Nepali Childrens Trust

We do not have a specific volunteer program and volunteers need to be independent travellers and look after themselves. However, we can provide you with lots of information about travel and accommodation and we can put you in touch with local people in Kathmandu who will be happy to help you We welcome volunteers of all ages and if you are interested, please mail us something about yourself and whether or not you have any specific skills. We will put you in touch with the DNC office and you may be asked to fill out a volunteer form by them.
Most of the children and staff speak some English and the children are easy to get on with. Often, it is best not to go with too much of an agenda and to go with a view of enjoying yourself. The most important and satisfying part of being at DNC is to build friendships with the children and staff. One of the most useful things that volunteers do is just to be around for the children. The staff are great but they do not have much spare time to play or sit and talk to the children. Speaking English with the children is always very useful.
Currently, most of the children are in school, Sunday to Friday from early morning to around 3pm. The best time to visit is when they get back from school. It is often useful to help supervise homework or help individual children. Much of the homework is in English.
On their free day, Saturday, or during holidays, volunteers often organise games, outings, bring special snacks or fruit and depending on their individual skills, sometimes organise things like art or craft projects. It is good to discuss any plans with the staff beforehand.

General advice:
It is not appropriate to give money or individual gifts directly to the children. It is far better to provide things that all of the children can enjoy (treats, outings etc) and to do everything through the administrator or housemother.
It is important to be culturally sensitive and to check out that what you want to do is appropriate. Although it is often hot, people dress modestly.
The children can be very tactile and affectionate - especially the younger ones. However, it always important to be sensitive around physical contact to avoid misunderstandings. In Nepal, physical contact between people of the same sex is common but any physical contact between members of the opposite sex is not usually appropriate and never in public.
Nepal is a fairly safe country and, in most situations, visitors of either sex are not pestered. Nepalis are very generous and friendly but be very cautious when accepting food or drink. Outside of tourist restaurants, it is best to eat only food which has been cooked or which you can peel. Water should always be considered contaminated and we recommend using bottled water even for brushing teeth. There are plenty of chemists and almost everything can be bought over the counter without prescription but you should sure to take any specific medications with you that you might need. There is a good clinic if any illness persists.
There are often power cuts (recently as much as 16 hours per day although it varies with the seasons).
Many visitors to the centre ask about bringing things out from home for the children. It is worth remembering that, as a general rule, almost everything can be bought in Kathmandu and usually at a lower cost. If volunteers or their friends want to do something directly for the children, it is usually best to bring some money and assess what is required when you are there. Feel free to check the availability of specific items with us in advance.

Volunteers quarters:
Most people will want to stay, at least some of the time, in Thamel or near Boudenath Temple (which is closer to DNC). These areas have many guest houses and restaurants catering for westerners. However, by the end of 2011, volunteers quarters will be available at the new building where people can stay for all or some of the time. There will be a small charge for staying there and sharing meals (around £5 per night).
The new centre is about 8 miles from the centre of the city and this can mean a journey time of 30 mins to 1 hour by taxi from the city depending on traffic. Other modes of transport may take longer.
The volunteers quarters are self contained and have 3 small single bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (with gas heated shower), a communal sitting/eating area and basic cooking facilities with a fridge. There is a large balcony outside with nice views. There is a basic backup lighting system when there is no power and when there is power, there will be WiFi access.