If you would like to go beyond the trekker's world, then volunteer with us as a teacher or medical professional in rural Nepal. We will be pleased to arrange this for you and to offer you the opportunity to become immersed in the culture and ways of the Nepali people.
While volunteering you will live with a Nepalese family and share in their daily lives, eat their food, and enjoy the rhythm of their village. You may also be fortunate enough to be there during one of the many Nepali festivals. Whether you come for one week or for two months, the experience will be rewarding and enriching for the Nepalese people and for you.
History:
Roshika Helping Hands was started in 2009 by Rajan Dhungana and Jette Helin, as they saw the need for improving the standard of education in Raj's home village and district. Thru his travels and work, Raj has realized the importance of education and the tremendous opportunity for people to assist. Jette, a frequent visitor to Nepal (and Certified ESL teacher), saw firsthand the challenges the teachers and students faced when she volunteered at the schools in Khalte in 2009.
Our Mission:
Roshika Helping Hands offers donors and volunteers an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in Nepal. We believe these opportunities provide great value to the Nepalese people and to people like you.
Who is Roshika?
The foundation is inspired by and named after Raj's daughter, Roshika. She is 5 years old now and Raj's desire to ensure that she has a bright future, led him to see that there were many other children whose futures could be made brighter with a little help.
Our Program:
Our current volunteer program is focused in the village of Khalte, which is located in a beautiful valley about 100 km from Kathmandu. The people of Khalte are warm and welcoming to volunteers and they will be extremely happy to have you there.
Our program is focusing on the schools and medical centres of Khalte. To that end, we have many opportunities for you to teach at one of the schools, to work on school and community maintenance programs, or to assist at one of the Village Medical Centers.
If our current program does not meet your needs, we will be pleased to work with you to design a volunteer experience exclusively for you.
Where does your Money Go?
Your money will go to buy exercise books, pencils, athletic equipment and/or anything else we see a need for.
For every $100USD we receive, we can buy enough books and pencils for 1 school for a term. Put another way, anyone who can save a 'toonie' a week for a year can support one school.
You can be assured that 100 percent of your money will go directly to buy these supplies for the schools and any administrative costs will be paid for by Jette and Raj.
Our village:
Khalte is a small village located in the district of Dading, not far from the Trisuli River. The area is rural and most people live off of the rich agricultural land. The climate in Khalte is ideal: warm and sunny with clear, blue skies. When not volunteering you can spend your time sharing in the daily routine of your "family", visiting with the villagers, or going for long walks in the surrounding countryside, soaking in the amazing scenery and mountain views of Annapurna, Manaslu and Langtang.
What will you need to bring?
A camera, a big smile, a lot of curiosity and a desire to help. On the practical side, our staff will work with you to ensure that you bring the necessary clothing and supplies for your stay. Specific requirements for a school or medical centre can be worked out once you have confirmed the location, duration and timing of your volunteer experience.
What it costs:
The cost to be a volunteer is minimal. You will be transported to and from Khalte from Kathmandu by local transport. Once in Khalte, your living accommodations and food will be provided at no cost to you. If you would like to bring supplies or make a donation to the school, medical centre or village, that would be very welcome, but it is not obligatory.