How do you think you benefitted from the experience?

As someone quite new to the Deaf world and not in it very much, it was great to practice my BSL skills with others. The trip was my first outside of Europe so culturally that was very different and enlightening. The work at the school never felt demanding but felt rewarding and made a tangible difference to the lives of children there.

What did you learn?

Learning and practising both BSL and Nepali sign language was good fun and even practising my decorating skills, which is coming in handy as I’ve just bought a house!

What did you like about the VoluntEars trip?

The VoluntEars trip is a real balance of tourism and work, which gives you the opportunity to travel and also get something worthwhile out of it.

What did VoluntEars do well?

Everything really! Voluntears’ staff’s local knowledge and organisation skills were impeccable and Richard always seemed to have a solution to any problem that arose. He worked so well with Charlie [VoluntEars Interpreter], who always made sure I was OK following conversations in BSL and they both had a great sense of humour as we went along.

How can VoluntEars improve?

Personally I feel that you guys should keep doing what you’re doing because you do it so well and there’s nothing that comes to mind.

What was your most memorable experience?

So many to choose from but stepping away from the nursery after we’d finished our work to see the dramatic improvement was very special.