My Nonprofit Reviews
Ann_11
Review for Nepal Orphans Home Inc, Davidson, NC, USA
I spent two months in Kathmandu with NOH in February and March 2010, along with my daughter who was 10 at the time. There was good communication with NOH before we left the UK, and we were picked up by the Volunteer Co-ordinator when we arrived in Nepal. The volunteer House is in a very nice, safe area of the city and can accommodate around 12 volunteers. We were treated very well by Santoshi, the cook at the time, who made breakfast and dinner every day along with lots of delicious tea! The kids at NOH have very busy days, with school and study, but we spent as much time with them as we could, and we helped out with practical tasks such as admin and cleaning in the Volunteer House too. NOH has a good range of placements through Volunteer Nepal; in my view the best way to make the most of your time with NOH is to treat the Volunteer House as a base and find a placement that suits you (either within Kathmandu or further afield). We weren't so able to take advantage of this as I didn't want to travel far with my daughter, but there are some amazing placements that I'd love to take advantage of if I'm able to go back in the future. NOH is well run and does a fantastic job of providing love, support and education for the children and young people in its care. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend NOH to anyone thinking of volunteering in Nepal.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We stay in contact with a number of the children we became close to during our time in Nepal. Some of the kids come from very disadvantaged, difficult backgrounds and it's been humbling to watch their progress particularly when it comes to education. The kids are so appreciative of the home NOH has given them, and are desperate to learn and make the best of the opportunities they have.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can't see any organisational changes that are required.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Being more aware in advance that the kids at NOH have limited free time, and that in order to contribute the most in a pratical sense it may be best to consider the volunteer placements that are available.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Volunteering with NOH has had a profound effect on both me and my daughter. We are still in touch with a number of the children that we became close to, and I miss both them and Nepal every day. My daughter was able to see that material wealth doesn't necessarily equal happiness, and to experience a different culture. I also found good friendships with other volunteers that I hope will always last.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Happy, humbled, sad, frustrated at times, fortunate, and like part of a new family.
