...writes about her experiences while volunteering in Nepal.

After quitting my teaching job in Bangkok, I was desperately searching the internet for a volunteer opportunity that seemed both worthwhile and within my budget. Most that I found had administration fees and costs in the thousands of US dollars! When I finally connected with GVN, I was so happy, not only to find a reasonably priced program, but staffed with people who were so friendly, helpful and obviously committed to helping the people of Nepal. GVN's partner is staffed by volunteers who really care about the people they're working for and strive to maintain the high quality of the services they provide. More importantly, GVN's partner was started by local Nepali people who know what the country needs most and are not impeded in a mission by their own Western cultural views. This was a very important factor in my decision to volunteer because I believe very strongly that sustainable poverty alleviation and empowerment needs to come from within a community.

Flying into Kathmandu, I couldn't help but be struck by the intense beauty of the city. Red brick buildings (virtually no high rises) piled atop one another and small curvy streets filled to the brim with just about anything you can imagine. Packed buses, teeny cars, bicycles, loads of people, dogs and even cows. The feel of the city is one of frenzied busy-ness, excitement and color. After making my way through customs, I was met by friendly people full of questions and concern for my well-being. From the very beginning I felt as though I was being welcomed into a family. The office is conveniently located on the edge of Thamel so you begin your journey with every possible convenience and comfort (a very nice thing considering you will soon be blissfully lost in a small village surrounded by friendly and curious people, with e-mail being only a distant memory).

My training was quick, but effective, with Nepali language lessons being the absolute highlight. My placement village was Godavari, located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. I was driven there by my new family and they even had someone stay with me that first night so that I would feel comfortable in my new surroundings and to answer any questions that came up.

Teaching children is always a wonderful experience, in my opinion, but I found the Nepali kids interested, fun-loving and exceptional pupils. I taught 4 classes a day (45 minutes per period) and spent my afternoons wandering about some of the most beautiful places I have ever encountered (and I'm from Hawai'i). With my notebook and water bottle in hand, I would take off and explore. On these mini-adventures, I often met new friends and unexpectedly came across the most beautiful temples.

I would recommend volunteering in Nepal to anyone.

Katherine Watanabe
Honolulu,
Hawai'i, USA