Child Care / Teaching English

Daniel - Feb 10

First of all I just want to say thank you to Mike, Liz, Gemma and of course the PoDfather, Robert. Everybody has been super nice and mega helpful. This was my first time travelling by myself and also my first ever trip to Asia so it could have been very easy for me to back out at any point through fear of the whole idea but everybody at PoD managed to make it a very pleasant and welcoming experience.

I’ll be honest by saying that I was very very scared at Heathrow airport waiting for my flight to Bahrain. I think I was still scared right up until the moment I reached Bindus family guest house in Pokhara (Bindu is awesome by the way). The people I met along the way though were really friendly. When we arrived at Pokhara I met up with one of Bindus daughters who were waiting for me. I must say it’s very reassuring to be met by someone who is expecting you along the way. At this point I was taken to Bindus where I had time to sit down and digest all that had happened while I waited for Phil, the main contact in Nepal, to arrive and give me the grand tour of my new home for the month, Pokhara. The tour of Pokhara was an adventure in itself. Phil showed me where all the essentials are. The supermarkets, the cash machines and good places to eat. We stopped every five shops or so to meet someone who Phil knew. He is a very popular guy. We walked to the lake where he showed me how to get up to the Piece Baghoda (a very good day out if you can get time off).

After the tour I went back to Bindus where I met Clare and Alex, two other volunteers. They gave me some tips and ideas on how to teach English and then we went for some dinner.

The next day Phil took me to see the schools I could teach at. Shree Krishna and Shree Pravat. I decided to teach at Shree Pravat despite the mammoth trek up to the school. Teaching at Shree Pravat is the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had. The kids are great! Very well behaved and very very eager to learn. Even though Puspha, the English teacher, was really good at his job I think that just hearing a western accent helped the kids a lot. The children were very bright. School days were much of the same for the whole month I was there. Lots of playing/productive learning and hilarious language barrier problems. The best, worst, happiest and saddest day was my last day. The school prepared a leaving ceremony for me which involved music, dancing, playing, and gifts. I also got smothered in red powder and I had to walk back to Bindus looking like either a very angry or very embarrassed westerner. Luckily for me Clare came too and ended up in the same state. It was the best day ever.

Time out of school was also very entertaining. I spent a lot of time with Clare and Alex. Some nights we would just play cards on the roof under the stars during a blackout. We climbed up Sarangkot and stayed at the top for the night. I also spent some time with Phil. He was becoming interested in my favourite subject, health and fitness, so we spent a lot of time talking about that. Phil is a really great guy and although I’m sure PoD pays him generously he really does exceed his pay check with kindness and friendship. He is always happy to help, answer questions and show you around. He also makes good tea. Or should I say his wife does.

Anyway all in all I can honestly say I’ve had the best month of my life so far. I’m already saving up to go on another PoD journey and also to visit the friends I made while in Pokhara. Clare and Alex.

Thanks again to the PoD team, Dan

Katherine - Nov 09

I really can't say enough good things about PoD and the placement I was on in Nepal. Going with PoD was a very last minute decision, but they were so helpful in getting me organised and on my way in no time at all!

I was a bit nervous before I went as this was my first time going away on my own.  But I’m not exaggerating when I say that there was no time during my whole placement that I felt lonely. From the other volunteers, the PoD contacts in the town where I worked and all the kids at the centre I have made some truly great friends and memories to match!

Before I went I really felt PoD had a good knowledge and relationship with the people I would meet and places I would stay and their support and organisation didn’t stop until I got home. 

* Communication / correspondence:

I had so many questions before I went and PoD were so patient answering all my emails and last minute questions. In addition to this they sent emails while I was on my placement to make sure that I was happy and everything was okay – I always knew that they were just a phone call away if I had any problems!

* Quality and location of accommodation:
Bindu’s hotel (which was more like a family home which they opened to PoD volunteers!) was perfect. Clean, spacious, welcoming and if you want a night off the tens of restaurants in Lakeside Bindu is a fantastic cook! Bindu and her daughters were so welcoming to all of us, it was so nice to stay in a family atmosphere – meant I didn’t ever feel homesick!!

* Your work placement:
First and foremost the Street Kids Centre does the most fantastic work for the kids and the local community; it gives the homeless children of lakeside somewhere safe, clean and caring to stay and I am so glad I got to be part of their work for a month. The children were fun, enthusiastic, kind and affectionate and made my month in Pokhara one of the best experiences. From the first day I was pretty much allowed free reign with what to do with the kids in the day, admittedly this was a little intimidating at first, but it meant that I could take the lead and challenge myself in this new environment. I truly had the most fantastic month and will take the memories of the kids and the lessons I have learnt with me forever.

* Quality of support in-country:
The support in Lakeside was fantastic – Kelly was always there if you needed her even though she always had a hundred and one things to do! Paddle Nepal became a regular hangout for us volunteers, so Kelly was always around as PoD contact and friend! Phil was also fantastic. It was really nice a Nepalese contact as well, Phil and his family were so gracious and kind to me and I often popped round for a cup of tea and a chat!

* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed:
I always knew you were just a phone call away!!

* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be:
Nothing! It really was perfect!

* Did the placement overall live up to expectations:

It lived up to my expectations and more. I’ve always wanted to do some volunteering but I never thought I would have the month that I had. I’ve made some fantastic friends, been lucky enough to work with amazing children and visited one of the most welcoming and exciting countries in the world! would recommend to anybody of any age, background and experience!

* Did you have any incidents, problems or accidents while on the placement?:
One of the volunteers got quite ill while we were out there and we had to take her to hospital in the end. This could have been a scary and very worrying experience but Bindu was with us the whole way, helping translate the doctor and just being a general mum and looking after us all!!

* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?:
I would recommend a volunteer placement with PoD to anyone. Value for money, a supportive personal company offering worthwhile placements in some of the most fantastic countries in the world! I want to do some more volunteering next year and I won’t be looking any further than PoD for a placement!!

Scores out of 5

The placement:           5
The service from PoD:    4
The overall experience:  5
Speed and quality of response to any enquiries: 5
PoD information booklet: 5
Overall rating of the placement and experience: 5
Arrival arrangements: 5
Accommodation: 4
The centre you worked at: 5
The work: 4
Support: 4
The location: 5
Overall value for money: 4

Sarah - Dec 09

Had such a good time, and you're right about going back...we were all saying how much we want to go back again! Would have to be with the same people though, we all got on really well (with kate and katherine) which made it great!  Thanks so much for orgaising an amazing time for us!

* Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application):

The responses I received to emails were always very quick and helpful, I felt I could email and ask anything; no matter how big or small- thanks Liz!! It was reassuring to know that if I had any queries I could email and be answered usually the same or next day.

* Quality and location of accommodation: Amazing!

* Your work placement:

Really enjoyed it, were able to chose which was nice and arrange our working days as we wished.

* Quality of support in-country:

Really good, didn't see a great deal of Phil but saw lots of Kelly and was good to know they were both just round the corner and contactable if we ever needed.

* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed:

yes, was good to recieve emails when we arrived and knew we could easily email back if we needed to.

* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be:

erm...stay for longer?!?!

* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: yes

* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?:

yes. The experience overall was great. the choice of places to work is good, and the country of Nepal is amazing overall, the people there are lovely!

* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:

1) Go prepared with games and song ideas for a variety of ages of kids, and a few resources.
2) Be prepared to feel a bit out of place when you first arrive- you'll settle in soon enough!
3) be prepared for random days off and strikes...be pepared to relax and get into the neapli culture and chilled-out way of life!!

Scores out of 5

The placement:           5
The service from PoD:    4
The overall experience:  5
Speed and quality of response to any enquiries: 5
Overall rating of the placement and experience: 5
Arrival arrangements: 5
Accommodation: 5
The centre you worked at: 5
The work / your role: 4
Support: 4
The location: 4
Overall value for money: 4

Kate - Sep 09

Thanks for the email, im settling in great here, absolutely loving it so far. I have started placement and really enjoying it, and have just got back from a 3 day rafting trip which was amazing. Kelly has been so great with helping with everything, so having no problems at all (the only thing im worried about is that i wish i was staying for 3 months now instead of 2!)

Mike - Jul 09

As I have a full-time job the amount of time I was able to spend in Nepal was limited; combined with the school being closed for holidays and teachers' strikes this unfortunately meant that I did not spend long enough in the school to really 'get my teeth into it' - this was no fault of POD, just circumstance. If were to do a similar thing again I would certainly want to go for a much longer period (I went for three and a half weeks). The support by the POD reps in Pokhara was excellent - they were friendly, helpful and always available when I needed help or advice, or even just for a chat. All the transport arrangements went exactly as planned and the accommodation provided was fine. I very quickly became accustomed to living in Pokhara and I really felt I was able to make the most of my time there on the days when the school was closed.

* Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application):

All my questions were answered quite quickly via email and the phone - no communication problems

* Quality and location of accommodation:

I was perfectly happy with the accommodation

* Your work placement:

I enjoyed the school I was placed in - I was glad I was able to work in one of the poorer government schools rather than a private school

* Was the work what you expected:

The school curriculum was rather inflexible (the teachers seemed reluctant to teach outside their textbooks) and it took me a while to used to that and to think of ways I could be of more use

* Quality of support in-country:

excellent all round

* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed:

I didn't need any support other than the POD reps in Pokhara but I suspect it would have been quite difficult to contact POD in the UK if I had needed to given the communication facilities in Nepal

* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money:

Everything that I needed was catered for I happy with the amount that I paid for it

* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be:

More freedom to teach outside the confines of the textbooks

* Did the placement overall live up to expectations:

Yes, very much so

* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?:

Absolutely, without a doubt - it really enabled me to get to know and begin to understand the country and the people, even in the short time that I was able to spend there

* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:

1. Try to get in touch with a volunteer who has been there recently

2. I visited car boot sales in the UK before I left and was able to buy a number of cheap, good quality simple word games which were useful

3. Make the most of your day off - school is 6 days per week!

Scores out of 5

Sarah - Apr 09

I was so entranced with Nepal that I am going back in February next year, under my own steam this time. I will do some of the things I didn't get round to such as going to the jungle and seeing some other parts of the country, but I will revisit Pokhara and see all the wonderful people I met first time round.

Sarah - Mar 09

My time in Nepal was the most amazing and awesome thing I have ever done. I was completely engrossed and absorbed in making the most of my short visit, about five weeks in all. All my expectations were swept away: the school was much less well resourced than I had imagined it would be, so that became a challenge. The non-availability of basic resources too was a shock to me: whilst paper, pens and glue sticks were easy to get hold of, paint, white glue, card and other classroom basics were simply not there. However I enjoyed the challenge of sourcing local materials and set to to make some teaching aids and toys to bring some variety and enhance the children's learning. I also engaged a local carpenter to make some blocks, a play house and a storage shelf as well as two tables. I was able to do this as I had raised some sponsorship money in the months before I travelled.

The children at the primary school were absolutely adorable, loving, full of fun, naughty at times and eager to engage with us volunteers. We quickly became very attached to them and it was somewhat heartbreaking when the time came to leave. I realised quite soon on that my talents and skills would be put to best use in teacher training, so I wrote out a couple of sessions on basic child development, learning through play and teaching of English. With the aid of an interpretor we had some successful sessions with much fun and laughter. I kept the sessions as practical as possible and introduced as many play ideas as I could, making use of locally available materials. Seeing the children playing with the dolls, role play equipment and the wooden blocks was priceless.

The Nepali education system is very limited in terms of what it offers the children and they are not used to much creative and imaginative play as part of their curriculum. We sang and danced as much as we could, made collages and pictures, learned letters and numbers, shared stories and rhymes. Their enthusiasm never wavered and even though it was oficially school holidays we always had a full quota of children, aged from under one to about 12 years, every day. Any mums that chose to come along were welcomed too, and they clearly enjoyed participating in whatever the children were doing.

As well as the primary school placement, I spent a short time in a very contrasting location up in a remote mountain village. Once again I had to redefine my preconceptions and adapt my view to a very very poor and harsh way of life endured by the people. Once again the children's immense enthusiasm and love for life shone through and I was humbled by their loving smiles and eagerness to talk about their hopes and dreams. They were charming hosts and I was greeted at dawn with an escort to the best spot to watch the sun come up. A priceless experience: the children are like little mountain goats and I was hard put to keep up with them. They asked for nothing and their drawings and pictures came home with me as valuable souvenirs and reminders.

I am sure everyone says this, but I really do hope to go back, soon. I am more than happy to talk in depth to anyone considering doing a placement here or share my photos or travel blog which tells the day to day story better than I can here: please ask PoD to put us in touch. I learned so much about the culture, people and systems by being immersed in the local scene, and lots about myself too. GO to Nepal! you will not be disappointed!!

* Quality and location of accommodation:

It was fine at Bindu's, she was a very hospitable and helpful host. Good value for money and added to the overall experience being with people with local knowledge and an understanding of volunteering.

* Was the work what you expected:

Not at all!

* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:

Anyone who is going into a school or nursery placement would be well advised to spend some time in a school or nursery at home before embarking on the placement if they have no prior experience. This would allow them to pick up essential classroom management tips and ideas for handling the children.

David - Feb 09

Nepal is a fascinating country to visit with a vibrant mix of peoples. I found the people to be very friendly and always willing to explain and discuss aspects of their culture.

The kids are bags of fun and keen to learn. It is something of a cliche but it really feels like you are making a difference doing volunteering work.

* Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application): Prompt, polite and always useful

* Quality and location of accommodation: All fine

* Your work placement:

Very rewarding - more could possibly be made of the fact (on website?) that volunteers have some choice over where they can teach as this is a big bonus

* Was the work what you expected: Yes

* Quality of support in-country:

Very good - only wish Phil had more time for socialising!

* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: Yes

* Quality of any activities:

Being taken out for Nepali style daal baat in the first week by Phil was excellent

* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money:

Good value for money

* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be:

Better communication at secondary school - but appreciate this will simply take time as they experience having more volunteers

* Did the placement overall live up to expectations:

Yes - being able to teach music was a bonus

* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?:

Will always be happy to recommend PoD due to the personal touch some other companies seem bereft of. Would recommend placement as it ticks all boxes of what I look for when traveling.

* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:

1) shop keepers can be pushy - but they're friendly once you get past the pushy selling
2) be patient at the start of placements, it took a little while to get mine up to speed
3) go out and try to make Nepali friends - especially in bars and restaurants

* Any other comments:

Good luck PoD for the future and keep in touch.

Scores out of 5

The placement:           4
The service from PoD:    5
The overall experience:  4
Overall rating of the placement and experience: 4
Arrival arrangements: 5
Accommodation: 5
Training (if received): 5
The centre / school / home you worked at: 4
The work / your role: 5
Support: 5
The location: 4
Overall value for money: 5

Kam - Sep 08

"The lakeside experience was truly amazing. The placement at the school was also perfect. I really felt I help the children learn and had a good bond with them. It's a place i will definitely visit again."

Catherine - Sep 08

"Hi, Sorry for the slow reply, I've only just finished catching up on all the lost sleep and unpacking!

I had an amazing time in Nepal and was really sad to leave at the end, can't believe how fast the month went. I was working at Annapurna primary school which was really challenging but a lot of fun. It was really good being able to continue the placement on from Elaine and then at the end hand over to Kam so that we were all able to maintain a very similar routine and know what work had already been covered and what hadnt etc. It was also good to see the teachers becoming a bit more involved near the end of my placement as they hadnt been around very much at the beginning.

Unfortunately we had to miss four days of teaching because of the women's festival but John and I went to Chitwan national park for three days instead and had a brilliant time there!

Bindu's was a lovely place to stay, she would always stay up every night to make sure that everyone got back safely! It was also great having the lounge area upstairs where we could all get together and organise lesson plans. I really liked staying in Lakeside as well and I was able to settle in very quickly. It was especially nice staying in lakeside for the first couple of weeks when there were much fewer tourists around. The monsoon didnt really cause any problems either apart from making all my clothes wet!the volunteers that I met when I first arrived were brilliant and made it really easy to settle in, making sure we knew where everything was and all the best places to go. It was great to meet such a variety of people as well since the volunteers that arrived whilst I was out there were completely different to those at the beginning! I was very excited that Kam chose to work at Annapurna because he has a lot of teaching experience and seemed to bring a whole new element to the school which I think will make a huge difference to all the children.

Kelly and Phil were both fantastic. They were both always around if we ever needed anything and spent a long time chatting with the new volunteers who were less happy with their placements trying to arrange new placements for them. Phil was also able to book my flight and hotel for the journey home which was really helpful and Kelly was able to book our trip to Chitwan and also a trip to play golf at the Himalayan Gold course! This was all really helpful because there were so many companies advertising these services but they were able to save us the worry of having to decide on a reliable one. Also, all the staff at Paddle Nepal were fantastic and I got lots of free kayak lessons!

Overally I absolutely loved my time in Nepal and I just want to say thank you for arranging it all and ensuring it was a successful trip! Everything went really smoothly exactly as it described in the booklet!"

Lucie - Jul to Aug 08

"Hi Mike, I have been having a great time volunteering in Pokhara that I decided to extend my stay for a week, in fact, I wish I could stay here forever.

I am having a great time volunteering in Children's Paradise. I have chosen the place because they do have some children with autism, children with hearing problems and other special educational needs, and because I do work with kids like that back in London, thought it would be interesting to see what sort of thing they do with them here. In the afternoon I also work with a class of kids teaching English.

Its all going well. Phil also mentioned that they are happy to have me as I was able to give them lots of ideas and different kind of things they can do with the children with autism etc. I am happy to stay in touch when I get back to London ( I dont really want to go back ) and send them some resources and activities they could implement and which I think would benefit all the autistic children. The school I am working at back in London has got Autistic Unit and I am sure the teachers there will be more than happy to help and feedback ideas.

Now, I just want to say thanks for giving me the opportunity to take part in volunteering with PoD."

Philippa - Aug 08

"Hi Liz, how are you? I had a fantastic time in Nepal. It is an amazing place and the people are wonderful. I could not have asked more for my placement at the day care centre and the support from Kelly and Phil was second to none. [it was] a brilliant experience which I certainly feel I learned alot from and I would like to think that I was able to be useful to the placements too. Thank you to you and Mike for all your help before I left too. The whole programme was exceptionally well organised and professional right the way through and all the staff were more than friendly and approachable. I would definitely recommend POD to anyone else thinking of volunteering!"

Phoebe - Aug 08

"We had our first day at school today (Annapurna Primary) which was pretty tough I must say but obviously enjoyable. The teachers left us to it a bit so it was very off the cuff today and a case of trying our best to be understood. We are going to try and think of a few ideas for tomorrow so that we are prepared (not that we didn't do that in England but it all seems a bit different once you get here!).

Phil, Kelly and Bindu have been extremely welcoming and we have been going out to dinner with the other volunteers. We'll keep you updated."

Rachel - Jun to Jul 08

"hey mike,how are you?
I have been back in England two weeks now, and I have never missed a place more than I miss Nepal. I have tried desperately to incorporate as much as possible from my Nepali life into my life back home as a way to carry on living my experience.

I was the first volunteer ever in Growing buds preschool, and as soon as I arrived I knew that was where I wanted to be, my heart just felt like it belonged there. Within the first day I felt like I had always been at the school; as I was so welcomed by everyone - I even got my own uniform which was the same as the staff and children!

Then I left they threw me a little party, and I realised that although as volunteers we do our best to help the children as much as possible they helped me just as much, if not more, in so many incredible ways. I now know a full Nepali dance off by heart and can have little conversations in Nepali too!

There is no doubt in my mind that I will return to Nepal - the whole experience is life changing. I really feel I made the most of every opportunity and opened my heart and mind to Nepal - and now it's in there it will never leave.

The support I had from PoD, both in England and Nepal was second to none and I really felt like they were interested in my views, opinions and experiences - helping me to re-live them all once I got home.

Seems Nepal made such a huge impace on my life - in all the most amazing and right ways! Thanks again for all your help and support."

* Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application)?
Really helpful with all enquiries no matter how small or trivial they may seem! Happy to talk about all aspects of the placement on a personal and informal level whilst still being professional.

* Quality and location of accommodation?
Location was really close to lakeside and staying at Bindus was the perfect balance between a homestay and hotel as they were all really friendly.

* Your work placement?
simply amazing! The teachers couldnt have been more helpful and supportive and the children were so willing to learn and full of life, I wouldnt change a thing!

* Was the work what you expected?
Yes, I got to do lots of teaching and help the children and support the staff

* Quality of support in-country?
Brilliant, always there when I needed them and coming to check everything was ok, especially when I was having some troubles with medical issues.

* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed?
Always on hand via email with quick responses and felt I knew you were aware of what was going on as the communication between UK and Nepal was strong.

* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money?
Best value for money out of other places that offer volunteer programmes. Good transfers and support network and accommodation in Kathmandu.

* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be?
That I was there for longer! (does that count?)

* Did the placement overall live up to expectations?
Most definately - and exceeded them!

* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others? Why?
I would recommend it to people who had a desire to work with children as it is certainly a life changing experience and I feel it is also good for first time travellers/volunteers as the support network is stonger than other companies.

* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement?
Don\'t be afriad to act like a big child - go with the intention of having fun - don\'t see it as work. Have a good knowledge of children\'s songs with actions. Go with an open mind and an open heart. be prepared for an amazing adventure.

* Any other comments?
This placement has taught me to make the most of every opportunity in life and take positives from every situation. It has also re-iterated my love for working with children and has opened my eyes to the generousity of the Nepali people. I found being immersed in the culture fascinating, and throughouly enjoyed learning new things about the place, people and ultimately about myself. The support I recieved both in the UK and in Nepal was second to none and I really felt looked after and cared for.

Fleur - Jan to May 08

"I just wanted to write and let you know how much I have enjoyed my time here in Nepal. I have finished volunteering now, and will be leaving Pokhara later this week. I will be very sorry to leave, as I have had such a wonderful time.

I really enjoyed my placement at Tender Hearts Day Care Centre. The teachers were so kind and supportive towads me, even taking me to their villages near Gorkha to stay with their families. The Day Centre was a wonderful environment to be in - warm, caring, relaxed, and it is nice to know that the children have this experience.

My parents and their friends raised money for the Day Centre which they sent to me. We have used this to purchase many resources for the Day Centre such as a fridge, tape recorder, toys, books etc. Much of the money has also been used to fund scholarships for very poor or orphan children to attend the Day Centre. It is nice to feel I have made a difference in this way.

Kelly and Phil have both been wonderful- cheking up on how I am going, and helping to arrange trips away and providing general advice. It is great to have them here.

I have greatly valued PoD'S flaxibility towards volunteering. It has been great to be able to choose my own start and end date, to choose what work to do etc. This is a major reason that I chose to volunteer with PoD.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone at PoD for their wonderful support though out my time in Nepal."

Barbara - Feb 08

"Hi! My final day in Pokhara!!!

Just had lunch with Fleur (I made her take the day off - she works so hard!!) at Boomerang. It is such a lovely place, with views over the lake, you can see so much of 'life' here just from that lake side cafe.

My last e-mail and then back to Bindu's to pack. I've decided to take the bus back to KAT. 8 hours! but the scenery should be wonderful - if I can stay awake on the trip!

Bindu and her 2 daughters give us a farewell meal last evening. They are such lovely people. Some of the 'tales' she tells are so tragic: the raped 10year old girl, the man who was taken away in the night and was never seen again - life is so hard over here.

The hotel was very comfortable but the lack of warm water in the mornings and if the sun didn't shine, was something I didn't quite adapt to! - The 8 hours of no electric made life quite interesting - you CAN read a novel in bed by candle light ! and we managed to walk home at night - unaided, just with the help of a torch (we managed to avoid the roaming cows!!).

The Nobel school was a lovely place, the teachers so wanted to learn, the children were lovely and I felt so 'at home'. Their resources were dire (one pencil, about 4cm long between 7 children, no coloured crayons, no drawing paper, scissors, jigsaws, games - except building blocks - dire) and I so wanted to help them more. When I get back home I will try to sent some materials for them (via Kelly).

The English in the school was poor, where as the children in the orphanage could converse with me quite well and most were so eager to learn.

I have met so many wonderful people, I have heard and seen so many good things going on here, Swiss, US, English, Germans and many, many more (and all ages too - amazing). I will come home full of wonderful memories.

Thank you PoD for allowing me 'into their world' "

Alexa - Jun 07

"I felt very reassured by the correspondence with PoD before I went out to Nepal and whilst there I knew I could rely on my point of contact if I had any problems. Which I think was due to speaking several times on the phone to Mike before I went and feeling as though he took a genuine interest in what I was doing.

The package was what it said it was, so I can't complain about that. In my situation the main thing I was interested in was that I would have someone to turn to if I needed help and I felt I had that. The teaching placement was arranged for me, and every other activity I arranged for myself, which suited me. So, it was good value for money.

PoD's strength to me, is that it's a small company with a personal feel. As a lone female traveller I needed reassurance and I got it from PoD."

Iain - Aug 07

"* Quality of support in-country?
Excellent. Sonam, Pasang and Bindu's family were excellent. Stars each one of them.

I’m not really one for sentiment so all I can say is that my combined experiences in Nepal: the locals, other volunteers, the natural and urban (Pokhara and Kathmandu) environments have opened my eyes to some of the real issues that face the world. I can no longer sit here writing an email, drinking coffee and eating snacks with the same absent minded indulgence. The comparison between the world that I know and the conditions and lifestyles of the people in Nepal is haunting. It both sickens me and makes me feel overly privileged. I’m left thinking, “What have I done with the opportunities I’ve been given?” I can’t seem to find an acceptable answer. I can only hope that living under the shadow of that question will spur me on to greater things than I would otherwise have been driven to. It was also really good fun."

Hayley - Oct 07

"I really am having a great time and I love my orphanage! There was quite alot of pressure on me to teach when I first arrived, I did try but it didn’t go very well! Its very long days for me and a 6 day week but I have got used to it now! I’m going to Chitwan on the 18th which I have really been looking forward to... most of the children go home during holiday so thought it would be nice to go around now rather then the end of my trip!
I have to get the local bus in everyday and that was an experience! I took the older boys out last week on a boating trip and bought them lots of snacks etc we had such a nice day and I went swimming in the lake! I’m hopefully going to try and take the younger children on a trip next week.
Also I went and bought them a DVD player and some DVD's for them, because they were borrowing a DVD player and I thought it would be nice for them to have their own.
I have Dahl Bhaat for breakfast and lunch, which took some getting used to as I don’t eat spicy food and was hard to eat food like that so early in the morning but I’m used to it now!!!

Over all so far it’s been great though, its a lot harder then I thought it would be, but so much more fun too. I have really bonded with the children too and it will be very hard to say goodbye, hopefully one day I can come back to see them all again!

Thank you!!!"

Sophie - Oct 07

"Everything is amazing out here. I love it there now and would hate things to be different.

The children are incredible and its also interesting because they are from Mustang so I have learnt many things about that. The teachers are also really nice and I know they are keen to have more volunteers; in fact they want me to give them your address to write a letter of thanks. I would definitely recommend the school although perhaps with warning that you have to teach a lot by yourself with no help. (You were right about that they do tend to think that westerners know everything!).

Anyway on to Nepal, it is a brilliant country so glad I came. It has been really hard work but I have enjoyed it. Bindus is good I decided to stay there it would be a little too much to stay at the school all day. I did do one night there the other day though and it was lots of fun."