Based just outside Kathmandu, Nepal, in a local area called Kalikasthan, Asphodel Public School educates children from ages 2-17 across all subjects.
The school itself is a charity and is led by a woman called Biva Kalika Shrestha (Vice Principal) and her husband Birendra Prakash Shrestha (Founder/Principal) – hard working, highly educated and caring people.
Based on principles of love, compassion and hard work, Biva and Birendra work tirelessly to provide a better future for children in Nepal, regardless of background or financial circumstances. A fee is expected to be paid per child for their schooling. However, this is on a sliding scale according to their means.
There are countless examples of children who come from severely underprivileged backgrounds – poverty, abandonment, ill health – , whom the family have taken in and supported through their education; providing food and accommodation, alongside teaching them vital skills such as cooking, environmental awareness and social responsibility.
Why volunteer in Nepal?
Asphodel Public School relies on volunteers to drive its success forward and ultimately enable it to continue to educate future generations in Nepal.
Volunteering to teach here provides vital support for the local economy, with students benefiting from exposure to people from different locations across the globe – not only from a language perspective but culturally. These connections also help to boost the school's profile and prestige amongst the Nepalese community and key stakeholders within the education system.
Beyond the direct benefits to the school and its students, volunteering has amazing benefits to you!
Biva and Birendra provide accommodation and food for free during your time at the school, and will make every effort to show you the local sights.
Fancy a few days off? You can use this time to explore this beautiful and rich country or the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu at your leisure. If you fancy a longer trip, it's just a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara - the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit - or perhaps challenge yourself with a different trek in the Himalayan region at the start or end of your visit.
Volunteers can teach any subject according to their skills and strengths, so this is a great opportunity to boost your CV, and show something different to future employers.
What to expect as a solo female traveller
Nepal is generally a very safe country for solo female travellers. It is primarily a Hindu and Buddhist country and tourists are treated very respectfully and with care.
Volunteering at the school provides you with a personal connection to local people who will wholeheartedly look after your best interests and well being from the minute you arrive. Biva will feel like a second mother to you by the time you leave!
Day to day at the school, you will be treated like any other member of staff - expected to teach classes of varying ages in the subject of your choice. The school community is like a family and you will be welcomed and looked after with open arms and the greatest level of care during your stay. The staff and family will do everything they can to make your time with them comfortable, happy and safe.
Accommodation is within the school and very basic but 'good' by local standards.
All food is also cooked at the school - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Biva is nothing short of a master chef! You certainly won't go hungry and, if you're keen to learn how she does it, you'll come back armed with enough skills and knowledge to open your very own Nepalese restaurant.
How to sign up
Find Her There's connection with the school is personal and long-standing; made directly 17 years ago (not organised through a third party). More information about the school, and further photos, can be found on facebook. To volunteer and be connected to Biva via email/phone, please get in touch. You will then be able to organise your trip directly with her.
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