Anu Kashyap Volunteering in Nepal

For the last four months, I have been living in Nepal and volunteering with an organization called Child Haven International (www.childhaven.ca). I would like to share my story and pictures about this amazing life changing experience.

AFTER TWO WEEKS
During these first weeks I spent most of my time observing everything that took place on a day-to-day basis. By observing I was trying to find my place. Before I left home, I had talked to other volunteers about what they had done on a day-to-day basis at the home and they just basically said they did whatever needed to be done. Everything is very simple and uncomplicated.

My day starts off at 5:30 each morning, I go with the kids for a nice walk or jog followed by morning exercise and mediation in the hills behind the orphanage, it’s so peaceful, clean and green. After exercise we all have fresh Soya milk that is made each morning and afternoon for all the kids, staff and volunteers. After that we head off to homework classes to finish off any homework the kids may not have completed the night before. I have the pleasure of working with the older kids who are in grades 7 to 10. I help them with their math, English, science, etc. They seem to be very receptive to me and happy that someone can help them with their schoolwork. At first, it was a little tough for me it’s been a long time since I did geometry, calculus etc, but its just like riding bicycle. The kids are so smart and receptive to learning new information. They are always questioning everything I say. They even copy what I say in order to practice their English. After that we have morning Dal Bhaat Tarkarri – which consists of rice, lentils and curried vegetables. I wondered how I would survive just eating dal bhaat tarkarri every day twice a day. Pervious volunteers had mentioned that the food was very plain and simple and after awhile I would get sick of eating the same thing over and over again. After breakfast the kids attend a full day of school at the Green Tara Child Haven School (which is in the same location as the home). While the kids are in school, I help with watching the little ones, washing the clothes – the Nepali way – that means no washing machine but scrubbing the clothes with soap and then rinsing them with water to get the soap out. I can help with preparing tiffin (lunch) and cleaning up the dining hall. Right now we are setting a computer class for the community. Helping with program development and screening potential students, as been the bulk of my work. From time to time, I get a chance at writing grants and funding proposals. With other volunteers we work together to run special classes for the kids at the school – art, playing, library, watching TV and walking. Once school is over, I get to play with all the kids. We run around, take walks, play board games or just sit and talk. The kids are fascinated with learning English, so we have made a deal I will help with their English and they help me with my Nepali. However, I have quickly realized that Nepali is very similar to Hindi. Around 5:30 in the afternoon, we have Soya milk again and then the kids after homework classes again before their evening dal bhat tarkarri. Once dinner is over, most the kids head off to their room to sleep. I spend some time with the girls; we talk or listen to music or I help them with homework before I retire for the evening.

It has been hard trying not to influence the kids with my western knowledge. I have quickly learned that every word I say is being mimicked. One of the other hardest things is adjusting to a very simple routine. There is always something to do but just not as hectic or complicated as working. I still miss my crazy hectic life but with each day that passes I realize how hectic we make our lives back home and how we really live in the lap of luxury.