeling. Feeding the elephants and seeing a baby elephant only days old was a very surreal experience. I particularly liked the challenge this volunteer job provided for my physical well-being because it allowed me to push myself.

During my time volunteering for the special needs project, I visited two special needs centres. The resources at one of the centres were less than those at the other. Since I had to come up with new ways to assist at both centres, this aided my development. I did a few things at both centres that I thought made a small impact. The special needs centres were full of happiness and joy! I enjoyed coming up with ways I could assist at both centres.

Overall, what an amazing experience! This is an experience I will never forget! Thank you IVHQ & the local team!

Not only did I gain experience from the volunteering but also in the home stay. It was lovely to really immerse yourself into the culture and way of life and experience this in a Nepali family home.

I spent almost two months in Nepal—one month volunteering and participating in various activities during my time here. Without a doubt, it was the experience of a lifetime. I had the privilege of being part of these children’s daily lives and helping them achieve their goals. I witnessed their smiles with every accomplishment, and without question, the most valuable thing I take away from this experience is their genuine smiles and incredible hospitality. I experienced so much here. I was truly happy here. Throughout my time in Nepal, the team was always in touch and supported me whenever needed, even helping to coordinate the planned activities. I never felt alone.

My choosing to look at volunteering overseas was a very last minute decision which is not unusual for me. Finding IVHQ through good old Google, looking through the website, programs, countries, costs and inclusions, made it an easy to choose IVHQ. I am not a traveller especially overseas however I am at a stage in my life where I would like to explore more. I had been anxious in travelling alone so finding IVHQ, I felt secure in the fact that this would be a safe way to travel, experience a different
country, culture and give back to the community. I am grateful I took this leap into the unknown.

From this experience I met new people, not only locals but also other volunteers. I cannot say enough about the local team. Anyone and everyone I met went over and above to ensure my needs were met. I got to explore and sightsee during my downtime. Be open-minded and willing to reach out to others if needed. You go out to your homestay usually with another volunteer of the same sex. I didn't know what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. If you have questions, you can never ask too many to IVHQ. A Facebook page is set up for each country. There was one for where I was going to. Even if the question seems silly, ask it anyway.

Getting together with other volunteers on downtime is a great way to socialise and sightsee. The program I chose was in a field that I had worked in and have a personal interest in. If you are going into something that is out of your scope, be open-minded and remember you are coming into their space. Be observant and willing to perhaps be out of your comfort zone. Gotta keep it real.

I did do very little research into the country/area I was going as this was all a last minute decision. Learn some of the language, that cannot be emphasised enough. As much as I tried, I just couldn't get the hang of it, everyone is very patient but it can make it alot easier if even a few basic words. Not everyone knows english.

Messaging a few different people while I was there who were going to be at the same program at a later date, helped them get a better idea. Daily life, expenses, customs just general questions. It helped.

Am I glad I did this? Absolutely. Will I do another program in another country with IVHQ? For sure. Do I recommend it? Go for it. Now that I've done this once, I have a better understanding of what to expect in general.

IVHQ and Program Manager was very helpful with information and gave me the confidence I needed to try an unknown place. I learned a lot about the culture, location and gained more experience working with Special Needs children. Particularly the changes in personality from day to Da and hour by hour.

My advice to people who want to give to communities should volunteer in various projects. They will learn culture, new food experiences and new parts of the world. Programs are a multitude to choose from and overall experience will not only be worthwhile but also fun.

I have learned more about the Nepalese culture and the volunteer experience was unforgettable. The overall experience has made me more grateful for what I have now and treasure them.