My time volunteering with VSO was a truly life changing experience. I was given the chance to support the development of real, on the ground changes in teaching methods in government schools in Nepal.
I delivered practical training, mentoring and support for teachers and educators on how to develop inclusive, quality teaching and learning in their schools. [break]
birandevimodihospital.org
During my two year placement, it was wonderful to witness greater engagement between the students, teachers, school management bodies, and parents. School environments and classrooms became brighter and more child-friendly, and there was an increase in motivation and participation amongst all the stakeholders. I feel my presence was a catalyst for implementing creative new ideas, tackling problems, and for putting structures in place for ongoing future school development.
Living in Nepal was a truly unique experience of real immersion into a culture very different from my own. I was able to witness and be part of many festivals and celebrations. I learnt about local agriculture, wore local clothes and ate delicious food (fresh from the garden). My time in the villages also meant I developed a vast array of unusual new skills including milking buffalo, planting rice, making ghee, putting on a sari, and eating with my hands. These are rich memories I will never forget.
Working in such a new culture, stripped away from advances in technology and the modern world, I also gained a clearer picture of the fundamental principles behind my work. I revisited and strengthened key ideas about ways to work effectively and helping people achieve more. I also had to throw myself into many new and unfamiliar situations. This developed my confidence to try out new things, recognize my varied skills and capabilities, and put them to good use.
Living in such a poor country, I gained a real sense of my personal privilege and freedom and a deep seated recognition and empathy of the hardships and restrictions vast numbers of people in the world face. I saw things that were sadder than anything I had experienced, but also many instances of exceptional kindness, warmth, and beauty, which will stay with me forever. I started to understand the importance of not always putting your own desires first, and of doing things for the common good and for the benefit of others.
VSO strengthened my commitment to try to be a better person and to live more mindfully. It taught me a renewed sense of patience, resilience, and humility. It gave me a huge wealth of new skills and a new outlook on life. I had the chance to reflect on what is important in life and to strip away the distractions, the chance to know myself better than ever before. I developed a much better ability to appreciate the little things in life, and regained a sense of wonder about the world.
We all have a lot to learn from each other. Good volunteering, done well and with professional, skilled volunteers in strategic, well-planned placements has the potential to change lives and enrich everyone involved.
The author is a VSO education
development volunteer
bettystillings@hotmail.com
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