Our first 2 Week Group Trip of 2018 started in Kathmandu, Nepal. Volunteers arrived on New Year’s eve and were treated to 2 weeks of uninterrupted sunshine, blue skies and mountain views. What a way to start a new year!

We were delighted to have our 1st two American volunteers on this trip plus Karolina Pakenaite for her 2nd trip with VoluntEars.

This was our third visit to one of our partner Deaf schools near Pokhara. As always, the staff and students gave a warm welcome to everyone in the VoluntEars group. Nepali people really are some of the friendliest on earth.

VoluntEars – helping at a Deaf school in Nepal

Interview with volunteer Alanna Kilroy

Watch Alanna Kilroy answer some questions about her trip to Nepal with VoluntEars:

Volunteering at a Deaf school in Nepal

Mornings were spent at our partner Deaf school. Our challenge was to renovate their dining hall from floor to ceiling before leaving Nepal 2 weeks later. The walls were dirty and dark and it took 3 days preparation work before we could even start painting. Then the paint wasn’t thick enough so we had to do extra coats. We were happy some of the local teachers and students helped us! Break times were fun – sitting outside in the sun chatting to the local deaf students and admiring the mountains in the distance.

The hard work paid off – check out the before and after photos below:

The school dining hall BEFORE we started work (above)

Hard at work paining the school dining hall

The school dining hall AFTER we finished renovations

Activities with Nepali deaf students

One of the highlights was doing a range of activities with the local Nepali deaf students. Our volunteers had their own activity ideas and explained the rules to groups of very excited local students! It was also a great chance to try communicating in a different sign language.

VoluntEars volunteer Ben Barlow doing an activity with Nepali deaf students

Volunteers and Nepali deaf students working together in teams

Playing football in a padi field. Not something you can do back home!

Trekking in the Himalayas

Our middle weekend was spent trekking in the Himalayas. If you’re thinking of joining our Nepal trip then don’t worry – you won’t be climbing Everest using ice axes and crampons! VoluntEars hires experienced Nepali guides to ensure everyone is safe and porters to carry the luggage. VoluntEars staff accompany the group as well. The pace is slow, we have regular breaks and although the accommodation is basic…look at the views.

Trekking in the Himalayas on a trip to Nepal with VoluntEars

Trekking in the Himalayas on a trip to Nepal with VoluntEars

What else did we do in Nepal?

There’s really too much to mention in a single blog post! We also ran a Nepali Sign Language class (thanks to our friend Ramesh), visited the World Peace Pagoda and explored the shops and cafes along the lakeside in Pokhara. In Kathmandu there was time to visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and wander around the fascinating lanes of Thamel.

We need your help this summer!

If you like the idea of combining deaf volunteering in Nepal with exploring a new culture then join our next Nepal trip. We’ll be renovating the dormitory below at the same Deaf school in Nepal. Your help will be really appreciated by the local students. Contact Us today for details.

Help us renovate this school dormitory in Nepal in August 2018.

Get involved! Read more here: Nepal 2 Week Group Trip.

Got a question? Contact us now!