Volunteer travel in Nepal

1. Teaching English to Children and Youth

Empower Nepal’s future by teaching English at one of VEN’s 14 Resource Centers (often called Libraries) in rural Gorkha, Pokhara, and Langtang. These centers provide educational opportunities in some of Nepal’s poorest regions. Volunteers engage children through fun activities like educational games, singing, and dancing—no teaching qualifications required, just enthusiasm for kids and cultural exchange. Share your culture by bringing items from home to spark curiosity. Homestays near the centers immerse you in village life, with local festivals, occasional weddings, and morning chiya (Nepali tea) fostering a true sense of community. Support local schools with flexible teaching schedules or create your own lesson plans at the Resource Centers.

2. Teaching at Monasteries

Join VEN’s Monk Teaching Project as an English instructor at Tibetan Children’s Village schools. Teach English to Tibetan children for 3–4 hours daily, assist with extracurricular activities like games, drawing, singing, and dancing, and support school administration. Free mornings and evenings allow you to join Buddhist monks in meditation, rituals, prayers, and songs, offering a deep dive into Buddhist culture and lifestyle.

3. Community Building and School Construction

Contribute to hands-on projects in rural Gorkha, where VEN has built 20 schools. Ideal for school or university groups, tasks range from painting and plastering to advanced construction for skilled volunteers. Work alongside villagers, learning traditional building methods, on projects like school repairs, toilet construction, drinking water systems, road drainage, recycling initiatives, stove building, or children’s home construction. Projects are co-funded by communities, VEN’s partners, and volunteer contributions, with minimal supervision to encourage initiative and collaboration.

4. Environmental and Sanitation Awareness

Educate rural communities on environmental care and personal hygiene through creative projects. Lead initiatives like forming “green” clubs, planting flower gardens or trees, managing garbage, creating recycling programs, building smokeless stoves, or constructing toilets. Volunteers can also share knowledge with youth clubs or women’s groups, fostering sustainable practices and community engagement.

5. Homestay and Cultural Exchange (2–4 Weeks)

Live with a traditional Nepali family, within 30 minutes of your placement, to immerse yourself in local life, food, and customs. Participate in daily activities like cooking, washing, and fieldwork, becoming a true member of the household. Share your culture through stories, photos, or items from home. This program is included in most VEN placements, ensuring authentic cultural exchange.

6. Disability Care Support

Assist caregivers at facilities for children with disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and physical or mental challenges. Share modern care methods and teach “polite English” to staff for better communication with medical professionals and visitors, enhancing care quality.

7. Primary Healthcare and Medical Support

Medical students, nurses, and doctors can provide basic healthcare to rural communities and orphanages. Organize groups of 2–12 volunteers for flexible programs combining clinical work with cultural experiences and sightseeing. Contribute to health education and direct care in underserved areas.

8. Agricultural Work

Live with a host family and assist with agricultural tasks 5 days a week. Nepal’s agriculture, vital to 90% of its population, includes horticulture, animal husbandry, veterinary sciences, dairy, sericulture, fisheries, forestry, seed management, and erosion control. Volunteers engage in planting, harvesting, and marketing, contributing to the transfer of modern agricultural techniques.

9. Administrative Support

Support VEN’s office with tasks like paperwork, email correspondence, and general administration. Volunteers with relevant skills can design programs in areas like business development, teacher training, or local economic initiatives, tailored to community needs.

10. Experience Real Nepal

Combine volunteering with adventure in this immersive program. Start with a week of language and cultural training in Kathmandu, including sightseeing and white-water rafting en route to Chitwan National Park for an elephant safari. After your placement (e.g., teaching or community work) with a host family, trek in the breathtaking Annapurna region.

Benefits

• Live with local families for authentic cultural immersion.
• Support rural development and community well-being.
• Combine volunteering with trekking, jungle safaris, or cultural tours.
• Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• Engage in meaningful cultural exchange.

Project Area: Gorkha

Gorkha, the historic birthplace of Nepal’s unification, is a scenic hill district rich in Gurung and Magar cultures. VEN’s projects here focus on education, community building, and sustainability in resource-scarce villages. Volunteers can teach English, support school construction, promote environmental awareness, or immerse in village life.