Review Volunteer Aya Akili in Nepal Kathmandu at the Orphanage programs
Volunteer Nepal
How were the local Coordinator and the staff and the support provided in-country?
My local coordinator and his family were a family to me. Let me tell you a real short story. The family which I came to know in 10th of November 2015 was The father of Mr. Sudhir, his Mother, his Wife Sarita, and little angel Sayon. Let me start by saying how lucky I was to have Baba on holiday back home on my very first week. He works away so I only meet him for a short time but enough time to see what a patient and loving dad he is. Not forget how easily he helped me to fit in as he was using some Arabic words with me. Second family member is Mama whom I have always felt her like my mother; she has been the very caring and loving person of the family. My very favorite is Mrs. Sarita my superwomen of the family, he has not only be a caring sister but only a very understanding part that I thank God for having her in that house. She has always understood me as I always find troubles explaining what I need to others. Last but not least is my coordinator, Sudhir, was a gene hahahaha. He was always reachable, caring and great support for me. He has organized everything for me perfectly so I never needed to worry about anything else. He is very detailed and the very best coordinator for a first time volunteer.
What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?
My surprises were positive ones; citizens in Nepal are very friendly and used to tourists. My second surprise was the accommodation that was spacious with amazing views and services of electricity, Wi-Fi and water 24/7. My last surprise was the orphans in my program, we were able to get along super quick and they always listened to my guidelines.
What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?
The only difficulties I faced in Nepal were local Transportation due to the 2015 April Earthquake and a shortage of fuel. The second challenge was lack of Hygiene in most places outside the homestay. My placement was only 15 minute away.
Any tips for future volunteers….
Have your program at least 3 weeks.
Be prepared for a change of weather.
Bring extra NPR cash with you for sightseeing and adventure.
If you a lady traveling alone, I recommend you hire your own private car for ease of transportation. This also will save a lot of time for people with a tight schedule.
Other things volunteers should know:
Don’t over pack, it’s not Europe or the US, you only need trekking cloth so that you can pack more souvenirs on your way back.
6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial):
I would like to thank ABV for giving me this opportunity to explore myself and the world. I would also want to thank my homestay host family for their generous hospitality and care. I sure send my best thanks to my family, friends, and colleagues who supported me and encouraged me to go on this trip. Finally, I call all humans out there from different nationalities, you must visit Nepal, there are a lot of people here to help and you could always balance your life changing volunteering work with amazing unforgettable adventures.
Volunteering in Nepal
7.How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security?
My accommodation was a super 5 stars for me. Very clean, neat and tidy family with the best chefs ever, Sarita & Mama and most caring Dad and brother; Sudhir. I felt always secured as all the neighbors are relatives of my host family. The neighborhood was super calm away from the city where you could see clear sky every night.
8.What was your memory of this trip?
My memories from this trip are endless, but the best one is that human brains and our capabilities are more than what we think, so use them and I defiantly learned to use them with no limits.
9.How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? (Emails, website, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?
I have to be negative on this question and answer with a big fat “NO”. There was no information missing and I was very prepared for everything. ABV has been always there to answer my questions anytime.
10.Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?
Yes, I would love to hear from other volunteers not only to give them some tips or answers their questions but also to hear from them after they return.