Most disabled individuals in Nepal are ignored and neglected, seen as a shame to their family and often locked out of sight. The situation for deaf people is little better. Volunteer with VSN and give these people the support they deserve
Deaf support: 24.6% of the population in Nepal is deaf or hearing impaired and most live in rural areas without access to education or Sign Language training. It is therefore very difficult for deaf students to get a proper education. Even at deaf schools, there is no curriculum designed for deaf students.
Disability Support: Disabled people in Nepal are often forced to live in dark rooms because their family members feel ashamed of them and are angry at having lost prestige and respect through their relative. Often these individuals live a life where they feel no love, care or self worth and with no financial support, are often reduced to begging on the streets.
Volunteers have two options for working with people with special needs:
- A school for deaf children
- A rehabilitation center for mentally and physically disabled children
1. Volunteering at a school for deaf children
Volunteer Society Nepal’s works with deaf schools in Banepa and Pokhara. Both are always hugely grateful for the extra helping hands of international volunteers.
How do volunteers help?
Deaf students are eager to learn and warmly welcome a chance to improve their skills, especially in reading and writing. Volunteers spend up to 6 hours a day at the school. They will typically assist teachers in preparing lessons for the children and also help to run the classes. Deaf children are particularly keen to learn English and so this is often the main role of a volunteer at the school. Depending on the volunteer’s level of experience they may provide the school with advice on new teaching methods and introduce creative activities for the children.
Based on experience and skills, volunteers may also provide vocational training, income generating programs and introduce the use of technology in the children’s learning.
Do I need any specific skills or qualifications for this placement?
You have to have an understanding of international sign language to volunteer at the school for deaf children. When choosing to work at a school for deaf children, you must be patient, friendly and approachable. It is very important that you are willing to learn Nepali Sign Language and you must be prepared to enter a completely different world of signs and silence. This work can be very challenging because of all the different modes of communication used and learning difficulties encountered, but the staff at the school are always on hand to help guide the volunteers.
A day in the life of a volunteer at a deaf school…
Past Volunteer’s Experiences:
Tracey Strathdee, England
Volunteering in a school for the deaf in Banepa
Where in Nepal can I volunteer in a school for deaf children?
The deaf school in which we place volunteers are located in Banepa, which is 22km East of Kathmandu in the Hills Region and Pokhara. Being located in both these cities, you will have easy access to rural and cultural urban centers. With a combination of a small-town feel and easy access to Kathmandu, Banepa is a peaceful and interesting place to live. Pokhara is the second most visited city in Nepal after Kathmandu and is famous both for stunning mountain views and the peaceful Lake Phewa.
2. Working at a center for disabled children
VSN also places volunteers in centers for mentally and physically disabled children.
How do volunteers help?
Volunteers spend up to 6 hours a day at the centre. They typically assist caregivers in preparing and running activities for the students. For those who are able to learn, the volunteers may teach them basic English. Volunteers can also help to plan outings in the local area and design creative learning sessions. Depending on the volunteer’s level of experience they may provide more education on care methods for the Nepali staff, vocational training, income generating programs and introduce the use of technology in the student’s learning and play. If you have a preference over working with physically or mentally disabled students then please state this in your application.
Do I need any specific skills or qualifications for this placement?
If volunteers have had previous experience with disabled children then they may get more out of this placement, but previous experience is not a requirement. When choosing to work at the disabled centre you must be patient, friendly and approachable. This work can be very challenging because of all the different learning and physical difficulties encountered, but the staff at the facilities are always on hand to help guide the volunteers.
A day in the life of a volunteer working at a facility for disabled children:
![]( "A day in the life volunteering in a disabled=")
Previous volunteers’ experiences:
Check out our Volunteer Community Pages. Here you can find email addresses to contact past volunteers and also join our Facebook group to post any more questions you may have.
Where in Nepal can I volunteer in a center for disabled children?
Volunteering in a center for disabled center is available in the Baneswor area of Kathmandu and in the town of Banepa 22km outside the city. You can also volunteer in a disabled school in Charikot in the Himalaya region
Living arrangements for both placements:
Wherever you chose to work in Nepal you will be placed in a homestay with a local Nepali family. By living with a family you will gain a greater insight and understanding of Nepali culture. The standard of lodging will depend on whether you are in a rural or urban area. In a rural area the facilities will be basic with minimal running water and a squat toilet. However, in an urban placement you will most likely have a flushing Western style toilet and a shower. All of your food will be provided for you at your homestay and you will never be more than 30 minutes from your place of work. For more information about what to expect have a look through the Volunteer Food and Accommodation.
