Volunteer
Helambu Project offers you that chance to contribute in a variety of ways. Since 2008, we have had many volunteers come, change and be changed by the experience of working in Nepal. We give volunteers the chance to teach in government schools that we work with in the Helambu region.
To begin the application process please first read the FAQ and then fill out the application form.
Volunteer Philosophy
“Before Self, Put Others”
~ Local Proverb
Helambu Project believes strongly in the value of service. Helambu Project is itself volunteer run and could not do the work it does without all of its worldwide contributors. At its best, service has the power to transform ourselves and those around us as we stand together as human beings to confront suffering in all of its forms.
Unfortunately, volunteering and working internationally brings with it many challenges and additional considerations that require us to pause before we act. Helambu Project is entirely committed to the philosophies and principles of responsible volunteering and requires all our volunteers to respect the local cultures and follow our code of conduct.
Responsible Volunteering
“If you have come to help me because you feel called to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, please stay and let’s work together.”
~ Lila Watson, aboriginal activist
Responsible volunteering requires us to deeply examine ourselves and our motivations so that we do not arrogantly assume a superior knowledge or an ability to “help, fix, or solve” the complex realities that people across the world face. It means taking a more realistic approach to our contributions and considering the full impact of our actions before we even begin to serve. It means listening and not challenging local beliefs and cultures. It requires you to affirm the value of people’s differences, cultures, and traditions and participate in them regardless of your beliefs. It means realizing the tremendous influence you have as a symbol of “the west” – a symbol that has the power to affect and change the behaviour of many students that you have come to serve. Overall, responsible and ethical volunteering is a process that asks that you humbly consider yourself a part of issue rather than just the solution.
Volunteer in Nepal
In Nepal but also worldwide, many organizations charge volunteers large sums of money that never end up being used for charitable purposes. Volunteering isn’t always free but the money you pay to cover your costs and expenses should be reasonable and be used transparently. While working in Nepal, we have met organizations and volunteers who have paid thousands of dollars to come and volunteer – only a fraction of this money ever goes towards covering actual costs and implementing programs. Often times, it is taken by the volunteer program’s organizers. Whomever you end up volunteering with, we strongly encourage you to ask your host organization to be transparent, provide breakdown of costs, give receipts, and prove to you that they are spending your money well. For more information on responsible volunteering, please visit:
Volunteering Overseas Guidelines
