By Benjamin Smith
In January 2026, I began a two-month volunteering placement in Jilu, Dolakha—a remote and beautiful village in Nepal. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and kindness by my host family, school staff, and the wider community. What followed was an incredibly enriching experience that exceeded all expectations.
A key part of my journey was the support of my Nepali counterpart, who played an essential role in helping me integrate into the school and village life. From translating conversations to explaining cultural practices, her guidance made my experience both meaningful and seamless. Likewise, my host family made Jilu feel like home, offering not only comfortable accommodation but also incredible hospitality—and, of course, plenty of delicious dal bhat, along with roti and a variety of local dishes.
I was placed at Sarba Secondary School, a vibrant and close-knit learning community. On my first day, I was warmly received by both teachers and students. Together, we distributed essential educational materials, including school bags, books, stationery, sweaters, and sports equipment. These resources, made possible through generous donations, were met with great enthusiasm and appreciation.
My volunteer work focused on teaching, sports, and environmental activities. I taught three classes daily, covering subjects such as Mathematics, English, and Geography. Students showed remarkable enthusiasm for learning, particularly in Maths and English. Lessons included topics such as indices, geometry, grammar, and climate change—where we explored global environmental challenges and their real-world impacts.
Sports played an equally important role in building connections. I regularly joined students in volleyball, badminton, football, cricket, and kabaddi—a highly energetic local sport that I quickly learned requires both strength and strategy! These shared activities created strong bonds and brought immense joy to both students and teachers.
One of the most impactful initiatives during my placement was a tree plantation project, where over 200 trees were planted by students and teachers. Despite challenging terrain, the collective effort was inspiring and will contribute to environmental sustainability and improved school surroundings. In addition, we supported school preparations for Parents’ Day by planting greenery around the campus, contributing to a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere during the event attended by local leaders.
We also implemented practical, sustainability-focused solutions, including the installation of a 2,000-litre water tank to support drip irrigation for seasonal farming, and the introduction of five beehives. These initiatives not only support school nutrition through honey production but also promote biodiversity and environmental awareness.
Beyond school activities, I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in Nepali culture. I attended several traditional weddings filled with music, dance, and celebration, as well as major festivals such as Shivaratri and Holi. Holi, in particular, was unforgettable—a vibrant day of colors, laughter, and community spirit.
I also explored nearby areas such as Kalinchowk, Sailung and Singati, experiencing Nepal’s stunning natural beauty—from mountain views to riverside landscapes.
This experience would not have been possible without the incredible support of PSD Nepal, which ensured smooth coordination and effective use of resources. I am also deeply grateful to all donors and partners, including the CRED Foundation, whose contributions made a meaningful difference in the lives of the students and community.
Saying goodbye to Jilu was one of the hardest parts of this journey. The connections I built and the experiences I gained will stay with me forever. I leave with immense gratitude and a strong hope to return one day. For anyone considering volunteering, I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. It is not only an opportunity to contribute, but also a chance to learn, grow, and become part of something truly special.
