top of page
DSCF7556.JPG

Getting there 

 

You will need to book your travel to Kathmandu as well as your accommodation during your stay in Kathmandu before you travel to Mitrata. While in Kathmandu, you will be met and escorted to the Mitrata Boarding Hostel by our staff. Transport to the hostel is by local bus and can take between four and five hours, depending on traffic.

​

The bus will drop you off at the nearest village and, depending on the weather and the number of people in your party, you may be required to walk down the hill to Mitrata, which takes approximately 45 minutes.

Accommodation

​

Volunteers stay with us at the Mitrata Boarding Hostel. The bedrooms, shower and toilet are all separate from the children's common area and guests are not allowed in the common area after the children retire to their rooms at night.

​

There is a western style toilet and shower available. Water is heated using solar panels, so of course, temperature of the hot water will depend on the weather.

 

Living conditions are very basic. There are two bedrooms, each with two double beds and a closet. Each bed has a mosquito net to protect you from insects during the night - mattresses, blankets and pillows are locally made. It is recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers may share a room with other volunteers. Electricity and internet is often intermittent.

 

Volunteers eat the same food as the staff and the children; generally, dal bhat twice a day and snacks if needed. Eggs, bread and fruit are sometimes available for breakfast. Volunteers who require supplementary or alternative food will have to bring the items to the hostel where the cooks will happily prepare it for you.

 

Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during your stay and anyone found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at the hostel will be asked to leave. There is tap water at the hostel but it is not for drinking. Bottled water can be purchased at the village near the bus stop. You may smoke cigarettes in designated areas.

​

Cost

​

Cost of food, accommodation and transport to and from Mitrata is $AUD200 per week. Transport only includes first and final transport to and from Mitrata. Transport to any other destination during your stay will be at your own expense.

​

Guides are available from the local village to support you on day treks. Staff at Mitrata will be able to assist you to negotiate the cost if you choose.

​

Volunteering at Mitrata

Working on our projects

​

  • Duration: Volunteers can choose to stay for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. There is a regular bus service to Kathmandu if you need to take breaks away from the hostel during extended stays and there are plenty of opportunities for you to do some trekking around the area if you want to take some time out for yourself.

​

  • Volunteering as a medical practitioner or nurse: Mitrata has a very small first aid post which is staffed by a qualified nurse and an assistant. Besides the children at Mitrata, over 15,000 men women and children from the three nearby communities have access to this facility. We are however, terribly under resourced and our equipment is basic. Our facility is also bound by government legislation and we cannot allow foreigners to practice medicine independantly on patients, however, you will be able to offer advice and provide first aid to patients under the supervision of the nurse.You will need to present a copy of your qualification to our overseas business partner, ChEd Nepal, at least 30 days prior to your arrival. 

​

  • Teaching: Our local primary and lower secondary school is just a five-minute walk from the gates of Mitrata and there are plenty of opportunities for people who have had experience as educators at the student or adult level to teach at this school. Students start to learn the English language at the age of 11 to 12 and so most subjects (except for the Nepali language) can be taught in English.Volunteers can also assist in other school programmes, such as sports or outdoor activities. Volunteers may provide assistance to teachers with other subjects such as Maths, Science and Social Studies provided that they agree to work with the regular teacher in the classroom. While you do not need to be a qualified or experienced teacher to participate, we encourage volunteers to come prepared by completing some relevant training, like a teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. 

​

  • Construction and Renovation: The communities in this district suffered a huge set-back in early 2015 when the area was struck by a series of devastating earthquakes and aftershocks. Rebuilding has been slow and there is still a need for assistance  - especially within the local area. Tasks can include building, renovating, painting, restoration, carpentry and landscaping. This project is suitable for all volunteers who are interested in physical work and who are not afraid to get stuck in and get their hands dirty. Volunteers do not need prior construction or renovation experience to participate on this project, as they will work alongside local staff to complete the work. We recommend that volunteers on this project bring work boots and gloves.  These can be purchased in Nepal if necessary. 

​​

Application to Volunteer

 

Volunteers will be expected to complete a number of forms before being accepted as a volunteer. These will including:

  • an Application to Volunteer,

  • Working with Children Check and 

  • A Visitor Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability and Acknowledgement of Obligation Form. 

​

Please click on the link below to find out how you can access these forms.

​

bottom of page