The Childcare Programs
The mission of this essential program is to care for some of the most impoverished children in the city of Pokhara. Poverty and a very low standard of living sadly result in cases where children are left uncared-for, often finding their way on to the streets. Some manage to be placed in community-care centers. These, however, are poorly resourced and rely on volunteers to help with the children. The children in this program require a lot of care, attention and most importantly, companionship. Volunteers spend their time caring for the children, helping with their education, playing games and arranging fun activities during leisure time. Attention and companionship is what the children on this program crave the most. For volunteers who truly want to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children, this program serves to protect and care for those who need it most. Every child deserves a safe and happy environment to learn and grow, and this program aims to offer that chance. Volunteering on this program will truly make a difference to the lives of children facing a bleak future.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide childcare and education to children and youth
- Expose non-English speakers to native English speakers in order to improve pronunciation and conversational skills
- Improve the future prospects of some of Nepal’s most impoverished people, and help them to break the poverty cycle
- Expose volunteers and children to different people and cultures
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an essential role in helping disadvantaged children through this program and gain so much in return. Participants will experience this amazing culture and learn so much about the world and its people. It promises to be the trip of a lifetime!
Volunteers will spend their time taking care of children and will assist the local staff with a range of tasks, from helping with the cooking, washing of dishes, laundry and basic building maintenance, to organizing and running educational and recreational activities for the children (games, arts and crafts, music etc).
Volunteers on a childcare placement will also assist with teaching, not only English but also subjects in which they have an interest or skill. The children are always happy to see international volunteers and are very welcoming and eager to learn. Volunteers make a huge difference to the lives of these vulnerable children and are truly needed and appreciated.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Caring for the children’s basic needs
- Teaching basic subject matter to the children, including English
- Playing games, reading to the children and organizing fun activities
- Teaching children good hygiene and life skills
- Helping on tasks for the center such as maintenance and administration
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Nepal. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
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.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers on this program can choose to fly into Kathmandu or Pokhara (see airport details below).
Upon arrival at either airport, you will be collected by the local team and transported 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.
If arriving into Kathmandu, you will be collected from the accommodation the following morning by our local team who will 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.
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (Code: KTM) OR
Pokhara International Airport (PKR).
Note: Return transport to Kathmandu is not included in the program fees and normally costs around US$20.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on our wonderful childcare program in Pokhara are accommodated in Apartments, less than 5mins easy stroll from the Children's Home.
Rooms and shared and, although the accommodation is clean and comfortable by local standards, volunteers are likely to find it basic. Linen is provided but volunteers may wish to bring a sleeping bag and small pillow for extra comfort and must provide their own personal toiletries and towels.
Electricity and internet coverage are available in the Apartments, however, load shedding is common in Nepal and connection may be intermittent. 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.
The Apartments are 30 mins walk (or a short taxi ride) from the picturesque and popular Lakeside region of Pokhara and volunteers are encouraged to use their spare time to explore the sites, make use of a laundromat or internet café or enjoy one of the many restaurants and cafes.
As the project is located in Pokhara, volunteers are accommodated on arrival at a hostel in Kathmandu before catching the bus to Pokhara the following day. All arrangements are made by our local team and detailed in the Arrival and Orientation section.
Three meals per day are provided at the project and the fare is simple and delicious. Volunteers are also welcome to eat out in nearby Lakeside where restaurants and cafes abound, serving both local and international cuisines.
Please note that all meals provided at the project are included in the program fees. When eating out it is the volunteer’s responsibility to cover the costs.
Fees
That’s just USD 37 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.