– Noor Voorwald, Netherlands
My name is Noor Voorwald. I am an 18 year old Dutch girl, currently in gap year. In October I took the flight to Nepal to volunteer with VIN for a month. I love working with little children and teaching at a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery seemed like the perfect project for me.
I did a lot of research on volunteer work, before finally choosing this project with VIN. I did not want to go with just any organization, but Ann Wilson from ‘Friends of VIN’, who I met on the Buitenlandbeurs, gave me all the information I needed, called me and helped me with my documents. I think education is a great way to improve someone’s life and command over English language opens many doors. Therefore, the opportunity to teach the language to others seemed too good to miss.
Upon arrival, I was picked up from the airport by VIN staff, who drove me to the VIN hostel/office. It felt good to have people help you and make you feel welcome in a new country. I then attended a two day induction program that included information about the Nepali culture and language, receiving information about your monastery and about teaching, eating delicious Nepali food and meeting other volunteers.
Two days later the staff dropped me at Tegchen Legshey Ling Nunnery. Kunga, the founder of the nunnery was a really kind person who showed me around and helped me settle down there. He explained to me the philosophy of Buddhism and taught me about the way of life in the nunnery. Through this project I not only taught the young nuns, but also experienced Buddhism. I had to teach twice a day and, as I was the only English teacher, besides English language I also taught them Geography, Mathematics, and Arts.
I really enjoyed my one month at the Nunnery. I saw a lot of Boudha (the neighborhood of the nunnery and home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath Stupa), had a great time with the little nuns, ate (too much) amazing Tibetan/Nepali food and met volunteers from all around the world. I hope to go back to the nunnery in the nearest future!
– Noor Voorwald, Netherlands
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