Solokhumbu is
known as the home of Mount Everest. But for INFO Nepal, it is
also the home of our newest, and most remote placement area.
Roughly 200km East of Kathmandu, it can be reached either by
flight (followed by a one day walk) or bus (followed by a 5 day
trek).
People in
this area are primarily Sherpas. They are traditionally
agricultural people, harvesting mainly corn and potatoes. Many
of them must work either in government projects (such as road
building) or as porters in order to make wages to support
themselves on the agricultural “off season”.
Volunteers
working in this area must be prepared to experience true Nepali
village culture. The area is remote, with no electricity or
modern conveniences (though there are a few phones where you can
make both local and international calls). Volunteers should
bring any supplies they will need (toilet paper, shampoos…) and
should prepare for cold nighttime weather, as the altitude is
fairly high (2500-3000m). Volunteers are also advised to bring
flashlights, iodine or water purification tablets, and a warm
sleeping bag or blanket.
Placements in Solokhumbu
Shree Bhimsenthan Lower Secondary
School, Mude: Funded by two donors from Holland, this
lovely-looking school needs a lot of help below the surface.
With 250 students from kindergarten to class 8, but only 6
full-time teachers, this is an ideal placement for couples. The
school has a library as well as maps, board games, and puzzles,
so there are a ton of great resources for the volunteer. The
students’ confidence in English, however, is lacking because
their English classes are generally conducted in Nepali. We
have placed two volunteers here already, though, and the
students’ confidence, as well as their knowledge of the “outside
world,” is steadily growing.
Shree Patale Thamik Vighalaya Primary
School, Patale: This is the only school in the
entire town of Patale, and with its 177 students, kindergarten
through class 5, and only five teachers, this is hardly enough.
Though the school has never had a foreign volunteer before, they
are very enthusiastic to receive one, and they seem to know
exactly what they are looking for. This volunteer should have
some teaching experience because he/she will serve not only as
an English teacher, but also as a teacher trainer, for the
teachers here are very keen for help and teaching ideas.
Jaleshwori Primary School, Thingnasa:
Currently the most remote of all four placements due to
landslides, this school is also the one most in need of help.
The classrooms are small and basic, the resources few, and the
teachers in need of guidance. The first volunteer here must
have confidence and a plan so that the school can see jut how a
volunteer can help. And with 165, class 1-5, and only 4
teachers, hopefully that volunteer will arrive soon.
Deusa
Secondary School, Deusa: The largest of our four
placements, this school has over students from class 1 through
10. There are 17 teachers, yet this is still not enough, since
some of the classes have over 75 students! English is perhaps
the subject that makes most students fail, so volunteers who can
help the children practice their English would be especially
needed at this very remote school, which is a day's walk from
all the other placements.
Throughout
my time as a volunteer I have found the INFO team to be very
welcoming and helpful. From the moment I landed in Nepal the INFO
team have been very attentive. It was great to see a member of the
team at the airport, especially as my flight was delayed by several
hours. I was taken directly to the Guest House and after a couple
of ‘welcome’ phone calls from the INFO team and a goodnight’s sleep,
I moved to Happy Home and started my four day language and cultural
program. Pamela Bruck
- Ireland - July 2006
I
decided to come to Nepal on the advice of my cousin Mark who also
volunteered with Info Nepal in January. I must admit that I was
apprehensive about traveling to Kathmandu. This would be something I
would dream about but never actually go through with. However, to
anyone who is having second thoughts about volunteering with Info
Nepal you should book your ticket now!
Paula -
Ireland - June 2006
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prepared to experience true Nepali
village culture. The area is remote, with no electricity or
modern conveniences (though there are a few phones where you can
make both local and international calls). Volunteers should
bring any supplies they will need (toilet paper, shampoos…) and
should prepare for cold nighttime weather, as the altitude is
fairly high (2500-3000m). Volunteers are also advised to bring
flashlights, iodine or water purification tablets, and a warm
sleeping bag or blanket.
Throughout
my time as a volunteer I have found the INFO team to be very
welcoming and helpful. From the moment I landed in Nepal the INFO
team have been very attentive. It was great to see a member of the
team at the airport, especially as my flight was delayed by several
hours. I was taken directly to the Guest House and after a couple
of ‘welcome’ phone calls from the INFO team and a goodnight’s sleep,
I moved to Happy Home and started my four day language and cultural
program.
I
decided to come to Nepal on the advice of my cousin Mark who also
volunteered with Info Nepal in January. I must admit that I was
apprehensive about traveling to Kathmandu. This would be something I
would dream about but never actually go through with. However, to
anyone who is having second thoughts about volunteering with Info
Nepal you should book your ticket now!