Volunteer Feedback and Testimonials

Dear VCD,

Thank you for your warm hospitality during my stay in Nepal. You went out of your way to make sure that I was comfortable and happy at all times.

I really enjoyed my stay with the host family who were extremely friendly and hospitable. It felt like home.

Thank you for arranging my trips to Chitwan and Pokhara. These were memorable experiences. I enjoyed the interaction with the other volunteers at VCD.

The dental camp was fun and exciting. It was really nice to see the enthusiasm in the Kids faces both at the monastery as well as the orphanage.

I sincerely hope that VCD continues in its efforts to make a lasting and positive impact to the lives of people in Nepal, and that, volunteers continue to feel a sense of fulfillment at their placements.

I wish VCD everything of the best in the coming years and sincerely hope that it grows in strength.

Kind regards,

Bhupesh Bhika
South Africa
Dental Camp- 3 weeks
July 2009

Welcome every body,

I would like to begin by THANK VCD and Bicky!

I spent one week in an orphanage, in Katmandhu, where I was with twenty children from 3 to 16 years old.

It was a fabulous experience, because every time, I had smiles, love, and more…

One week is to short, but what a crazy time with them, I played cricket in the rice culture, we drew on big papers. When the children gone to school, I was with them, and all the child of the school asked, you`re a new teacher??

The life in this house is like saucerful of love!

I met Bicky, the director of VCD, and he said to me, you will spend a good week with the family. When I come back from the orphanage home, it was more than it!!! And I`ll return in the family another time because they are all kind, sweet!!!

VCD is a very good association, with a gentle team. If I'll have some thing to say to you, it will be, TRY IT!!

Thanks again VCD and Bicky, for all the good things what I saw, I did..

Benjamin
France
Teaching orphans- One week
2010

To those reading this,

Who have either arrived or are in the midst of their time here, My advice is to make every second count and experience as much of the beautiful country as possible for your return home date will be upon you far sooner than you expect.

At first, I was overwhelmed by the stark contrast between Ireland and Nepal but inevitably it worked its way into my heart and leaving will be one of the most difficult things i have ever done. Living here for the month has changed me as a person and my at the Monastery has taught me far more than i could ever teach them.

I have such a profound respect for Nepali people and immersing myself in this beautiful culture for the last four weeks has taught me many things about life and general outlooks. The poverty afflicting an enormous section of Nepal is secure and unrelenting and yet a sunny, happy disposition is always visible here, people are grateful for all that they have despite being in possession of very few material items and in the Western World; people find very little reason to be happy despite surrounding themselves with material things and it is through this observation of Nepali life, that i truly felt shame for my outlook on life.

I spent most of my time teaching in Kathmandu Monastery; a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery about 30 minute drive from the bustling tourist haven of Thamel, yet seemingly lightyears away. Words will never do justice to this Monastery and all the monks within its walls; all I can say is that each and every one of them have earned a place in my heart.

Hardest of all will be saying goodbye to VCD, for, despite my apprehension on arriving here, they enveloped me with warmth and friendliness and to have had the pleasure to meet such wonderful people has been a true blessing in my travels. Bikram (VCD Director) takes such a personal interest in every volunteer to pass through the doors ensuring that nobody has time to even think about loneliness.

Nepal with its crazy drivers, highly unusual shopkeepers and laid-back attitude has despite all previous thought, worked its way into my heart and leaving there will never be goodbye because to visit Nepal and indeed VCD; is to leave a part of your heart behind.

With fond memories always of Nepal.

PS Local Cats are vicious and the rain falls like rocks!!

Dymphie Power
Ireland
Teaching at a Monastery - One month
June 2009

Dear VCD+FAMILY!

Thank you for such a wonderful month!

Thank you for opening my eyes to the wonderful place that is Nepal. I have had a BLAST.

The family stay was wonderful; it was so lonely to have a home away from home. The orphanage was really amazing, spending all day with the children made me feel like a child again. They are truly special, amazing and inspirational kids.

Sadly I have had to cut short but i can't wait to come back & play with the team again!!!!!

Thanks so much for looking after me, it made the world of difference! Top work "Brother and Sister."

Ellana Doolan
Australia
Teaching at orphanage- one month
May 2009

Dear VCD Nepal,

I would like to thank you to VCD Nepal, for giving me opportunity to learn and experience Nepali culture in a beautiful village. I feel my short time there was not enough, but many precious moments I had with my students and host family. Even though I felt little bit uncomfortable with the host father, but still I could enjoy most of my time there.

This is the first volunteering experience for me, and definitely would like to do it again in the future.

I will never forget the hospitality and passion of village children to learn. They deserve better future.

Warm Regards,

Iku Saymara
Indonesia
Homestay & Cultural Exchange- 2 weeks
July 2009

I came to Nepal in January 2010 to travel around a bit but first of all to volunteer. I found Bikram through the VCD Nepal website, and I am very thankful for that. From the very beginning the hospitable and easy attitude of the VCD team was a pleasure and a comfort in a strange land.

Matt and I taught English in the Khawalung monastery in Kapan for two weeks. The young monks were a delight to teach; enthusiastic, energetic and a little bit cheeky, with a kindness that made us feel at ease and welcome. The independence we were afforded by the Buddhist establishment was great, allowing us to take full creative control of our lessons, with Bikram always a phone call away if it were needed.

The atmosphere at the lighthouse (the hub of VCD Nepal) was a massive bonus. Cheeky Santos cooked us enough Daal Bhaat for a Nepali lifetime and "Mom" was always at hand for a laugh.

VCD Nepal provided us with an unforgettable experience; seeing the "real Nepal", whilst also allowing us to offer something back to the Nepali people. I owe a great debt of gratitude to VCD Nepal.

I first visited Nepal in summer 2008. After falling for the country as a tourist I wanted a different experience from my second visit. VCD Nepal was recommended to me by a friend. On very short notice, Bikram organized a teaching placement for me at Khawalung monastery in Kapan. I couldn’t have spent a happier time there. The monks were a joy to teach in the classroom and always ready for fun and games. Aside from teaching there was no better place to find a peaceful place to contemplate. Living in a monastery also provided an opportunity to see genuine practices of Tibetan Buddhism as the monks allow you to sit in on their recital of their mantras in the gompa.

I could not have asked for friendlier hosts during my weekends in Kathmandu.

The Lighthouse became a home away from home for all VCD volunteers thanks to the generosity and humour of Bikram and Santos. I am in their debt for the huge amount I have gained from my short time with VCD.

James and Matt
UK
Teaching at the monastery - one month
2010

Dear VCD!

Thank you for a fantastic week! As I hadn't booked a volunteer package before I came away, I wasn't sure if it would be possible to find anything; but it was so simple! Within half an hour of finding VCDs Website I was at the office discussing the plans for the next week! I went to Godawari for 1 week and stayed with a lovely family.

I had my own bedroom, and the daughters took me under their wing, they showed me all the sights and the village.

We spent the evenings sharing stories, or playing with the young children in the village. I also got to attend meditation gatherings, and help with household chores such as taking the rice to the mill.

I initially wanted to volunteer at a health-post. as I am training to be a Doctor, but it was very quiet and there was not much chance to do examinations, or help in diagnosis.

So after 3 days, I started volunteering at the daughter’s school which was brilliant! I helped out with the younger children; doing drawings and ABCs, and also took a few English lessons with the older children. It was a fantastic experience and I would recommend it to anyone looking to experience "the real Nepal!"

Catherine Gallagher
UK
Medical & Teaching at a school - One week
June 2009

Dear Bicky & Everyone else at VCD,

Like any great adventure, my time in Nepal has been filled with both ups and downs. I feel so lucky to have had a chance to share these experience with the wonderful people I have met here.

Thank you for all your help for arranging my placement, sightseeing & other adventure like rafting & the jungle. But more importantly thank you for being so flexible & supportive in arranging my early return from my placement at Chitwan. It is this care of volunteers that make VCD so unique. I truly felt like part of a family here in Nepal and I will miss you all when I return home. Special thanks to Craig for taking me sightseeing and being so warm friendly and to Teresa for taking me on so many expeditions to the tailors and showing me around Thamel.

Bicky- I can't thank you enough for everything. Best of luck with all your work in the future.

Mary Glen
Canada
Medical and orphanage home Volunteer- One month
July 2009

Dia Dhut VCD,

Four weeks here and it’s time to go home already don't know how to leave; it is so very hard. I am extremely grateful to VCD, not only for an absolute unforgettable four weeks but also for rescuing me at the airport when another NGO failed to show up at the airport for me. What turned out to be one of the worst moments of my life being on my own in a strange country on a Sunday night turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Thank God for fate. I love VCD to bits and will always be extremely grateful; it was the NGO that came to my rescue.

After just four weeks VCD is a huge part of my heart and always will be. Words simply don't do the people I have met during my time here justice. I am extremely sad to be leaving but this is not goodbye to VCD, it’s simply "see ya later!" Can't wait to come back.

Thank you very much VCD,

Sandra Murphy
Ireland
Teaching at a Monastery - One month
June 2009

Namaste!

Thank you for everything. I really learned so much here and i really enjoyed my time in Nepal. If I have the opportunity to come back i will definitely come back. And I hope I will learn more things again.

Thank you very much for this amazing opportunity.

I hope to see you soon.

Sujette Voet
The Netherlands
Work in an orphanage home
July 2009

I arrived in Kathmandu realising that it wasn't going to be easy to find some volunteering work. How wrong I found myself! Very rapidly my worries of traveling on a wing and a pray disappeared as I discovered the welcoming nature of the Nepali people. It is through this generosity and good will that I came to know VCD Nepal. Very rapidly and efficiently the placement I wanted to do was set up. The school was a incredibly welcoming and the children where just as you would expect them to be, buzzing with energy and incredibly curious. The classes where hard at first but with VCD Nepal's helpful guide book packed full of games, lesson plans and teaching method the whole process became a walk in the park. VCD is a special NGO, it is rivaling large companies who offer placements here for large amounts of money, with which little of this money is seen arriving the actual people who need it. This is something which really put my heart at rest, the idea that my money (which I worked damn hard for!) was going to a good cause! VCD also offered me great opportunities as a amateur photographer. I was able to do two weeks volunteering whilst taking pictures in different regions of Nepal with the prospect of getting some pictures published in a the National newspaper. It's been a great experience and I wouldn't change it for the world! The beauty of the whole thing is that it supports the real local people rather than large companies based abroad millions of miles away from the realities on the ground. VCD has a great leadership, is very approachable and honest NGO doing great work in Nepal! There is no doubt in my mind that i will be returning to volunteer for them again!

Daniel Salmon
Burwash,
UK
(Volunteer - 2008 May)

Namaste!
So hear is time to leave already!
Nepal is totally crazy, but I don't want to leave! The experience has been very much up and down at times, sometimes very difficult but when you come through the other side, all the difficult times are worth it.

Having to put up with all the problems here has made me much more tolerants and patient. The experiences will stay with me for a long time, Thanks Bicky, Biswas, Bishal, Pratik, Shyam and family.

Gans oll ow Holon (with all my heart)

Yowann Kereve (John Rowe)
Comborne
UK
(Volunteer - 2008 May)

After traveling for some time around south East Asia, bouncing from place to place, a need began to grow inside me. I thought to myself, why am I traveling to so many different countries? The first answer that came to me was to learn more about the many cultures outside of my own, but the more I thought about this, the more I realized I really hadn't experienced or learned about another culture that much in my travels. I was getting caught up in all the backpacker fun and forgot the main reason I embarked on this trip in the first place. Before I came to Nepal I had booked a trek to Mount Everest Base camp, taking up the majority of the time I had in Nepal. (26 days). When I finally arrived, I realized that the need to do something important and really learn had to be fulfilled. I cancelled my Everest trek and limited myself to a 7 day Annapurna Circuit Trek. After completing this, the company through which I booked my trek put me in contact with Bikram from VCD Nepal. Through his genuine efforts, his was able to place me with a family in a village called Godawari as a Health Post Volunteer (Because I will be studying to be a doctor upon my return back home) and English Teacher for the remainder of my time in Nepal. I cannot express how much this meant to me. In only one day, I met up with Bikram to meet my host family's father Shyam Silwal. Immediately he struck me with modesty and care and I could easily tell that he was impassioned and very grateful to be able to help and take me into his family. Even though I had had a little bit of knowledge about the Nepali culture, I was still amazed with the colors, cloths, people's passion for each other and their work ethic, and last with the beauty of the village. The village was about 2 and a half hours outside of Kathmandu but completely surround by mountains, lying low in a valley shelved with rice plantations. The view ever day was astounding for my place at the health post, and especially nice while watching the sun set between the hills from my family's house rooftop. Each day that went by, I learned more and more about the Nepali culture and found my work to be very rewarding. During the morning, I would wake up for morning tea and an hour or so later eat breakfast (Dal Bat). Then I would make my way to the village school which was only two floors, but full of laughing children. I taught English mainly in class six and seven. I tried to expand their vocabulary with some fun games. They loved this. Even when class was cancelled, the students in my class pleaded with the principle to stay longer so they could play and learn. This astounded me. Back home we would pray for a day off. After one period of teaching I would then make my way to the health post. There, I made some amazing friends in the village while helping give vaccinations, weigh babies for growth sheets, and doing some basic first aide (dressing wounds and getting medication for people). I finished my day with one last period at the school. Later in the evening I would play the guitar, read, hang out with my local friends and then eat Dal Bat around 7 or 8. Overall, my experience was amazing. I think I have finally made my trip worth while and I believe I truly understand the Nepali culture. I am very thankful for VCD and would recommend them to anyone seeking to do some good in the world, even if only for a short period of time.

John Lund
Grand Rapids, Michigan
USA
Health Post Volunteer and English Teacher- VCD Nepal
June 2008

I first came to Nepal in January 2008 to do a quick trek before heading down to India. However there was something compelling about Nepal and the Nepalese people, and I knew that I had not seen the last of it!

In June I returned to Nepal ready to start some volunteer work. For the past seven weeks I have been volunteering in a small community school on the outskirts of Kathmandu. There are just over 200 students in the school, ranging from nursery class through to class 8. I have been teaching the English class for grades 6, 7 & 8, and filling in for other classes at various times. The school was very welcoming and supportive, and always tried to make sure I was happy with what I was doing. Not only was I there teaching the students, but I also found the teachers to be very interested in learning about my country and western culture.

Each morning I enjoyed my coffee in a little bakery with the taxi drivers, where I would catch up on the Kathmandu gossip. I would then walk to the bus stand and squeeze into the number 2 micro bus for the 10 - 30 minute journey to school (depending on the weather, and what was going on in Kathmandu at that time). I would teach my classes, then sit down for a huge meal of daal bhat, before catching the micro back in the afternoon.

The students were very interested in hearing about Australia, about my family, and they made me sing the Australian National Anthem many times. And although initially they didn’t behave for me as well as they did for the other teachers, we had a lot of fun together. As the friendships grew so did their respect, and their behaviour improved too.

Volunteering in the school has been the most wonderful experience. Having a class of 20 students yelling out 'miss, miss' to get your attention is something I won't forget, nor the journey to the museum on the over-crowded school bus! I really love learning about different cultures, and volunteering allowed me to actually become a small part of the community for a period of time. I have learnt so much about Nepalese culture and I have also come away with lots of ideas about what to do with my future. I am really sad it has come to an end, but I know my time in Nepal is not over yet!

Louise Bradshaw
Melbourne
Australia
Teaching English Volunteer - VCD Nepal
June 2008

When I organized my trip to Nepal, little did I know what an enriching cultural experience I had in store for myself. As a student of sociology, I was drawn to the cultural differences in Nepal, as well as the opportunity to help others. Traveling alone to a country halfway around the world can seem overwhelming, but upon my arrival I found friends much more easily than I imagined. The culture in Nepal is very social and inclusive. I had no qualms about trying to speak Nepali as many people here appreciate even a small effort. The children and the house mother at the orphanage provided a family for me, and the laughter, games, and smiles crossed all language barriers. I found the children very eager to learn, as well as eager to teach me about their culture. The hospitality, although not five star, was directly from the heart. The children greeted me as an old friend, and gave me their understanding and compassion. I found that although I can't satisfy all of their needs, I will always have love to give. One thing I learned here is that it's not about satisfying a need but about involving oneself in an exchange of culture. I will always have doors open for me here as well as beautiful memories.

I hope to come back to Nepal with some kind of work involvement in which I can help more. This is difficult with a short volunteer placement and I hope to reach out to the children directly. I do feel that VCD Nepal is a great way to get involved in this country and I would highly recommend it.

Jill Rifkind
Valencia
USA
Assisting at orphanage home & teaching English Volunteer - VCD Nepal
July 2008

I was recently honored to be the first volunteer or guest at Krishna’s orphanage in Thankot Kathmandu. I was welcomed into the family and spent a great week there getting to know the 7 children. The orphanage is situated across the road from a local school and the local water tap and next door to a Buddhist temple so the opportunities to people watch were endless.

The children were aged between 10 and 15 and their English quite good so we had plenty of great conversations. I helped with homework (my algebra’s not as good as I thought). Once homework was finished there was time for fun. A favorite game was hide and seek and there were always lot’s of giggles when the seeker would yell out mom I can see you white legs shinning in the dark.

The setting of Thankot as you start to climb out of the Kathmandu valley to the west makes a refreshing change from the pollution, noise and general chaos of the central Kathmandu. The air is cleaner and crisper and your daily back drop is of forested hills and a snow caped mountains. Near by park and forest are great walks to take with the kids as they jostle with each other to hold your hand. The week went by very quickly but has left me with memories that will last a life time. The orphanage is run as a big family home and felt like a home filled with love and caring.

The children’s delight in simple pleasure was a rejuvenating tonic for my spirit and I hope to keep that brightness with me as a return to Australia. Please remember us. Don’t forget us mom the children said as I left. I won’t forget I promised, a promised there is no way I will ever break.

Claire Nixon
Brisbane, Australia
One week volunteer placement- Orphanage Home
November 2008

I arrived at the Rainbow Children Home without any expectations. I already put my trust into VCD Nepal so I knew that my experience would be worthwhile. I was struck by how welcoming the children were from the word go. I felt like I had been in their lives for longer than just a couple of hours. Staying at the home allowed me to be part of the everyday running of the children’s lives, which made it easier for me to establish relationships with them. Once I got used to the everyday routine I was able to just help out where ever I could. I mainly helped out preparing meals and sewing up the children’s clothing. This was of great help to the home and I am glad to use my skills in such a positive way.

I enjoyed walking the children to school because it gave me a chance to interact with the children outside the home environment. I was also privileged to accompany the children on a picnic, organized by another volunteer, which also gave me the opportunity to see the children in a different environment. This helped me see what a beautiful family RCH is. The children are all like brothers and sisters with the people running the place like parents. I was fortunate enough to become part of that family, making my experience more than worthwhile.

I felt like I couldn’t give enough in terms of loving and interacting with the children. I found them to be very independent and intelligent and fun, no trace of their traumatic short lives were seen on their beautiful smiling faces. They practiced their English on me and I tried to speak some Nepali with them. I got a chance to really connect with all of the children because of the size of the home (19 children). I am glad for this because it means that I will be able to remember them all individually. Above all I was touched by their capacity to love. I have learnt that love knows no cultural or language boundaries and we are all capable of it no matter what our stories are.

Thank you to RCH and VCD Nepal for giving me the most unique and beautiful Nepalese experience I could ever have hoped for.

Clare Drake
Sydney, Australia
Assisting at orphanage Home – VCD Nepal
November 2008

We came in Nepal for 6 weeks in November 2008. After one trek in the Annapurnas, we wanted to live a different experience of Nepal, focused on the human aspect, and to help on the environmental subject.

We went through VCD near Kathmandu in the village of Thangkot for a project of garbage management system. The streets were full of plastic, there were no trashcans and people were throwing their garbages in the streets. We began to clean the village, trying also to make them understand that it was very dirty and that they have to change something.

It was really interesting to se the people looking at us and saying:”why the foreigners are cleaning our village, we should do it ourselves?” Some people helped us to clean, it was very nice to see the population involved. Thanks to VCD Nepal, the village will also have some trashcans. It is just the beginning for improving the environment but is a first step.

To speak about the housing, we were welcomed in a wonderful family/orphanage with 7 children’s and a lot of happiness! It was amazing to enjoy with them during our free time, playing, talking and dancing.

Lamachere Christophe and Lemaire Vincent
Canada and France
Environmental Awareness volunteer – VCD Nepal
2008