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"Since being out here in Nepal, you see poverty and those in need at every corner, I know that you can't even begin to help everybody but that is why just being able to make a difference in one small corner is fantastic.  It's hard to put down in words the effect these children have had on my outlook towards life...it has been an inspiring 6 weeks, but I know that I will continue to try and help in anyway I can."

(While at DNC, the children's laptop was stolen.  Catherine and her friends raised the money for a new one.  It is wonderful for the children to become computer literate and it also enables them to keep in touch with volunteers and friends world wide.)
 
Catherine wrote this account of her stay - photos below:

I was fortunate enough to get a 7 month sabbatical from work and i wanted to spend my time traveling yet taking some time out to do some voluntary work.
 
Nepal is a country that has been recommended by everyone I know who's been there.  I came across Nepali Children's Trust and DNC via the internet and I couldn't fail to be taken in and moved by the stories of the children that live there.
 
When I arrived at DNC, it was everything and more than what I was hoping for.  Immediately I was made to feel so welcome as I was shown around the home.  I work as a Radiographer in the UK, so I am used to working with people with varying disabilities, and I must say, after spending a few minutes with the children it is only their smiles and enthusiasm you notice and it is so infectious!
 
Over the 6 weeks, I would meet the children at the home after school, if I timed it right, I would meet them from the bus and walk with them up the hill to their home.  They tend to have a lot of homework, so I would help them with that...I found I had to re-teach myself maths!!! Once finished we would have time to hangout and play and sometimes get treated to a home cooked meal.
 
They all work so hard and have long days at school for 6 days a week.  Saturday is their only rest day when they enjoy playing, surfing the internet, watching TV and dancing to the music videos.  On a couple of occasions some of us walked to the nearby temples.
 
Outside of DNC, I stayed in Thamel which is a popular area for volunteers and tourists to stay.  It can feel a bit crazy at times, but full of bars and restaurants.  I spent about a week or so traveling around Nepal and was taken in by its' beauty and it was great to leave the city for some fresh mountain air.  The culture is so vibrant and found all who I met to be so welcoming.
 
I'm already planning my trip to return next year! 

 

Subash, Bikash, Catherine, Shanta &Kumar Laxmi, Catherine, Bikash & Manshara Dipendra, Manshara, Laxmi, Shanta, Muna, Mum (Carol), Kumar & Bimala
Catherine & Mum (Carol) Catherine on trek Bikash & Catherine