Written by: ECHAV Volunteers 2025 (Group B)
We remember the moment we first arrived in Okhaldhunga. It was early September, after an
all day jeep ride from Kathmandu that left us dusty, tired, and buzzing with anticipation. As
we wound our way up the narrow mountain roads and finally pulled into Nishankhe village,
we felt the air cool and clean against our faces. Stepping out of the jeep, we were greeted by
shy smiles and a chorus of soft “Namaste” from the villagers who had gathered. Our nerves
eased immediately. We didn’t know anyone yet, but in that instant we sensed we were
welcomed as part of the community.
Those first days in rural Nepal were a whirlwind of new sights and feelings. We stayed at the
NaraTika Community Learning Center, a bright building perched on a hillside overlooking
terraced fields. Waking up at dawn to the sound of roosters and children’s laughter, we would
climb to the rooftop to watch the sunrise paint the Himalayan foothills gold. Over cups of
sweet milk tea (called chiya in Nepali), we began to learn simple phrases like “dhanyabad”
(thank you) and “thik cha” (it’s okay), and laughter often filled the gaps when words failed.
Our volunteer work focused on educational and creative activities with children from nearby
communities. We organized sessions where we talked with the kids about body parts,
emotions, and the solar system, turning each topic into playful games to help them learn
through fun and movement. It was amazing to see how quickly they picked up English words
and gestures, often laughing as they tried to pronounce them.
Later, we helped organize a summer camp for the children. The first camp was quite a
learning experience for us as we were still getting used to the rhythm of life in Okhaldhunga
and to teaching in such a different environment. But after Dashain, during the second summer
camp, everything flowed much better. We had gained confidence, and the children recognized
us as familiar faces. We played new games like scavenger hunts and treasure finding
challenges, encouraged creativity through acting and drawing, and taught them about
different festivals around the world from Chinese New Year and Christmas to Halloween
while also celebrating Tihar, their own local festival of lights. Seeing the joy in their eyes as
they danced and sang Deusi Bhailo during Tihar was unforgettable.
One of the most special moments came during the Nishankhe Talent Show, which we helped
prepare with the children. They sang, danced, and acted out small plays they had invented
themselves. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride, both for the kids and for
us. It was beautiful to watch their confidence grow, especially those who were shy at first but
later shone on stage.
Outside of activities, life in Okhaldhunga connected us deeply with the local community. In
the evenings, we would sit by the fire with our host family or the cook we affectionately
called Didi, helping to prepare dal bhat and sharing stories. We exchanged cultural tales,
learning Nepali songs in return. Sometimes the rain would drum on the tin roof as we laughed
together, realizing that even with different languages and lives, we understood each other
perfectly through kindness.
Of course, there were challenges: cold bucket showers, squat toilets, long walks to reach the
schools, and moments of homesickness. But those small difficulties taught us resilience and
humility. Whenever something went wrong, there was always someone smiling, saying “No
problem, thik cha,” and offering tea or biscuits.
By the end of our stay, Okhaldhunga no longer felt like a remote village, it felt like home.
When the time came to say goodbye, the children surprised us with handmade drawings and
flower necklaces. Some whispered “Please come back, Didi” as they hugged us tightly. It was
impossible not to cry.
Leaving Okhaldhunga, we carried more than photos or souvenirs. We carried laughter
echoing across the hills, friendships that crossed languages, and lessons about patience,
gratitude, and connection. Our time there changed how we see the world, a reminder that
once you open your heart to a community, you are never truly a stranger again.
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