Archive for the ‘Testimonials’ Category

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HELP?: great organization. Not commercial…like a lot of other organizations. (Henrike Elter, Sree Sarada Primary School, Phalate, Nepal: 2011)

(HELP is a) very well organised, ethically sound organisation. I would certainly not hesitate in recommending this organisation to others. (Ananda Hall, J.N. Memorial primary school, West Bengal: 2011)

A very good organisation, which is very personable and helpful with lots of good connections in Nepal.(Guy Hodgson, Shree Lali Gurans primary school Chitre, Nepal: 2011)

I felt comfortable with the organisation. I like the “tailor made” aspect and the fact that I didn’t give vast amounts of money to cover obscure admin costs (as is the case with many other gap year/volunteer organisations). I liked the way I was able to build my own trip and to volunteer my skills in an area which means alot to me.(Chris Olney, Gyan Jyoti school, West Bengal: 2011)

HELP is a hugely admirable organisation in that it focuses much more on those actually requiring help, as opposed to the volunteers. Other organisations I have seen are set up as charity holiday camps, catering for the volunteer’s every need and providing a very simple, pleasant, but ultimately false experience. Volunteering with HELP is the real deal. (Cathal Hardiman, Mount Star Academy, West Bengal:2011)

“I think that it (HELP) is a really great organisation and it was lovely to be able to get involved in a local community but at the same time be totally independent while there.” (Hanna Fisher, Lamdon Senior Secondary School, Ladakh: 2010)

Very good organisation, especially one of the few charity organisations that do not try to make money with the volunteer. (Alexander Sanders, Phyang Monastery School, Ladakh: 2010)

First class. Professional guidance was provided in the early stages, the application process was straight forward, I was met at the airport, taken to my accommodation, introduced to the school and constant communication during my placement to check everything was ok and to provide a sounding board to bounce ideas off.

An ethical organisation that provides a great opportunity to get to the very heart of a community and to hopefully make an impact.

(Mark Coddington, Spituk Monastery School, Ladakh:2010)

Out of all the volunteer programs that I have seen, HELP is the cheapest and most hands-off.  As a college student, the only way I could have volunteered was with a program like HELP.

Jim is constantly supportive and insightful.  He runs a great program.

(Melissa Aaron and Kevin Trainer, Algarah Primary School, West Bengal: 2009)

I think you’re running an excellent program! I really admire the integrity and simplicity of the organization. I appreciate the interview and your dedication to really educating volunteers about the situation and what to expect. The family I stayed with was absolutely wonderful, and they are related to another school and family working with HELP and I had the opportunity to visit that facility as well. After searching for months online for a volunteering situation, I can say that this is truly a brilliant organization. Everything else I found was charging exorbitant prices to volunteer! And there was no disclosure about to whom and how that money was spent. Nothing came close to what I found with HELP, and I truly respect what this organization stands for, who they are supporting and how they are running the show!

(Heidi Erhardt, Vidya Sagar Gyanpeeth school, Sikkim, India: 2009)