Volunteer Society Nepal : The best experience for volunteers, the best value for Nepal.
At Volunteer Society Nepal, we have the immense pleasure of welcoming back Elise, a dedicated volunteer whose commitment to the children of Nepal and passion for education has brought her back for another two months of volunteering. Elise first joined us in the summer of 2023 at CBIA School, a vibrant and nurturing learning community that strives to provide high-quality education to underprivileged children in Kathmandu. Her initial experience left a lasting impression, both on her and the students she worked with, and we couldn’t be more excited to see her return.
Elise’s story is a testament to the power of volunteering and how one person’s dedication can make a significant impact on a community. Armed with a diploma in Pedagogy, a teaching qualification, and a Montessori diploma, she is perfectly equipped to help CBIA School on its transformative journey to become a full-fledged Montessori school.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Elise’s inspiring journey, the work she is doing at CBIA School, and how the Montessori approach is shaping the future of education in Nepal. We’ll also dive into the larger mission of Volunteer Society Nepal and how volunteers like Elise play a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals. By the end, we hope you’ll be as inspired as we are by Elise’s dedication and consider joining our volunteer community to make a difference in Nepal.
When Elise first arrived in Nepal in the summer of 2023, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Like many volunteers, she was drawn to Nepal’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the local community. However, what really moved her was the warmth and enthusiasm of the children at CBIA School. These children come from diverse backgrounds, many from underprivileged families, but they all share an eagerness to learn and grow.
During her first volunteer stint, Elise quickly became a favorite among the students. Her calm and patient demeanor, combined with her deep understanding of child development, allowed her to connect with the children on a personal level. She worked closely with the teachers at CBIA School, helping to introduce new teaching techniques and supporting the overall learning environment. Her ability to create a nurturing and stimulating environment helped the children thrive, and it was clear that Elise’s contributions were making a real difference.
Elise recalls, “The experience was life-changing. I saw firsthand how eager the children were to learn and how much potential they had. It wasn’t just about teaching them academics—it was about empowering them to believe in themselves and their abilities. I knew I had to come back.”
CBIA School has always been committed to providing quality education to children in need. Over the years, the school has made tremendous strides in improving its facilities, curriculum, and teaching staff. However, in recent years, the school’s leadership has recognized the need to adopt a more child-centered approach to learning—one that allows children to explore their creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and grow at their own pace.
This is where the Montessori method comes in.
The Montessori philosophy, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, is based on the idea that children learn best in an environment that supports their natural curiosity and desire to explore. It emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, with a focus on fostering independence, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
CBIA School’s mission to transition into a Montessori school is an ambitious but exciting one. The school’s leadership believes that the Montessori approach is perfectly suited to the needs of their students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may not have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers in more developed countries.
However, transitioning to a Montessori model requires more than just changing the curriculum—it requires a fundamental shift in how the teachers approach education. This is where Elise’s expertise has become invaluable.
With her Montessori diploma and extensive background in pedagogy, Elise is the perfect person to help guide CBIA School through this transition. Over the next two months, she will be working closely with the teachers and administrators to introduce Montessori principles into the classroom.
One of Elise’s primary tasks is to provide training and support to the teachers at CBIA School. While the teachers are experienced and dedicated, many of them are unfamiliar with the Montessori method. Elise is helping to bridge that gap by leading workshops, offering one-on-one coaching, and modeling Montessori teaching techniques in the classroom.
She explains, “Montessori is all about respecting the child’s individuality and allowing them to take ownership of their learning. It’s a shift from traditional teaching methods, where the teacher is the central authority, to a more collaborative approach. The teacher becomes a guide, and the child is free to explore and learn at their own pace.”
Elise is also helping to develop Montessori-friendly learning materials and redesign the classroom environment to support independent learning. In a Montessori classroom, materials are carefully selected to encourage exploration and discovery, and the classroom is organized in a way that allows children to move freely and engage with the materials on their own terms.
The ultimate goal is to create a learning environment where children feel empowered to take control of their education, develop critical thinking skills, and become independent, lifelong learners.
The introduction of Montessori principles at CBIA School has already begun to show positive results. Students are more engaged, motivated, and excited to learn. The emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning has sparked their curiosity and creativity, and the child-centered approach has helped build their confidence and self-esteem.
For many of the students, this is the first time they’ve been given the freedom to explore their own interests and learn at their own pace. This shift in approach has been particularly impactful for children who may have struggled in a more traditional classroom setting.
Elise shares, “It’s incredible to see the transformation in the children. They’re more confident, more inquisitive, and more willing to take risks in their learning. It’s so rewarding to see them thrive in this environment.”
The Montessori method is not just about academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. In addition to developing cognitive skills, Montessori education focuses on fostering social, emotional, and physical development. Children are encouraged to collaborate with their peers, develop problem-solving skills, and take responsibility for their actions.
At CBIA School, this holistic approach to education is helping to create a generation of confident, compassionate, and capable young learners.
Elise’s decision to return to Nepal for another two months speaks volumes about her dedication to the students at CBIA School and her belief in the power of education to change lives. Her continued commitment to Volunteer Society Nepal is a testament to the meaningful impact that volunteering can have—not just on the community being served, but on the volunteer themselves.
When asked why she decided to come back, Elise says, “The experience was so fulfilling. I knew I wasn’t done. I wanted to continue the work I started and help CBIA School achieve its goal of becoming a Montessori school. The children here have so much potential, and I want to do everything I can to support them in their journey.”
Elise’s return to Nepal is a shining example of the long-lasting relationships that are built through volunteering. At Volunteer Society Nepal, we are incredibly grateful for her continued commitment and the impact she is having on the lives of the children at CBIA School.
The Role of Volunteers in Shaping the Future of Education in Nepal
Elise’s story is just one example of how volunteers can play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Nepal. At Volunteer Society Nepal, we believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter future for the children of Nepal. However, we cannot achieve this goal alone—we rely on the dedication and expertise of volunteers like Elise to help us make a lasting impact.
Whether it’s teaching, mentoring, or providing support in other areas, every volunteer brings unique skills and perspectives that contribute to the success of our programs. We work closely with our volunteers to ensure that their experience is both rewarding and impactful, and we provide the support they need to make a real difference in the lives of the children and communities they serve.
If Elise’s story has inspired you, we invite you to join our volunteer community and become a part of the life-changing work we’re doing in Nepal. Whether you’re an experienced educator like Elise or someone with a passion for helping others, there’s a place for you at Volunteer Society Nepal.
Volunteering is not just about giving back—it’s about learning, growing, and building meaningful relationships with the people and communities you serve. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the world and to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
If you’re interested in volunteering with us or learning more about our programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you and help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity in Nepal.
Contact Us
Email: contact@volunteersocietynepal.org
Website: www.volunteersocietynepal.org
Phone/WhatsApp: +977 9841032737
We look forward to welcoming you to Nepal and working together to create a brighter future for the children and communities we serve.