Assist an orphanage
When other girls were dreaming about love, she dreamt of love too, but in an entirely different context – the ones they took for granted. ― Donna Lynn Hope
Statistics show that 2.6 million children in Nepal are engaged in different sectors of child labor. Over 5,000 children are working and living on the streets. At least 40,000 children are bond laborers. About 100 children are in adult jails. And Nepal secures the number one spot in child disappearance rate in the world. To this number, the orphanage homes and child care services are astoundingly outnumbered. A statistics from Nepal Government shows that in 2010/11 there were only 602 registered orphanage homes in Nepal. Even worst is the recently revealed fact that most of the orphanages are fake seeking for lucrative funding from international donors and leaving the children in destitute conditions.
BHH works with registered and trustworthy orphanage homes, in and out of Kathmandu, placing willing volunteers to assist the caregivers of the organization to help the children in their routine day in every way possible. The placement is educational and enriching. Volunteers get to work closely with children and learn from orphanage staffs and caregivers. It is a simple placement, but one that comes with a lot of responsibilities and is high-demanding. But that being said, it is fairly rewarding as well.
The main purpose of a volunteering placement at orphanage is to give a chance to you to see and understand how an orphanage works. But more than that, it is to let the kids know that they are cared for and loved, and not just by one person but many. That is why it is essential for a volunteer at an orphanage be caring, loving, soothing and active. It is a task that requires a lot of patience and tolerance, because let’s face it kids can be very demanding. Moreover, it is an around the clock duty. Your duties will involve getting up early to get the children ready for school, to teaching them, assisting them in their assignments, taking care of toddlers and sometimes even infants. Although feeding and cleaning up after the kids is something that is assigned to staffs in the orphanage, an extra-pair of hands is always appreciated. Like we said, it is daunting placement, which can turn chaotic at times but working with children is always fulfilling and a blessing. You are helping shape their life by playing a pivotal role in their early development. And in turn you will take back a lot of bitter-sweet memories that will be instrumental in shaping your life. All we ask of the volunteers is to give the placement a try and be open-hearted and open-minded.
Note: During your placement, depending on the orphanage you will be working with, you will either be living at the orphanage or with a host family. In any time when you are not comfortable with your task or are experiencing emotional or physical direness, we insist you inform us. You are our utmost priority and out staff are always there to assist you.
General Requirements for All Programs
While there are specific skills and educational qualifications needed for each program, a few common requirements we look for in our volunteers are as follows:
- Be 18 years or older
- Shouldn’t have any major health problems
- Be eligible to obtain a tourist visa to Nepal
- Open-minded, willing to learn, flexible and adaptive to the surrounding