Volunteer Feedback and Testimonials

Namaste!
So hear is time to leave already!
Nepal is totally crazy, but I don't want to leave! The experience has been very much up and down at times, sometimes very difficult but when you come through the other side, all the difficult times are worth it.

Having to put up with all the problems here has made me much more tolerants and patient. The experiences will stay with me for a long time, Thanks Bicky, Biswas, Bishal, Pratik, Shyam and family.

Gans oll ow Holon (with all my heart)

Yowann Kereve (John Rowe)
Comborne
UK
(Volunteer - 2008 May)

After traveling for some time around south East Asia, bouncing from place to place, a need began to grow inside me. I thought to myself, why am I traveling to so many different countries? The first answer that came to me was to learn more about the many cultures outside of my own, but the more I thought about this, the more I realized I really hadn't experienced or learned about another culture that much in my travels. I was getting caught up in all the backpacker fun and forgot the main reason I embarked on this trip in the first place. Before I came to Nepal I had booked a trek to Mount Everest Base camp, taking up the majority of the time I had in Nepal. (26 days). When I finally arrived, I realized that the need to do something important and really learn had to be fulfilled. I cancelled my Everest trek and limited myself to a 7 day Annapurna Circuit Trek. After completing this, the company through which I booked my trek put me in contact with Bikram from VCD Nepal. Through his genuine efforts, his was able to place me with a family in a village called Godawari as a Health Post Volunteer (Because I will be studying to be a doctor upon my return back home) and English Teacher for the remainder of my time in Nepal. I cannot express how much this meant to me. In only one day, I met up with Bikram to meet my host family's father Shyam Silwal. Immediately he struck me with modesty and care and I could easily tell that he was impassioned and very grateful to be able to help and take me into his family. Even though I had had a little bit of knowledge about the Nepali culture, I was still amazed with the colors, cloths, people's passion for each other and their work ethic, and last with the beauty of the village. The village was about 2 and a half hours outside of Kathmandu but completely surround by mountains, lying low in a valley shelved with rice plantations. The view ever day was astounding for my place at the health post, and especially nice while watching the sun set between the hills from my family's house rooftop. Each day that went by, I learned more and more about the Nepali culture and found my work to be very rewarding. During the morning, I would wake up for morning tea and an hour or so later eat breakfast (Dal Bat). Then I would make my way to the village school which was only two floors, but full of laughing children. I taught English mainly in class six and seven. I tried to expand their vocabulary with some fun games. They loved this. Even when class was cancelled, the students in my class pleaded with the principle to stay longer so they could play and learn. This astounded me. Back home we would pray for a day off. After one period of teaching I would then make my way to the health post. There, I made some amazing friends in the village while helping give vaccinations, weigh babies for growth sheets, and doing some basic first aide (dressing wounds and getting medication for people). I finished my day with one last period at the school. Later in the evening I would play the guitar, read, hang out with my local friends and then eat Dal Bat around 7 or 8. Overall, my experience was amazing. I think I have finally made my trip worth while and I believe I truly understand the Nepali culture. I am very thankful for VCD and would recommend them to anyone seeking to do some good in the world, even if only for a short period of time.

John Lund
Grand Rapids, Michigan
USA
Health Post Volunteer and English Teacher- VCD Nepal
June 2008

I first came to Nepal in January 2008 to do a quick trek before heading down to India. However there was something compelling about Nepal and the Nepalese people, and I knew that I had not seen the last of it!

In June I returned to Nepal ready to start some volunteer work. For the past seven weeks I have been volunteering in a small community school on the outskirts of Kathmandu. There are just over 200 students in the school, ranging from nursery class through to class 8. I have been teaching the English class for grades 6, 7 & 8, and filling in for other classes at various times. The school was very welcoming and supportive, and always tried to make sure I was happy with what I was doing. Not only was I there teaching the students, but I also found the teachers to be very interested in learning about my country and western culture.

Each morning I enjoyed my coffee in a little bakery with the taxi drivers, where I would catch up on the Kathmandu gossip. I would then walk to the bus stand and squeeze into the number 2 micro bus for the 10 - 30 minute journey to school (depending on the weather, and what was going on in Kathmandu at that time). I would teach my classes, then sit down for a huge meal of daal bhat, before catching the micro back in the afternoon.

The students were very interested in hearing about Australia, about my family, and they made me sing the Australian National Anthem many times. And although initially they didn’t behave for me as well as they did for the other teachers, we had a lot of fun together. As the friendships grew so did their respect, and their behaviour improved too.

Volunteering in the school has been the most wonderful experience. Having a class of 20 students yelling out 'miss, miss' to get your attention is something I won't forget, nor the journey to the museum on the over-crowded school bus! I really love learning about different cultures, and volunteering allowed me to actually become a small part of the community for a period of time. I have learnt so much about Nepalese culture and I have also come away with lots of ideas about what to do with my future. I am really sad it has come to an end, but I know my time in Nepal is not over yet!

Louise Bradshaw
Melbourne
Australia
Teaching English Volunteer - VCD Nepal
June 2008

When I organized my trip to Nepal, little did I know what an enriching cultural experience I had in store for myself. As a student of sociology, I was drawn to the cultural differences in Nepal, as well as the opportunity to help others. Traveling alone to a country halfway around the world can seem overwhelming, but upon my arrival I found friends much more easily than I imagined. The culture in Nepal is very social and inclusive. I had no qualms about trying to speak Nepali as many people here appreciate even a small effort. The children and the house mother at the orphanage provided a family for me, and the laughter, games, and smiles crossed all language barriers. I found the children very eager to learn, as well as eager to teach me about their culture. The hospitality, although not five star, was directly from the heart. The children greeted me as an old friend, and gave me their understanding and compassion. I found that although I can't satisfy all of their needs, I will always have love to give. One thing I learned here is that it's not about satisfying a need but about involving oneself in an exchange of culture. I will always have doors open for me here as well as beautiful memories.

I hope to come back to Nepal with some kind of work involvement in which I can help more. This is difficult with a short volunteer placement and I hope to reach out to the children directly. I do feel that VCD Nepal is a great way to get involved in this country and I would highly recommend it.

Jill Rifkind
Valencia
USA
Assisting at orphanage home & teaching English Volunteer - VCD Nepal
July 2008

I was recently honored to be the first volunteer or guest at Krishna’s orphanage in Thankot Kathmandu. I was welcomed into the family and spent a great week there getting to know the 7 children. The orphanage is situated across the road from a local school and the local water tap and next door to a Buddhist temple so the opportunities to people watch were endless.

The children were aged between 10 and 15 and their English quite good so we had plenty of great conversations. I helped with homework (my algebra’s not as good as I thought). Once homework was finished there was time for fun. A favorite game was hide and seek and there were always lot’s of giggles when the seeker would yell out mom I can see you white legs shinning in the dark.

The setting of Thankot as you start to climb out of the Kathmandu valley to the west makes a refreshing change from the pollution, noise and general chaos of the central Kathmandu. The air is cleaner and crisper and your daily back drop is of forested hills and a snow caped mountains. Near by park and forest are great walks to take with the kids as they jostle with each other to hold your hand. The week went by very quickly but has left me with memories that will last a life time. The orphanage is run as a big family home and felt like a home filled with love and caring.

The children’s delight in simple pleasure was a rejuvenating tonic for my spirit and I hope to keep that brightness with me as a return to Australia. Please remember us. Don’t forget us mom the children said as I left. I won’t forget I promised, a promised there is no way I will ever break.

Claire Nixon
Brisbane, Australia
One week volunteer placement- Orphanage Home
November 2008

I arrived at the Rainbow Children Home without any expectations. I already put my trust into VCD Nepal so I knew that my experience would be worthwhile. I was struck by how welcoming the children were from the word go. I felt like I had been in their lives for longer than just a couple of hours. Staying at the home allowed me to be part of the everyday running of the children’s lives, which made it easier for me to establish relationships with them. Once I got used to the everyday routine I was able to just help out where ever I could. I mainly helped out preparing meals and sewing up the children’s clothing. This was of great help to the home and I am glad to use my skills in such a positive way.

I enjoyed walking the children to school because it gave me a chance to interact with the children outside the home environment. I was also privileged to accompany the children on a picnic, organized by another volunteer, which also gave me the opportunity to see the children in a different environment. This helped me see what a beautiful family RCH is. The children are all like brothers and sisters with the people running the place like parents. I was fortunate enough to become part of that family, making my experience more than worthwhile.

I felt like I couldn’t give enough in terms of loving and interacting with the children. I found them to be very independent and intelligent and fun, no trace of their traumatic short lives were seen on their beautiful smiling faces. They practiced their English on me and I tried to speak some Nepali with them. I got a chance to really connect with all of the children because of the size of the home (19 children). I am glad for this because it means that I will be able to remember them all individually. Above all I was touched by their capacity to love. I have learnt that love knows no cultural or language boundaries and we are all capable of it no matter what our stories are.

Thank you to RCH and VCD Nepal for giving me the most unique and beautiful Nepalese experience I could ever have hoped for.

Clare Drake
Sydney, Australia
Assisting at orphanage Home – VCD Nepal
November 2008

We came in Nepal for 6 weeks in November 2008. After one trek in the Annapurnas, we wanted to live a different experience of Nepal, focused on the human aspect, and to help on the environmental subject.

We went through VCD near Kathmandu in the village of Thangkot for a project of garbage management system. The streets were full of plastic, there were no trashcans and people were throwing their garbages in the streets. We began to clean the village, trying also to make them understand that it was very dirty and that they have to change something.

It was really interesting to se the people looking at us and saying:”why the foreigners are cleaning our village, we should do it ourselves?” Some people helped us to clean, it was very nice to see the population involved. Thanks to VCD Nepal, the village will also have some trashcans. It is just the beginning for improving the environment but is a first step.

To speak about the housing, we were welcomed in a wonderful family/orphanage with 7 children’s and a lot of happiness! It was amazing to enjoy with them during our free time, playing, talking and dancing.

Lamachere Christophe and Lemaire Vincent
Canada and France
Environmental Awareness volunteer – VCD Nepal
2008

Namaste!

Thank you very much for the great time volunteering with VCD in Pokhara. It was nice to check all the children at the different orphanages around Pokhara. Hope I was helpful in some way. If you've got any medical questions about the kids, just let me know. I'll try to help as much as I can. Take care and good luck with starting your own orphanage.

Katharina Waldmann
Germany
Health camp- 2 weeks
October 2008

Initially, I came to Nepal to do some trekking and traveling, after spending a year in Korea. Twenty days of trekking through the beautiful Himalayas made me curious to see “the real Nepal” outside of the tourist industry. I wanted to spend more time here so that I could better understand the culture and how people are really living as well as to help try to solve some of the social problems which are evident in this country.

I found out about VCD Nepal through a fellow trekker and then they found the ideal placement for me at a government run school in the village of Bhedpu which is a small but widespread village of about three or four thousand people, located in the middle hills of Nepal. It takes about a day of travel by bus and foot to get to the village from Kathmandu. The village is made up of small clusters of homes surrounded by fields cultivating various crops as well as patches of green forest and rivers. I enjoyed exploring the various paths through these forests to and from other villages very much.

I stayed with the headmaster and his family and taught English to classes six through ten at the school. The Thokar family with whom I stayed was very special. They treated me as if I was their own daughter and they took very good care of me. Everyone in the community was extremely kind, inviting me into their homes for tea and to talk. They were all very curious about me and my strange hair. I have dreadlocks, and all of the women said that they liked my hair and wanted to have hair like mine. They wondered why my hair was not “silky” like theirs. Everyone wanted to know about Canada and about my life, and they wanted to share their lives with me.

The students at the school are all very bright, kind and eager to learn. They love volleyball, and I even played a few games with them after classes were finished. The teachers were very supportive, and the two young female teachers immediately made me feel comfortable and we became friends quickly.

Volunteering there has been great, but the school still really needs help, as the conditions of the school are very poor. They do not have a toilet, and the two school buildings are decrepit. The teaching materials are extremely limited and teachers really only have government curriculum books and a chalkboard as resources. We are currently raising funds for this school so they can build a toilet. When I leave, it is important to have more volunteers to come and assist this school.

I will always remember and cherish this experience very much. I will miss Bhedpu and the community very much when I leave. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to learn and to help!

Eliza Courtney
Kincardine, Ontario
Canada
2 months -Teaching English
November 2008

I arrived in Nepal in late November of 2008. The first few days I spent getting to know Bikram and the VCD Nepal staff who showed me some wonderful sights around Kathmandu and introduced me to the language and customs of Nepal. It was especially helpful having introductory language lessons with Bikram to begin my placement. The staff helped me organize a trek in the Annapurna himalaya mountain range for a week at the beginning of my stay where I had an unforgettable hiking experience.

Upon returning to Kathmandu, I spent the month of December at the monastary teaching English. The monks were enthusiastic to learn and showed me a hospitality and care that made it hard to leave. VCD Nepal provided a wonderful volunteer experience, an irreplaceable introduction to the culture of Nepal, an opportunity to make lasting friendships and serve in the way I was best able.

If you are looking for a way to help the people of Nepal while also learning about their culture, experiencing their natural beauty and working alongside a flexible/fun staff, this is the program for you!

Knute Sands
USA
Teaching at the monastery - One month
November 2008

Originally from Canada, I decided to study education for a year in Queensland, Australia. While working towards my diploma in education, I founded and chaired Teachers Without Borders (TWB) USC On-Campus Chapter to help bridge the gap in education. As an official student group, TWB hosted barbeques, garage sales, wine and cheese nights and received generous donations to aid Nepalese children and teachers. Once my studies were complete, I travelled to Nepal to volunteer and unearth an organization that was helping improve the quality of life for students and teachers in the country.

I arrived in Nepal on November 21st, 2008. Soon after my arrival, I met Knute, an American eager to see the world. Knute introduced me to Bikram, the director of Volunteer for Community Development Nepal, a small grassroots company located in the heart of Kathmandu. I felt welcomed and comfortable in Bikram’s presence; his goals and his passion to achieve these goals were immediately evident. Bikram arranged for a home stay at an orphanage outside of Kathmandu. I had the privilege of living with five orphans for two weeks. Helping the kids with their studies, making crafts and picking up litter in the community, I was able to experience Nepalese culture firsthand. During my stay at the orphanage, Bikram maintained contact and ensured that I was both safe and happy. At the end of the two weeks, I decided to make a donation to VCD Nepal. The money will go towards creating a village resource centre and scholarship fund for orphaned children.

I would like to thank all of the people who donated to TWB USC On-Campus Chapter and VCD Nepal director, Bikram, for giving me this unforgettable opportunity to make a difference at a grassroots level. Thank you.

Kate Drexler
Canada
Assisting at orphanage Home- 2 weeks
December 2008

When I began my search for volunteer organizations in Nepal from home, I was overwhelmed by the number of options. After further research and e-mail correspondence with several organizations, I decided to apply to VCD Nepal. And I'm so thankful I did! I came to realize not only through my own experiences, but also from speaking with other volunteers working in Nepal, that VCD was the right choice. The prices are the lowest and the language lessons and cultural awareness sessions proved to be invaluable. Bicky, the director, was consistently helpful and supportive during my 9 weeks of placement. VCD Nepal was extremely accommodating and flexible in providing me with the placements I wanted. I was given good guidance in my work, but also freedom to create my own projects and implement my own ideas.

I wanted to see as much as Nepal as I could, so for the first 3 weeks I lived with a wonderful family in Chitwan and taught English at the Secondary School. Then I moved to the Pokhara region to teach Primary School. My last two weeks were spent living and working in an orphanage outside of Kathmandu. I recommend the home-stay 1,000%!! It's been the most memorable part of my experience and my main reason for falling in love with the Nepali people and culture.

My only regret is not staying at each place longer. Three weeks really is the minimum amount of time you need feel apart of the community and get something accomplished. It always felt too soon to leave. Now, after 9 weeks, I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to VCD Nepal for giving me such a life-changing experience. This has been more educational and eye-opening that anything I've studied in college and left me with incredible memories and many new friends which I will keep for life.

Everybody should volunteer in Nepal! You'll love it!!

Julia Marks
USA
Teaching English - 9 weeks
Jaunary 2009

VCD Nepal has given me the opportunity to do things that I never imagined were possible, and at an affordable price! It quickly became apparent that this organization was one of the cheapest in Nepal. Even so, I was given such a rich experience. I learned so much about Nepali culture and myself. I stayed with the most gracious and hospitable families in their homes. This is definitely the best way to experience this country. I was able see and take part in the daily lives of locals and even picked up a little of the language. Nepal is such a beautifully diverse place with so much to see and do. I made many friends that I will keep in touch with. Bicky, the director, is very helpful and easy going. It was easy to design my own experience depending on what I wanted. I cannot express how grateful I am for this experience and the many memories I made. I hope to be back soon for more!

Richard Candler
USA
Teaching English - 7 weeks
January 2009

Namaste:

Four months ago I started looking for a volunteering opportunity wishing to gain some experience in working in the health sector in a developing country. As a junior doctor eager to work in the future more and more in the so-called "third world" my criteria for searching the proper placement were following: find a transparent organization, gain a real hands on experience and live under the same conditions as the majority of the population does. I had no concrete preference of the country thus the limited time I had to my disposal (2 weeks) did not allow any adventurous touristic planning. After endless searching in the internet I have decided to contact VCD Nepal. The site looked quite transparent and the fee was one of the most reasonable I have ever encountered. 250 Euros for 2 weeks is a fair price compared to the outrageous fees other organizations (local and international) are demanding.

After exchanging some emails with Bikram (head of VCD) I decided to book my very expensive flight tickets.

As I arrived to Nepal I had no idea what to expect of the country. The only thing a was aware of is that somewhere in the country exits M. Everest and that the king was overthrown last year. By reading about the country I was really surprised about its cultural and environmental diversity. After three days of hanging around in Kathmandu and getting slowly used to the Nepali cuisine/language/ and culture I arrived to my placement: a small village in the Kathmandu valley. I lived for 10 days with an average family in average village (Mandada) and I must admit that this experience was really precious: It is different to be aware of the lack of hygiene and comforts (at least for our spoiled western standards) and completely different to experience it. I can only recommend everybody willing to volunteer to stay at their placement with a family.

Concerning my work at the local health post I was at the beginning a little bit disappointed. The health post was open only 4 hours a day and the patients number coming were small ( about 10-15 patients a day). Yet that gave me more time to observe and understand the meaning of a health post providing primary health care in a rural area. Treating patients with various symptoms, who cannot afford attending a hospital with zero diagnostic tools (no x-ray, no blood test, no urine test) and 20 available drugs can be really challenging. It sharpens ones inspection and examination skills! The stuff (2 health assistants and two nurses) were always willing to answer my questions and about the efficiency of our proposed treatment in a colorful mixture of Nepali and some English.

Regarding the communication with the patient things were even more difficult: Nevertheless thanks to body language some essential level of communication was possible.

So what to expect if volunteering with VCD in the health sector: transparency, reasonable fee, living with the locals and understanding their needs, getting a close insight in primary health care in a developing country and finally meeting lovely Nepali people.

What one should not expect: extraordinary "hands-on experience”, applying standard therapeutic algorithms as in a western hospital, examine every patient (as a man I had to be very careful and discrete while examining women), understand everything or being understood in every occasion.

Karl Puchner
Greece
Medical Volunteer - 2 weeks
February- 2009

Bicky, thank you very much. I am happy that I found your organization. I'm absolutely sure that it's the best one and I feel lucky that I chose especially yours from all others. And I didn't regret even one second. What you are doing is very important and I think if there are more people like you our world would be much better than now. I really wish there will be more people like you, then we can really change something.

It is very difficult to explain my feelings about Nepal, but it definitely changed me in many good ways, I learnt a lot. People here are so different than in my country -they are just happy even if they don't have as much as people from Europe, but they are happy from their soul and I also felt very happy here as well. I will never forget the time I spent here.

Julia Saripova
Russia
Assisting at orphanage Home- One Month
March 2009

Namaste / Tashidelek

Time flies when you are having fun…
11 weeks here in Nepal have past so quickly!! I fell in love with this country immediately, the chaos of Kathmandu, the relaxing attitude in Pokhara, the cultures and animals in Chitwan, the beauty of the mountains (and the villages in the mountains) and of course the people!

But most of all I loved my time in the orphanage. It was so special to be apart of this house and family. Especially because I learned so much about Tibetan/Mustang culture and Buddhism and of course the kids have taught me more than anything!

Thank you so much for offering this amazing opportunity and all the help around.

Madelein Huisman
The Netherlands
Teaching at Orphanage- One month
March 2009

Namaste / Tashidelek,

I've stayed here three short weeks but it was enough to know that I will return not only to Nepal but also to the orphanage, to Pokhara and Chitwan, and to visit you, Bicky and see if you are taking care of yourself. I loved playing and teaching the kids Japanese and Korean, getting a Daal Bhaat baby, and having the 1,000,000 different kinds of Nepali tea. I look forward to coming back. Thanks, Bicky for introducing your incredible country and introducing some unforgettable people. Pheri Bhetula.

Alicia Warren
USA
Assisting at orphanage home- one month
April 2009

Namaste!

Thank you for the volunteering experience. Kathmandu is so colorful and busy. It is easy to get lost in the spirit of the place and lose hours drinking much tea with the local people. It has been really nice to blend traveling with volunteering going into different areas like Chitwan and Thankot staying with the families enjoying their hospitality and experiencing their life styles. All the families have been so welcoming and helpful and gernoursly feeding you with a lot of Dhaal Bhaat, more then you can eat. The experience has been really worthwhile and will be most memorable. Thanks again.

Yvonne Cahill
Melbourne, Australia
Working in an orphanage- one month
May 2009

Wow! Thanks so much for allowing me this incredible experience. The time has passed so fast and next time I will stay much longer. The children were amazing and at both orphanages I had a new family in no time.

My advice to future volunteers: make sure you have enough time to stay at least 2 weeks at each placement, and no matter how long you stay, be prepared to cry when you say goodbye.

Bicky, good luck at your future endeavors, I wish you all the best and you truly have the best organization that is flexible, caring & fun.

See you again,

Carly Joynt
Canada
Environmental Awareness and Teaching at orphanage- 4 weeks
May 2009

Dear VCD,

After spending nearly one month at the monastery teaching English and math to the little monks, eating daal bhaat, watching Nepali movies, and basically sharing every moment of their day with them, I would like to thank you for this awesome opportunity. You allowed me to experience something I will remember for the rest of my life (with a happy smile on my face). Good luck with all the amazing projects! Until the next time in Kathmandu!

Marcus Böhme
Germany
Teaching Buddhist Monks- 6 weeks
June 2009