July-August, 2017

Nepal Hub Under 18 Volunteers

Objectives
The under 18s teams focussed on our hub objective of improving facilities to support learning goals.

Summary
Two groups of Under 18s travelled from all over the world to join us in Nepal. The first group consisted of 20 people
wanting to learn, meet new people and truly make a difference. The second group was also here for two weeks and
arrived as the first group left. The latter group was small but mighty! It had less people with 13 volunteers but had just
the same enthusiasm. The volunteers in each group did not know each other when they landed but that quickly
changed. The groups bonded while helping out a local school, experiencing a variety of cultural activities, and trekking.

Report
Each group was able to take part in formal and informal cultural experiences starting with a visit to a Hindu temple on
Lake Fewa, a language and culture lesson, and delicious sampling of Nepali food. Then it was time for service work!

The first Under 18 Group worked on a Government school in Pame, a rural village just outside Pokhara. The group
cleaned, repainted and completely transformed three classrooms. The Head Master of the school, teachers and local
children were very appreciative of the groups effort and the amazing end results!

The second Under 18 Group scrubbed, repaired and repainted the sleeping area of approximately forty students at a
school at a Tibetan Refugee Camp. The students were away at the time, but were very pleased with the difference
hard work and lots of elbow grease made to their home.

The weekend gave each group the opportunity to experience and explore many local sites, which included the World
Peace Pagoda, a suspension bridge, Tibetan monasteries as well as SASANE a non-profit organization working with
female survivors of human trafficking. The weekend also included time to pack and prepare for the next big adventure
a four day trek! The trek is so much more than going for a scenic hike it is about lending support, overcoming
hardship and building confidence. As the group walked beside the local Nepali guides they got to learn about the
Nepalese culture, ask questions, and even sing a tune or two. In the evenings, each group was treated to tasty Nepali
foods as well as lots of bonding time with each other and the guides through song, games and lots of laughter.

After the trek, each group had to pack their bags again, except this time it
was to head back to the big city of Kathmandu. While in the Kathmandu
area, each group was able to visit more historical and cultural sites, such as
Boudhanath Stupa. Then it was time to say Namaste to each other one
final time as each volunteer was taken to the airport with a more global
perspective, new friends from all over the world and a lifetime of memories!

The last two weeks that I have spent with GVI have been unforgettable. Not
only have I been able to make new friends and develop my confidence, but I
have become fully immersed in Nepals beautiful and vibrant culture. GVIs
excitable approach to life has been refreshing and the seamless organization has allowed us to have a stress free stay,
thus enabling the awe of where we were to make its imprint. I will be forever grateful to all of the GVI staff for opening
my eyes to the wonders that are outside of my norm. Aragon, England

Participating in the GVI under 18s program has undoubtedly been one of the most valuable and perspective changing
experience that Ive ever had. One memory I will cherish forever from this experience is after completing three
classrooms, having the opportunity to visit the children who were using it and seeing their smiles and happiness at
what wed done. Something so small had such an incredible impact. The trek was also amazing with some serious
character building occurring. Loved every minute! Danielle, Australia