Testimonials

Volunteering with HELP

Now that we are able to renew our volunteer programme after the COVID pandemic forced us to close it, here is a thoughtful testimonial from Paul Lessner one of our ex-volunteers, to remind you why volunteering with HELP is worth considering:
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“Some NGOs and companies work to improve lives, schools and communities around the world, and then there are some that are doing quite the opposite. I’ve worked as a volunteer twice with Himalayan Education Lifeline Programme, and I can say without a doubt that this organization is one of the best out there.
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Volunteer testimonial

“I was looking for a challenge and it was certainly challenging. In fact, it may have been the most difficult thing I have ever done. There were days when I thought, “I’ve run out of ideas. What am I going to do with Class Three tomorrow?” and yet somehow I was always prepared and I managed to keep the students occupied and learning. I think that I discovered inner resources I didn’t know I had.”

(Ken Haigh: Vidya Sagar Gyanpeeth primary school, Sikkim: 2022)…

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Volunteer testimonial

Barbara has been very patient throughout the process and I think it is a great program that is being run.

(Vidushi Sandhir: Sikkim, 2020)

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Volunteer testimonial

“I love what HELP does and their generosity to this area. I know that school building could not be done without your organization and to know you manage so many schools, is really amazing. I had intended to go to London after I was to finish this project and possible meet, but the pandemic really changed things”. (Amit Lau: Sikkim, 2020)

What did Amit achieve during his curtailed assignment?

“I really wanted to do something great and help in many ways so I spent various things.…

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Volunteer testimonial

“What drew me to HELP initially is HELP’s commitment to aid the schools…..
Regarding the application process, I felt like HELP was quite good in the pre-departure aspect in providing information and connecting new volunteers with past volunteers. However, Nepal can be quite overwhelming; therefore, slightly more support once volunteers arrive could be beneficial. And because our placement can be quite isolating, possibly connecting us with other current volunteers might be helpful. Overall it was a pleasant experience with HELP.”

“When I landed in Nepal, I knew this was going to be an unforgettable experience.…

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Volunteer testimonial

 

“My experience was amazing. From start to finish, I felt so warmly welcomed into the culture as a visitor from when I landed to being in a couple hotels and traveling with drivers. Everyone was wonderful and curious and kind. The school was overwhelmingly heartfelt and captivating. The students there have my heart. I would do this again, but my time there was not long enough. I would not recommend less than 8 weeks (as indicated on the website), but it was all I could do.…

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Thanks!

It’s nice to be thanked! The principal of one of the schools we support on the outskirts of Kalimpong has sent me the following emailed message:

“Thank you so much for sending us volunteer teacher in our school.the volunteer teacher Kathleen was experienced teacher .She was friendly with the teachers as well as familiar (sic) in the home.Thank you so much.”…

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Volunteer testimonial

HELP is a great organization which connects volunteers with a school that needs extra teachers. There is no shortage of work which makes you feel needed as a volunteer.

My experience was great, I do not regret doing it whatsoever. I highly recommend trying it for those considering it. If you are thinking of getting into teaching, this is a great way to find out whether teaching is for you. It was insightful to live and witness local life. It certainly broadens your perspective on living conditions in other parts of the world.…

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Volunteer testimonial

“My time in Tathang were two of the best months of my life! I absolutely loved the children and the owners of the school, and the huge variety in work, the natural beauty of the area, and the wonderful people made the experience truly unforgettable. I really couldn’t recommend it more.”

“HELP were great to deal with, and provided good advice and support throughout the whole journey. The school really benefitted from having me there which is great, as it makes it feel real and genuinely useful that I was there.…

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Volunteer testimonial

HELP clearly knows the schools it works with very well and chooses them with great care, concentrating on schools where they can have the greatest impact and where their input is most needed. I was very impressed by that and by the personal nature of the organisation-I was able to ask any questions and contact them while abroad to check anything which worried me.

It was great to work with an organisation with a clear ethos and sense of purpose.They are completely committed to the schools and to finding ways in which they can work with them, while accepting that some things will be done differently there.…

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HELP is rare for an organisation offering volunteer teaching in that it puts the needs of the local people before the desires of the western person wanting ‘the experience’.
Alastair SkeffingtonSaraswatimata Yumahangma English School
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