Experience report from the school project in Nepal

First off after graduation!

When I decided at the beginning of the year to spend a month in Nepal after graduating from high school, it was more or less a spontaneous decision. I didn't even think about what was in store for me, in terms of organization and paperwork, but also about new experiences and friendships. Get away first was my motto.

Good preparation by the RGV team

Thank goodness I then had my RGV Travel ABC and the support of the RGV team to prepare for my first solo trip abroad. It's not that easy to reconcile everything (especially if you're also doing your Abitur...). Therefore, I was very happy to be advised not only by my family but also by people with many years of experience with volunteers. But as soon as everything was done, I had to pack my suitcase and off we went!

Outward journey and arrival in Kathmandu

I have to say, despite all the preparation, I was nervous: Flying alone for the first time? Am I arriving at all? What if I get lost in the airport? What if nobody picks me up? Well, no worries. Everything went so smoothly that when I got to Sher's house I thought I was dreaming. Have I actually been to Nepal?

The next day brought me back to reality. I was allowed to marvel at Katmandu up close on a motorbike. It was incredible, if a bit shocking, since everything was so different from Germany. Loud horns, many people, colorful rickshaws, monkeys everywhere, cows on the street, beautiful temples and lots and lots of rain. So many impressions, just unbelievable.

Transfer to my job site in Chitwan

My journey by bus to my assignment site in Chitwan National Park began the next morning. In fact, the bus needed twelve hours for the 150 km journey. What impressed me the most about it (besides the view) was that nobody on the bus complained once. That was my first experience of the wonderful mentality of the people in Nepal, who simply accept life as it is.

The colorful evening design

When I arrived, I was immediately warmly welcomed by other volunteers and the hotel staff. Although I was tired, I spent my first night with everyone at a bar, which became a regular hangout from there. In any case, it never got boring. We passed the evenings with various card games from all countries, mafia, pantomime and karaoke. We were all able to follow the European Championship together (despite the time difference and power failure) on a small television.

My accommodation in the hotel

I was accommodated in the hotel because it was the rainy season and therefore "off-season" and hardly any tourists came. At first I shared my room, but later my roommate left and I had the room to myself. I've never really gotten homesick and if there was a little bit, there was always someone there to comfort me.

Volunteering in a public school

My work did not take place on site, but I rode my bike together with another volunteer every day (except Saturday – there is no school) for 20 minutes to the public school in a small neighboring village. I really enjoyed working with the children, even though it was very tiring. As a teacher you have to assert yourself, maintain authority and not let the children put up with everything. Even if it is difficult in some cases not to feel sorry and yet to turn a blind eye. Of course you have to be able to deal with setbacks and mistakes, especially if, like me, you've never stood in front of a class and suddenly have to teach English to 25 strangers.

What I particularly enjoyed was doing English singing and dancing games with the children. The children's enthusiasm and joy in such activities is simply contagious. It is precisely these moments, these bright children's eyes, that make up for all situations in which one is impatient or frustrated, in which one has to fight for attention and wonders whether one can reach anyone at all.

Support in the recycling and elephant project

In addition to the classes, I had the opportunity to support another volunteer's project to fight pollution. Through incredible initiative, he managed to set up a seminar and two rubbish collection campaigns. I also occasionally helped the volunteers in the elephant project in the afternoon, because having two elephants in the backyard was kind of cool.

Excursions in our spare time

Of course we also experienced a lot on days off, because lazing around was not part of it! We hiked to a waterfall, rented and rode scooters around, visited the Elephant Breeding Center, did a jungle walk, and I was even lucky enough to be able to go on a jeep safari to the 20.000 Lakes.

I also went on a trip to Pokhara with four other volunteers, where we spent two nights. Although it mainly rained (rainy season... you were always wet - either sweaty or raining wet) we had a lot of fun, not only hiking to the Peace Pagoda, but also in some bars and of course also at the viewpoint at sunrise at 5 a.m in the morning when we saw nothing but clouds.

Conclusion about my volunteer work in Nepal

In short, although I saw very little of the Himalayan mountains in Nepal, I had so many experiences, learned so much from the people, got to know the culture, made so many new contacts and made so many friends that I wasted my time for nothing want to miss in the world.

Report from the school project in Nepal by Liese S., 29.07.16