Daniel Rohn From Germany

My two-month experience at the SJSK-Nepal

by Daniel Rohn

The Internet is filled with dubious offers or agencies who primarily want to enrich them-selves and show no social aid for non-profit organizations. For this reason I left out the very expensive step through agencies and started my own research of needy organizations in Nepal. It´s easy to search for private organizations as the SJSK-Nepal on Facebook for example. Also you can easily classify whether this is a serious offer or not. You can save a lot of money by going on your own. This money can be used to improve the situation in the family later. Moreover it is an advantage for private organizations if they can communicate with the volunteers directly and not through agencies. In this case 100% of the money for food and accommodation, airport pick-up etc. goes to the institution and not in the pocket of profit-motivated agencies.

I've learned a lot from other volunteers who came to Nepal by agencies and paid a lot of money for their stay. They have basically paid almost three times more than I did, but the private organization is only able to cover one third of their costs, because the agencies took more than half of the money in their own pockets. Therefore the helpfulness of the volunteers as well as the need for the private organizations got lost.

My advice: Make your own way to search for private and needy organizations and contact them directly without detours through the agencies. This ensures that your money get to people who need it most.

My contact to the SJSK-Nepal occurred exactly like that. Sujan was the first who replied to my messages via Facebook. In addition, he was nice from the be-ginning, courteous and with a lot of passion. He as a young student who has to run a children home with 11 children, makes an incredible job. He is not only responsible for the welfare of them kids, also for the long-term continuation of the organization.

He regulates financial matters such as payments of volunteers, donations or other money input via western union. He is also responsible for the children’s school education, he has to organize them school places, buy teaching materials and pay school fees. And by the way he is still an engineering student who also has dreams that he wants to realize in the future.

But now to my experience in the SJSK-Nepal:

I was welcomed very warmly by the whole family, so I could immediately feel home. Especially the children look forward to each new face which entering the doorstep and brings them a small gift. The children are very cheerful and friendly, they laugh insanely much and they are very lively. The days with the family flew by and were dominated by making children ready for school, trying to pack 11 school bags completely (which by the way is an impossible task) and bringing the kids to school. On the way home you can buy purchases for the family, talk to the locals or just rest.

Following you have a lot of leisure, which you can use to explore the surroundings or plan your future travel. I personally spent my time with Sujan, went sightseeing, visited other organizations or helped with domestic work. We built a rabbit hutch out of bam-boo, wire and clay and several pieces of furniture made out of wood. When the children are coming back from school first they want to play with you, then you have to check their homework and play again. In their leisure we went to the local "pool" or tried to teach them German or Chinese for example.

Meals were simple but always delicious. You will get rice three times a day and a side dish. Either there was Curry or just the classic Dhal Bhat. That´s the reason why rice and I are not good friends anymore :) Here I can give one piece of advice again: try everything of the local delicacies, because you don´t know when you have the chance to try them again.

To summarize, it can be said that a stay in a private local family is essential to get a detailed insight into the work of such an organization. And you will meet an amazing warm-hearted family and 11 wonderful and happy kids.

Here are a few points which might be important for you:

1. Nepal is safe

2. Nepal is one of the poorest country on earth, but also the country with the most happiest people worldwide

3. Nepal is partly very dirty, especially for Westerners. Idea for a project in Nepal: Re-cover the awareness for nature which existing from birth. Taking forward the sustaina-ble protection of nature.

4. Arrive with as less as possible expectations, because anyway it will be differently than you think

5. Search for private organizations and not for profit motivated agencies

6. Enter help where it´s needed. So rather go to smaller facilities and offer help

7. Collect donations prior to your departure and use this money locally for necessities

8. Don’t worry about hygiene, diseases or other typical fears

9. Do not try to change the people there and imposition-them the western life style. Rather live according to their standards

10. Eat no rice as long as possible before your departure. You'll get enough rice for the rest of your life

11. Get in contact with non-profit organizations and also offer your help

12. Don´t schedule everything for your stay in Nepal. Just be spontaneous, book your flight and see what awaits you there…

Lara Hickman Review

Lara Hickman Review

I am a volunteer from England and was delighted when I came across SJSK-Nepal, a truly inspiring nurturing environment, run by Sujan director along with his mother and father and younger sister. I was impressed to meet one so young who thinks and lives consciously , compassionate choices, this mentality is so rare in an Asian country , Sujan is utterly devoted to the welfare and positive development of these children, he is doing a splendid job in raising each one to be independent , compassionate, caring, rounded and educated individuals and he aims to help many more. His mission is admirable, these children have been given the best start in life, their home life is joyous and privileged, they are encouraged in music and creativity/sports and various fields of learning, have a diverse and a broad spectrum of interests and have thus aquired many skills, all the children are well spoken, have excellent reading skills, seem to excell at school and I was impressed to see how particularly the older children can communicate in English! They play cricket and badminton superbly also!  Sujan also has to balances his role in supporting such a big family with studying engineering , he is truly a bright and highly educated talented and ethically sound young man, with great potential , has an interest also in Eco building and sustainability, is environmentally conscious and in favour of organic agriculture, there is an allotment just next door where we enjoy lending and hand and pick fresh organic produce. The family cook traditional Nepali wholesome and generally vegetarian food. Sujan wishes to get involved with other inspiring projects particularly raising awareness and encouraging women empowerment. He aspires to expand his learning social initiatives, establish another ten over time. Inspire the next generation to continue to his work to further improve the lives of underprivileged children give them hope of a bright and beautiful future.

On arrival at their home i was greeted so warmly by all 11 children, , welcomed me as fellow sister and were excited to share and get acquainted with me. I was amazed by their level of English , understanding and good manners , most well behaved and all so kind natured , was truly a joy each day to experience their laughter and loving kindness, their smiling faces and exuberance! as they delight in dance , play and reading etc. No matter the weather these children are endless bundles of sunshine joy! Was enjoyable to help with practicing their reading skills and playing educational games and outdoor activities. Never met such a well behaved bunch! They are also very independent , As Soon as they come home they get started with their homework before considering playing or wanting television , was also a wonder to see children who can actually sit still and attempt to meditate! Sujan leads meditation during the evening and it was wonderful to join them in bhajan circle , chanting devotional krishna mantras.

I felt most a home here, i love their cooperation and How ever body gets on happily and participates with daily life activities, sharing caring in the true sense of family and how they radiate such love , make you feel part of the clan, In the short time I have been here i have grown rather attached, will miss the children greatly, I fond each and every one of them so endearing, mother too she is an inspiration! How she Fulfills there every need and keeps everyone smiling..

I didn’t want to leave! i would gladly stay longterm were my visa not an issue, I hope to return for a atleast 6 months and support Sujan with his upcoming projects, I throughly enjoyed each and every moment, I couldn’t recommend more highly , staying with such a beautiful Nepali family, a most delightful and rewarding experience

Andrea Rizo Patron

Andrea Rizo Patron

Hi guys, I wanted to share with you my volunteering experience in SJSK-Nepal.I was here for one week and I had the best time sharing with 11 beautiful kids.

We spent the day doing different activities, like drawing pictures of their favorite characters, singing and dancing nepali songs, playing in the surrounding gardens and feeding the animals. One day, we also prepared “momos”, some typical nepali food, the kids were so excited to help!

The center provides you with accommodation and food, which is nice and comfortable to be always near the kids.
If you are traveling to Nepal, I strongly recommend you come to have this experience. It’s very rewarding and you’ll enjoy it a lot!

Claire Jung wirth

Claire Jung wirth

I recently was hosted by a small family, 30 minutes outside of Kathmandu, Thamel, who are running a SJSK-Nepal ( A School). I saw an advertisement at my hotel and called up to enquire.
What I found was a family, of 11 beautiful children being cared for with love and given the opportunity for a great life.
I understand when looking for a volunteering position from overseas, it is difficult to directly find a place that seems 100% over in the internet. Here in Nepal the electricity is only on certain hours of the day, and internet can be fleeting. There are other bigger organisations that are financially able to promote themselves, and only if you are here in Nepal, you can find the hidden gems. It has been informed to me also that in some cases a lot of the money people pay to participate in these programs do not directly go to the children, but to the businesses or even worse sitations.
I want to put my experience and my direct communication out there to others who wish to donate their energy and effort, with a great family and great experiences!
SJSK-Nepal is a family run home, that is completely government certified. They are providing a fun and loving volunteer programs with their kids, and a real experience with a Nepalese family.
They have hot and cold water for showers, western toilets, wi-fi, relaxation room, computer usage, movies, music, hikes in a national forest that is near by, local scenery and homes!
They kids spent 6 days a week at an english school, so our assistance was needed in waking up the kids, helping them get dressed and ready for school and walking them to school!
Most of the day is then spent free for your own adventures from about 9.30am until we pick the kids up again at 4pm. The rest of the night, usually spent with out electricity is an amazing time of fun and play!
Dancing, singing, playing sports and games, doing homework, watching Nepalese and Bollywood movies and eating mama made native food.
You can stay for as long as you want, and Sujan, the eldest son and organiser SJSK-Nepal is amazing in helping you in your stay.
I hope this helps others in their journey of Nepal, and if you need any futher infomation please check out www.childrenhomenepal.asia
Or you can email Sujan at mychildreninnepal@gmail.com

Michelle Tullo – Monastery review

Michelle Tullo – Monastery review

“I spent about one week at the children’s home and one week at the monastery and enjoyed my time at both. At the monastery I taught English and math to the young monks. It was challenging, but overall a great experience. Sujan, the director of SJSK-Nepal, was also wonderful in showing me around Kathmandu and genuinely cared about me having a good experience in Nepal.”

Tom Macindoe-Organic farm Review

Tom Macindoe-Organic farm Review

To my dear family at the “SJSK-Nepal”,

Wow, what a beautiful 9 days I have experienced here…from the moment I turned down the narrow laneway heading for the centre, and was met with a love-crush of little people calling me brother, I felt at ease and very much at home in this peaceful part of the sprawling Kathmandu Valley. It’s certainly a special place…and I’m sure I’m not the first volunteer to say I wish I could have stayed-on longer!

To Sujan and the family- you’ve certainly created a terrific place here..you’re doing wonders, providing such a warm, friendly environment for eleven beautiful (and no doubt very lucky) kids. From the nourishing vegetarian staple of dal bhat (in which I certainly ate my fair share), the group meditation and mantra chanting in the evenings, the camaraderie between and respect for each other,the sing songs, creativity and artwork, endless smiles and laughter, fun and games etc…it just seems so right…you’re onto something special here, that’s for sure!

As you can see this place has left a pretty big impression on me…I’ve never spent time volunteering in an environment like this and I must admit, I was nervous to begin with but this soon disappeared and its become one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve certainly shared on my year of travel (and indeed in my 26 years of existence!).

To top it off, you’ve also provided many options not only just to help out in the home and with the kids, but to also experience farm life in the Kathmandu Valley, work in medical institutions, stays in monasteries, volunteer in schools etc. One of my real passions and reasons for travel has been to deepen my knowledge of and hands-on experience in organic farming, and low-and-behold I was able to satisfy this during my stay here too, where I spent much of my time during daylight hours working with two wonderful Nepali men, Jasman and Dewan and their families on the organic market garden that lies within 100 metres from the centre. Not unlike the centre, it’s a green utopia within the urban sprawl of the Kathmandu Valley. I was fortunate enough to work alongside them to help cultivate their livelihoods growing crops like tomatoes, beans, coriander, spring onions, beets etc. I’ve made good friends with these great people too, and wish them all the very best in growing the future!

So it’s all good here at the SJSK-Nepal…I will endeavor to spread the word amongst fellow travelers…hopefully many volunteers will pass through your doors leaving with good memories that will stay with them for life.

Although for now it’s see you later…I’m pretty sure that one day I’ll be back for another stay! So thank you again all of you wonderful people for an amazing experience. It sounds a little cheesy yes, but you’re all in my heart. Lots of love from your Australian Brother.

Tom.

Callum Cowan

volunteer Orphanage

Callum having fun with children

At the moment the SJSK-Nepal is home to 11,children 7 boys and 4 girls, all of which where all displaced at a very young age.These children have all be given a second chance at life, their getting put through school and looked after extremely well.
As I sit here in Sujan's Office writing this article( as a volunteer) I'm surrounded by the children all of whom are studying away, they are so eager to learn,
If your reading the, and want to make a difference in theses children's life, please take some time to visit, you will be greeted with open arms and you will feel right at home. For me as a traveller, taking that extra time to stay in Kathmandu to spend some time here has by far been the most rewarding thing I have ever done, Its something you will never forget.

-Callum Cowan