Nepal: Empowering Women in Kathmandu through Education

Intro.

This international volunteer project is focused on empowering women who have migrated to Kathmandu from rural areas to work as domestic helpers. Many of these women have little to no formal education, which makes it challenging to navigate life in today’s world where education is often a key to survival. Through this project, volunteers will work as teachers, helping these women develop essential skills, build confidence, and broaden their horizons.

The project takes place at Chetana Mahila Secondary School, which was established to provide education to both younger and older women who missed out on schooling earlier in life. Here, volunteers and students form meaningful connections, sharing their cultures and learning from each other. Volunteers will have the opportunity to experiment with different teaching techniques, bringing fresh ideas to the classroom while supporting the school’s mission of empowering women to discover their hidden talents.

In this age of technology and rapid change, education is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity. This project gives you a chance to help women in Kathmandu not only improve their literacy but also gain the confidence to participate fully in their communities and contribute to the development of their families, society, and nation. If you’re passionate about education, women’s empowerment, and making a real difference, this is your chance to get involved!

Intro. Week

As part of this placement, you have the option to attend our Introduction week. During this week, you will learn about Nepalese culture through a series of introductory culture classes which are designed to help you develop your Nepalese language skills and deepen your understanding of the Nepalese way of life complete with details on rituals and customs. You will learn about Nepal’s history and the religious influences which have shaped it. Moreover, we will pay a visit the local shops and markets that will get you learning as you go with the local culture and how to become a part of it. As part of your city tour and orientation, you will also visit some amazing sites such as the temple of Boudhanath: one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu whose ancient spherical stupa dominates the skyline and is one of the largest in the world.

Our transfer coordinator will meet you at the meeting point in the airport upon your arrival and arrange your transfer to the center on Sunday.

Monday

• Puja to the gods & goddess and name-giving ceremony
• Go over the week’s schedule and handling of documents
• Introduction game to get to know fellow participants
• Cultural seminar on social behavioral norms, dos & don’ts in Nepalese culture. Intercultural eating and drinking habits, bathing and clothings customs in Nepalese culture.
• A little assignment for you to explore your neighbourhood and find local civic places such as banks (ATM), temples, schools, restaurants etc.

Tuesday

• A social interactive session to know each other and an opportunity to bring out concerns about your health etc so that we will be aware.
• Nepali language training
• Shopping to the local market
• Orientation tour of the city of Nepal with an interesting game called “Scavenger Hunt”, we will tell you more about this when you are here

Wednesday

• A talk on schooling and education system in Nepal and placement sites
• A cultural as well as historical orientation tour to the famous Boudhanath temple
• Nepali cooking session

Thursday

• Yoga and meditation
• A Buddhist religious tour
• A local tour to the Hindu Temple

Friday

• It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
• Feedback sharing (evaluation)

On the following Monday you will begin your placement.

Daily Life

As a volunteer on this project, you’ll be teaching adult women of various age groups and learning capacities, offering a unique and rewarding experience. You have the flexibility to design your lessons in a way that best suits your students, whether by following a course book or by engaging them in conversational English and real-life topics. English is crucial for these women, as all higher education in Nepal is taught in English, so your role is key in helping them improve their language skills.

Beyond English, you can also introduce them to a range of other subjects such as mathematics, science, geography, technology, music, personal development, environmental awareness, and general health and safety. This diverse approach helps students gain practical knowledge and skills, building confidence in their everyday lives. Nepal has an adult literacy rate of just 67%, so there’s plenty of room to make a meaningful difference here.

You’ll typically teach four to five lessons each day, but it’s not all about strict academics. The schools follow a curriculum, but they also welcome creative, out-of-the-box activities like sports, games, and interactive experiences. These fun, engaging lessons are not only appreciated by the students but also highly valued by the staff, adding energy and variety to the learning environment.

By joining this project, you’re not just helping students improve their English or other academic subjects—you’re empowering them to participate more fully in their families, communities, and the broader world.

Travel & Accom.

You will be met at Kathmandu International Airport by a project representative and taken to the HQ in Kathmandu for a week’s orientation, cultural immersion and basic language course. You will then be taken to your chosen project location to commence your placement.

You will be placed with a local host family. They will provide you with 2 meals a day (vegetarian options available), a shared bathroom, clothes washing facilities, and you will not be further than 30 minutes walk from your place of work.

The typical Nepalese meal is ‘daal, bhaat, tarkaari’ (lentil soup, rice and vegetables) also other food like noodles, ‘roti’ (flat round bread) and different kinds of seasonal fruits and vegetables are eaten. You will eat the same food as the family everyday.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• No previous skills are necessary, however you will need to speak English at a native or near-native level.
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.

Costs

£350 GBP per week.

** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee.
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit, minimum 2 week booking.

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

Private rooms are available for an additional £100 per week.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.