The Childcare Program
Restrictions due to the pandemic mean that this program cannot get the support it needs right now. Sign up for 2022 and we'll work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
This essential program works with society's most vulnerable. Based in the magical city of Kathmandu, volunteers will be working with children to provide the care, support and attention that the children desperately need. Unfortunately, Nepal suffers extreme poverty, resulting in many families simply being unable to care for their children. Many children have left destitute villages to find work in the capital and will end up trapped in child labor in restaurants, hotels and factories. Many of these children are subjected to sexual abuse by their employers. They are often left walking the streets and preyed upon by human traffickers or those wanting to take advantage of them. This project’s aim is to take these children off the streets and provide them with quality child care and education, saving them from a life of abuse and neglect. Volunteers supply much-needed labor to support these children with care, attention, an education and most importantly – love.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide childcare to the vulnerable children of Nepal
- Improve the future prospects of the children of Nepal
- Provide medical care and an education to those in dire need
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both students and international volunteers alike
How You Can Help
This amazing program is desperate for willing volunteers to share their love and compassion with these wonderful children. They need enthusiastic, passionate and caring volunteers to carry out the daily work required to give these children the quality care they need to thrive. The role is often highly demanding but equally rewarding. Children's center volunteers will find they are constantly busy supporting the needs of these at-risk children. They will help them with daily tasks such as; getting ready for school and sanitation, completing daily chores around the home, collecting children from school, helping them with their homework and learning English. A big part of the role is simply spending time with the children who crave attention. Playing games with them, singing, dancing and playing outside are all activities that are encouraged and will be thoroughly enjoyed by the children – and the volunteer! This is a wonderful way for volunteers to learn more about the Nepalese people and culture while helping make a difference to the lives of children in need.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Helping to teach children aged 3 - 6 years
- Attending to and interacting with the children
- Creating activities and entertaining the children with games and songs
- Teaching basic English
- Help with duties in the home where required
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Nepal. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this program have the opportunity to experience Nepal's vibrant capital city of Kathmandu as well as experiencing authentic Nepalese life in rural villages within the Kathmandu Valley.
Volunteers are based in Kathmandu for the first 3 days to enjoy an in-depth program orientation and introduction to this amazing country and city. An excellent opportunity to explore the sensory overload that is Kathmandu City!
Whilst on placement volunteers stay with local host families in communities in the Kathmandu Valley. An amazing way to experience authentic Nepalese life in a tranquil rural, village or city setting.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month with volunteers arriving the preceding day. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu you will be collected at the airport and taken to your accommodation. A comprehensive three-day induction is provided which will include specific information about your placement as well as covering the basics of the Nepalese language and an insight into the culture. This is a great opportunity to mix with other volunteers and get to know the local team.
- Arrival Day: Volunteers arrive on either the 14th day of the month or the last day of the month.
- Departure Day: 7 days after arrival for every week volunteering.
- Arrival Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (Code: KTM)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program have the unique opportunity to stay with a local Nepalese family. Host families are experienced at caring for volunteers and are welcoming and supportive. Their homes may be basic by international standards and the levels of English may vary but this is more than made up for by generosity of spirit.
Initially volunteers stay in a Volunteer House in Kathmandu and are provided with a three day orientation session before transferring to their host family home. Lunch is provided daily during the orientation with breakfast and dinner readily available for little cost.
Living conditions in Nepal are far from luxurious and will vary between homes.The accommodation will have running water but hot water is uncommon as are heating and air-conditioning. Electricity will be available but is unreliable and may be turned off for a period each day.
When volunteering during Nepal’s winter months (particularly December, January and February) warm clothes and a heavy sleeping bag are recommended.
WiFi may be available in the Host Family Home for a small fee but we recommend that volunteers purchase a local SIM card and data package on arrival in order to stay in touch with friends and family.
Three simple and delicious meals per day are provided by the host family whilst on placement and are normally vegetarian with staples such as rice, lentils (dal) and vegetarian curries. Volunteers are encouraged to take a lunchbox or one can be purchased on-site.
Fees
That’s just USD 39 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.