The program
This wonderful project was created with the goal of helping to improve the education of Nepal’s Buddhist monks. Love Volunteers works with a local organization that offers free programs involving teaching in monasteries, held in Pokhara (around 200kms west of Kathmandu). The students are Nepalese monks and nuns of all ages, as well as Tibetan monks and nuns who have taken refuge from persecution in Tibet. Many of the monks and nuns volunteers teach would have lived relatively sheltered lives, having joined the monasteries at a young age. They do have a thirst for education and learning, and are extremely willing students. Volunteers fulfil these people’s desire to learn English, but are also valued for their ability to impart knowledge and insights of first aid, environmental issues, health and hygiene, as well as political issues and human rights. Volunteers generally have the opportunity to teach a range of age groups, from children through to adults, and have the ability to open up a whole new world to these gentle people.
Goals of this Project:
Volunteers gain wonderful teaching and life experience on this fantastic program, traveling to one of the most amazing places on earth and helping to teach those who seek knowledge. Volunteers impart skills in English and more about the world outside, opening up a whole new world to those participating. In return, volunteers can learn about Buddhist philosophy, which is strictly followed by the monks in their daily lives, and all about the culture of this wonderful country. Monastery placements give volunteers the chance to reside in the monastery itself which is a once in a lifetime opportunity. A teaching qualification is not a requirement for this program but volunteers should hold a secondary education qualification. Although certain subjects need to be covered, a volunteer’s involvement can be tailored somewhat to suit their own skills and interests. A willingness to share and the ability to be proactive are key requirements on this program.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 3 and 4 hours, following the 6 day Nepalese working week, Sunday to Friday. While we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast at the Monastery
8:30am Pre-start meeting with supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
Lunch is taken at the Monastery
4:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
Afternoons and evenings are free to relax in the Volunteer House, run errands, keep in touch with friends and family and explore the local area.
6:00pm Dinner at the Monastery
Dinner is provided at the monastery or volunteers can eat out if and when they prefer.
Volunteers on this program have the enviable opportunity to stay in Pokhara; one Nepal's most popular tourist destinations.
Well known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural scenery Pokhara is also an epicentre for adventure travel. While trekking remains the biggest drawcard for the region it is also gaining fame for paragliding and white water rafting activities.
With a mild year round climate and so many excuses to get out and enjoy the countryside it's understandable why so many international travelers are drawn to this location and we are certain our volunteers will love it too.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Time permitting you will receive an orientation to help you settle in and provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations and, of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience.
The following morning our local representative will collect you from the accommodation and assist you onto the bus to Pokhara. The bus journey takes roughly 7 hours and includes stops for both breakfast and lunch. Previous volunteers have described the bus trip as quite an adventure!
The Pokhara coordinator will meet you when you arrive and answer any questions about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and anything else you may need. Finally you will be taken to the Monastery where you can settle in, familiarise yourself with the surroundings and meet the monks with whom you will be working.
Volunteers on our Monastery Placements in Nepal are given the unique opportunity to stay on-site at a Nepalese Monastery and observe the daily life of the Buddhist Monks.
Living conditions in Nepal are far from luxurious and will vary between Monasteries. The accommodation will have running water but hot water is uncommon as are heating and air-conditioning. Electricity will be available but is unreliable and may be turned off for a period each day.
Bedsheets and a pillow are provided so volunteers need only take a sleeping bag, personal toiletries and towel(s). Mosquito nets are readily and cheaply available locally and the local team will assist with purchasing one should it be required.
When volunteering during Nepal’s winter months (particularly December, January and February) warm clothes and a heavy sleeping bag are recommended.
Internet coverage is available at the Monasteries but is often unreliable and it is recommended that volunteers purchase a local SIM card and data package on arrival in order to stay in touch with friends and family.
Laundry services, internet cafes and places to eat out are often located near to the Monasteries and the local team will point these out during orientation.
Three simple and delicious meals per day are provided throughout the placement and are normally vegetarian with staples such as rice, lentils (dal) and vegetarian curries.
School Teaching in Buddhist Monasteries
Help in monasteries in Pokhara to fulfill the monks and nuns desire to learn English and get the unique chance to immerse in the Buddhist culture.
$273/week
U heeft een pagina aangevraagd die niet meer bestaat op deze site. Dit kan worden veroorzaakt door een link die u hebt gevolgd en die verouderd was, door het intypen van een verkeerd adres in de adresbalk, of gewoon omdat de post is verwijderd.