Abi's experience volunteering

How did I do it?

I found a place I wanted to go via workaway.info.  A site that we purchased a 2 yr membership for before leaving as it helps find volunteering and casual work opportunities.

About the place:
It was around a 15 minute drive out of Thamel, near the Swayambhu Temple (monkey temple).

It was a family run NGO, that is a children's home as well as during the day being a day centre for disabled children. They also have a lot of dogs that predominantly have been saved from being put down due to being stray or unwanted.
So there is an opportunity to help with all of these projects. 
You are asked to pay a $5 per day contribution and in return have somewhere to stay and all drinks, meals and snacks provided.

My main interest was helping with the disabled children. However the family running the place had a bereavement just before I arrived resulting in them having to be away for my first few days and so I was able to relax, read my book and then play with the kids when they were home from school.

Once they returned it was difficult to get the children to the centre due to the fuel crisis but we set about creating new advertisements and trying to reach out to get some new volunteers with specific skills (such as other SLTs, OTs, Physios and SEN teachers).

I did also get a small selection of the children on 2 days which was lovely to see and take part in helping take care of them and provide them with a stimulating day.

While I stayed with the family it really did feel like I was part of their family. I was able to learn a lot about Nepalese culture. It was just so nice. I definitely didn't want to leave!

It was a great experience so I will definitely be looking at doing some other volunteering during our trip!

**Pics to follow**