A Journey into Early Childhood Education Volunteering in Nepal: Loanne’s Story

📍 Introduction

From May 19 to June 15, 2025, Loanne Rapin joined Volunteer Initiative Nepal (VIN) to support an Early Childhood Development (ECD) project. What started as a cultural and educational experience became a deeply emotional and transformative journey.

🤝 Welcoming Days at VIN

Loanne’s journey began with a few days of integration at VIN’s office. These initial days were filled with warm welcomes, delicious Nepali food, and meaningful conversations with both VIN staff and fellow volunteers.

“These 3 days are important for meeting VIN staff and getting to know the other volunteers.”

She also got the chance to visit cultural landmarks in Kathmandu, adding rich context to her upcoming volunteer placement.

🏡 Living with a Host Family

Loanne stayed with a kind host family: Shiva and Aama. From day one, she was welcomed not as a guest but as part of the family.

“They really are beautiful persons… Aama is a very good cook. I’ve got my menu for the month—Dal Bhat! No problem, because they’re excellent.”

This homestay added warmth and authenticity to her entire volunteer experience.

🎒 First Day at School

Her volunteer work took place in a classroom with children aged 3–4 years. She immediately noticed how lovely and eager the kids were.

“For me, it’s a chance to be with them all day long.”

During her first week, she facilitated simple logic and memory games to assess the children’s development. She was pleasantly surprised at how much they had already learned in English—numbers, ABCs, colors, and vocabulary.

🎨 Activities and Learning

With help from Nepali volunteers and the teacher, Loanne engaged the children in various creative and educational activities:

🧩 Sample Activities:

• Memory games
• Domino and observation games
• Coloring Nepal map
• Counting with cards and tokens
• Writing in English and Nepali
• Using stencils for calm and focused creativity
• Vocabulary games like “Lynx”

Each day brought something new, from physical warmups and rhymes to focused learning sessions.

🕒 Daily Schedule:

• 10:00–11:00 AM: Warm-up, rhymes, ABCs (English & Nepali)
• 11:00–12:00 PM: Educational activities
• 12:00–1:30 PM: Lunch + TV
• 1:30–2:30 PM: Reading, writing, and math exercises

📊 Challenges and Observations

While the children had strong support from a caring teacher, Loanne observed a few challenges:

• Some children struggled with concentration and sharing.
• Instructions were sometimes hard to communicate due to language barriers.
• Materials like blocks, papers, and glue were in short supply.

“We need to adapt activities depending on the individual — like making different groups based on level.”

💬 Conversations with the Teacher

The local teacher emphasized the need for more educational materials and volunteers.

“What the children need most are toys, blocks, paper, glue, and people who bring new ideas.”

Despite these needs, Loanne found that the school environment was nurturing and well-managed.

💛 Final Reflections

In just three weeks, Loanne not only contributed to the class but also gained immensely from the experience:

“I learnt to be more patient and to listen… The mini bond created with the children will remain in my heart.”

Though she sometimes questioned whether her impact was enough, the teacher confirmed that her presence supported classroom management and gave her more time to engage individually with children.

“So my role was to support an education that already worked. But I loved supporting these children, giving them love and time.”

🌟 Conclusion: A Meaningful Journey

Loanne’s journey was more than just volunteering — it was a powerful exchange of cultures, care, and compassion. Her story highlights how even small contributions in Early Childhood Education can leave a lasting mark on both the children and the volunteer.

“Everything would have been different if my host family hadn’t been so wonderful!”

📷 Want to Volunteer Like Loanne?

Apply now or explore our Early Childhood Development Program
Live with a local host family, bring joy to young learners, and make a lasting difference.

written by Litzy House

Coming from a small town in Minnesota and arriving in Nepal, I encountered many cultural differences that took me by surprise. The one that really impacted me was the overwhelming number of stray dogs and monkeys freely roaming the streets.

At first, I was very frightened. I had a traumatic experience in Mexico where stray dogs chased and tried to bite me, so naturally, when I arrived in Nepal, that fear resurfaced. I immediately assumed the dogs here would act the same way. And since I already felt uneasy about the dogs, I grouped the monkeys into the same category.

My fear was so intense that when I arrived at my host family’s house the next day I didn’t even want to leave the house. Thankfully, I felt comfortable enough to share my fears with the VIN team, and together we came up with a plan to help me ease into life in Jitpur Phedi, Nepal and face my fears gradually.

The solution was simple but effective: I would walk to WBC (Women’s Business Center) every day with a larger group of people. I realized that when I was alone or with just one other person, I still felt a little uneasy. But in a group, I felt protected, as if the dogs and monkeys would be less likely to approach us.

After a few days of doing this, I began to see the reality. The dogs coexist peacefully with the local people, they’re not harmful or vicious. And the monkeys mostly keep to themselves. I learned to live with my fears and grow from them. That process not only helped me become more resilient in uncomfortable situations but also opened my eyes to the reality of Nepalese life.

Now, I’m happy to say that I genuinely enjoy seeing the dogs, they’re cute and friendly. And the monkeys? They’re fascinating to watch! They just do their own things, climbing trees and foraging for food.

In the end, everyone faces their own fears or challenges when stepping out of their comfort zone. Yours might not be stray animals, but you’ll likely encounter something that pushes you someday! What matters most is how we grow from these experiences and become more grounded, more self-aware, and mentally resilient.

Working in schools has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but one school, in particular, has touched my heart. That school is Saraswoti School, and especially the children’s club there. The children at Saraswoti School are kind and welcoming, and every visit I make to the school feels special. The connection I’ve built with these children has brought me so much joy and taught me valuable lessons about kindness, patience, and creativity.
When I first visited Saraswoti School, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard a lot about the school and the children, but nothing could prepare me for what I was about to experience. The children were shy and kept their distance at first. They didn’t know me, and I could tell they were unsure who I was. I understood that, so I knew I had to take my time, be patient, and show them I was there to help, not to pressure them.
At first, things felt a little awkward, but I didn’t let that stop me. I started by introducing myself and playing simple, fun games with them that were easy to understand. I
smiled at them and showed kindness in everything I did. Little by little, the children began to open up. I could see them becoming more curious, and I felt the walls they had built around themselves starting to come down. They joined in the games, laughed, and played with me. By the end of the day, the atmosphere had changed entirely.
I was lucky to have the help of two amazing Nepali colleagues—an intern and a volunteer—who improved my time at Saraswoti School. They were not only there to help translate, but they also supported us in all seven schools we worked with. They helped us understand the children better and made sure our activities were clear and enjoyable for them. Their support has been critical in making sure everything goes smoothly and that the children feel comfortable with us.
By the end of that first visit, something amazing happened. The children, who had been shy and distant just hours earlier, didn’t want me to leave. They surrounded me with hugs, holding onto me as if they were afraid I might disappear. They wrapped their little hands around me, and I could feel the genuine warmth of their affection. It was a special moment that showed me how important it is to build trust and create a safe, caring environment for them. It also reminded me that sometimes, it takes a little kindness and patience to make a big difference.
From that day on, every visit to Saraswoti School has been full of excitement and joy. The children, who were once shy, now run to greet me as soon as I arrive. Their faces light up with smiles, and they laugh as they rush to give me hugs. It’s a feeling that fills my heart with happiness. The children have become more than just students to me, and our bond is very special.
One of the most touching moments at Saraswoti School happened when a young girl gave me an eternal rose. It was a simple gift, but it meant so much. The rose symbolized the bond we had built over time. A smile spread across my face, and I felt a wave of emotion rise in my chest. In that moment, I realized just how much the children appreciated our time together and how much they valued the small acts of kindness I had shown them.
The children often tell me how much they look forward to our visits. They say it’s the best part of their lives, and hearing those words fills me with a sense of fulfillment. It’s humbling to know that something as simple as a game, a smile, or a few moments of attention can make such a big difference in their lives. The joy and excitement they show when I arrive remind me of the power of human connection and the importance of showing up for others. In addition to playing games and building relationships with the children, I’ve also been running workshops with them. These workshops focus on creativity and resourcefulness. One of my favorite activities has been teaching the children how to make musical instruments from things they can find around their homes, like old bottles, cardboard tubes, and beans. It’s amazing to see the children’s faces light up when they realize they can create something fun and useful from things that would normally be thrown away. Through these activities, I want to show them that they can make something beautiful using simple materials, and I hope to inspire their creativity and imagination. The workshops have been a big success, and it’s been incredible to see the children’s confidence grow as they explore their creativity. I’ve seen shy children become more confident and express themselves through music and art. I’ve seen children unsure of their abilities take pride in what they’ve created and share it with others. It’s been an excellent process of self-discovery, and I’ve learned just as much from the children as they have from me. This work has brought me so much happiness. Spending time with the children at Saraswoti School reminds me of the power of kindness, creativity, and connection. It has made me realize that making a difference doesn’t always require big actions. Sometimes, it’s the small acts of kindness – the smile you give, the time you spend, the encouragement you offer – that can have the biggest impact. I’ve learned that by being consistent, showing care, and being present in the lives of others, we can create meaningful connections that last a lifetime.

Lesson Learned

This experience has taught me so much about small acts of kindness and patience. I’ve learned that building trust with others, especially children, takes time and warmth. It’s not about doing big things or having all the answers; it’s about showing up, being kind, and being there for others. My actions might only change the direction of their boat by a millimeter, and while that may seem small, in the end, it will take them to a completely different destination. I’ve also learned that creativity is a powerful tool for building confidence and joy in children. By encouraging them to explore their creativity, we allow them to express themselves and discover new things about themselves. Ultimately, I’ve learned that making a difference in someone’s life doesn’t have to be big—it starts with showing care, being present, and sharing what you have.

Personal Report
Alicja Nowosady
Youth We Can! ESC Volunteering
2024/25 VIN Nepal in Tarakeshwar
Children Protection Team

Some days ago, I had an unforgettable encounter with Sofia, a Greek traveler I met during Maghe Sankranti in Bhaktapur, where a Buddhist festival was celebrated. She’s 43 years old, traveling solo around the world, and from the moment we started talking, it felt like we had known each other forever. Our connection was instant, so we decided to go on an adventure together.

We planned a four-hour hike through the forest to Flag Point in Tarakeshwor and then hitchhike back to Tinpiple. But our journey took an unexpected turn when we reached our first stop—Tarakeshwor Mahadev Temple, a Hindu temple on a mountain surrounded by a dense forest full of monkeys. The place had a mystical vibe, and we ended up spending over two hours there, completely absorbed in its atmosphere.

While we were there, we met a Nepali monk who warmly invited us for tea. We sat on the terrace of a small tin house, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. As we sipped our tea, the monk shared deep wisdom and reflections on life. He spoke about energy and the spiritual force present in everything—within us, in plants and animals, the sun, the moon, literally everywhere. It’s the same energy that wakes a tiger, that makes a tiny seed grow into a massive tree. I remember his words about life being like a movie, where each of us plays different roles—daughter, friend, cousin, teacher. He reminded us that we are all both teachers and students, constantly learning while also sharing knowledge with others. He also told us that before choosing this path, he was an engineer, managing his own employees with a wife and children—just like Buddha. His words brought a sense of peace and understanding, making us feel completely present in that moment.

The monk told us he had been living as a monk for about 20 years. He said that he once had everything, and now he has almost nothing—and that, to him, is beautiful. He spoke about the importance of concentration, practicing it, and being aware of the present moment. There was a deep sense of calmness and inner peace radiating from him.

Sofia had a problem with her toenail, and the monk kindly gifted her a homemade cream made from natural plants. He didn’t want anything in return—he simply wanted to help and offer kindness. It was a pure and selfless act, reinforcing the warmth and generosity he carried within him.

When we first saw him on our way to the temple, he was using a slingshot, aiming at the monkeys. We were puzzled—was he hunting them? But then he explained that he was only trying to scare them away from the temple.

He was delighted by my Nepali, even though I only knew a few sentences. He asked what I was doing in Nepal, and when I told him I was volunteering in schools, he responded, “So you are a teacher.” At first, I wanted to deny it, but then I realized—he was right. In life, we are all both teachers and students. We share our knowledge with others, but whether they accept it or not is up to them.

Later, he offered us coffee, and we continued our conversation. He expected nothing in return—no money, no favors. His kindness came straight from the heart, a rare and beautiful gesture in a world where such selflessness is often met with skepticism. This act of pure hospitality and wisdom left a deep impression on me, something I will cherish forever.

But the day was incredibly windy, and after our adventure, I got sick. I spent the next day in bed, recovering from a cold. Despite that, I don’t regret a single moment. The experience was worth every second, and I will never forget the monk’s kindness, the wisdom he shared, and the unexpected friendship I found in Sofia.

This experience will always stay in my heart. It touched me in a way I never expected and helped me discover more about myself. Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that don’t go as planned.

Personal Report
Alicja Nowosady
Youth We Can! ESC Volunteering
2024/25 VIN Nepal in Tarakeshwar
Children Protection Team