Nepal Orphanage: Service Learning & Development

Working in the mountains of Nepal was an experience I will never forget. After a fantastic trip to Egypt, I decided to continue developing my wellness practices at a retreat in Nepal. Before leaving the United States, I was connected with a student from Nepal who helped me arrange a three-day volunteer opportunity at his former school/orphanage.

The drive up to the school was stunning, with vibrant colors that seemed more intense than in most other places I had visited. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the school’s principal and the site coordinator, who gave us a brief tour of the living quarters, eating facilities, and learning spaces. Despite how far away the school was from everything, I was impressed by the infrastructure and the development of support and learning practices.

During our three days at the school, we had the opportunity to interact with the students in various ways. We assisted with feeding the students, which allowed us to see the various grade levels and the different age groups’ needs. It was great to be a part of the school’s daily routine and see how the students were cared for.

We also organized a basketball clinic to teach fundamentals, which was a huge success. Basketball in Nepal is a growing sport, and the school’s site coordinator was also the basketball coach, so it worked out perfectly to train and play ball with the kids. I taught the children dribbling, shooting, and defensive practices and provided drill work. We also organized a full-court basketball game against the players and staff, which was a lot of fun.

Later, I facilitated a leadership workshop for the faculty and staff. I focused on modeling an educational activity that allowed participants to create and explore informal and formal approaches to educational leadership. Using the Socratic Method, I encouraged conversation and group engagement, and participants had a series of group and individual reflection activities to encourage the creative process. The workshop was positively received, and it provided another method and tool for the group to utilize later.

I also had the opportunity to give a motivational speech to all grade levels about the benefits of adversity. I spoke about my life experiences and how overcoming adversity shaped me into the person I am today. I was struck by the students’ fascination and interest in my life, and it was a pleasure to spend time with them and engage in honest conversations.

This experience taught me the importance of connecting with and giving back to communities. It was a great opportunity to learn about the local community, and I left feeling inspired and with a newfound appreciation for the power of community engagement. I am thankful for the opportunity to provide free services and support the work developing at this learning center, and I look forward to reconnecting with this community soon.