PLANNING NEPAL

The project I look forward to the most this year is volunteering at the Volunteer Society Nepal. I have always had a fascination with travelling – not only to see beautiful places, but mainly to gain knowledge about them. I love to try new food, learn about the history and religions of different cultures and meet people who can give me their point of view. This volunteering opportunity will allow me to discover a different culture, where I will be able to use my skills and leave something behind. The experience will allow me challenge myself and see how I am able to work within an unfamiliar place.

​The communities of Nepal suffered a huge set-back in early 2015 when they were struck by a series of devastating earthquakes (R. Kathryn, 2018). Nepal has been in a good space to receive volunteers and tourists for some time now, however rebuilding has been slow and there is still a need for assistance in this area. Due these events the numbers of children at orphanages has increased hugely and therefore volunteers are needed more than ever. This will allow me to gain a perspective of what many people in under-developed countries have to endure. I would be a part of this growing community, and take time away from this fast-paced lifestyle. Many people believe we do not appreciate what we have, we take things for granted, I often realise this therefore it would be an honour to give something back to a much more in need community.
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The planning stage of this experience has already been an exciting experience, as it is my first big trip outside of Europe. It has made me realise how much preparations have to take place before we travel. I have already planned my trip and I will be arriving in Nepal, Kathmandu on the 6th of August, where I will be living with a host family. The charity has given me a timetable of how my stay will look like (Figure: Image). In the first week I will be able to settle in the family guesthouse, attend Nepali language classes and visit cultural heritage sites. This will be an amazing opportunity to record my travels and use as reference in my final year of university. Being interested in projects which affect social change “Design For Change”, it will play a key role in my final year studies, as I will record various data and experiences. I will be working as a photojournalist and providing imagery for the charity’s social media in order to raise awareness of their causes. They are a big organisation who work with orphans, children with disabilities and women, who are able to receive support and empowerment. I will be able to visit all the sectors and understand the way they work, I believe this will be an extraordinary encounter.Work experience and volunteering abroad is an amazing opportunity in order to portray my determination, it is an experience that shows that I am not afraid to challenge myself.

​Ewa Dykas
Graphic and Media Design 3
@_ewadesign​
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