My First Experiences of Volunteering

I am the fourth cohort fellow of Samaanta Foundation, that provides quality higher education opportunities to meritorious public school graduates from disadvantaged communities in Nepal. One of the core values of the Samaanta Foundation is that fellows should help other individuals or communities. So we, the fourth cohort fellows joined together to pay it forward.

As Shiri sir (Program Manager at Samaanta Foundation) told us about the Bhanodaya school, a basic level public school of Sanagaun, Lalitpur, we interested to do something there. We had been involved in the ongoing project of the school. The project was repairing the infrastructure of the school. We talked with Sagendra Shrestha Sir, a volunteer teacher of this school who was leading the project. We came to know that the school was almost about to collapse due to a lack of proper management and resources. But the people there could not afford their children for boarding school. After hearing this, we decided to contribute there. 

We donated our labor(shramdaan) for 2 days for this school. During that time, we established a good relationship with the school. We also raised the fund. I could able to raise Rs. 5,000 from my collegemates, friends, family, and relatives.

(Pic.: A quick picture of shramdaan(donating labor

In the second week of July 2018, we ran a volunteering program at this school with the aim to encourage students to participate in different extracurricular activities. We organized games and activities such as paper crafting and drawing. We hoped that they would utilize their summer vacation by learning creative activities. To run the program, we formed two different groups of seven members (the fourth cohort fellows). One group led the class 1 and 2 while the next group led the class 3 and 4. And then we prepared for the lesson plan. 

We had some difficulties also. We felt hard to control the noise of students, to concentrate them on activities, and to involve them in activities. To overcome these problems, we divided the students to three subgroups and take them into different classes. It had been possible through the help of strong coordination and communication among team members and guidance of Shiri sir and Bhanodayas school’s teachers.

(Pic.: students learning the techniques of paper crafting. P.C. Sagendra Shrestha.)

This was the the first time we ran such a program. we wondered “would it be possible or not?” but when we were in the classroom, it was a wonderful moment for everyone. In fact, we ran one more week-long summer camp in addition to those 3-4 days. At that time, we have done some additional activities like wall magazine, speech practice, and go through other academic parts. As we hoped, the students eagerly showed their interest. Their curiosity and enthusiasm motivated us to make the program better. Their keen interest and best performance tilted us to forget every difficulty. It was due to our team. Although it was challenging, slowly we were able to adjust in their environment and we became closer to the students, making it easier. 

(Pic.: Manisha Deshar teaching students as an academic part. P.C. Suraj Parajuli.)

The main motto of our program was to enhance student’s intellectual development, increase their participation, and grow their confidence. We also hoped they would become more curious and active students. We had engaged more than 50 students. Most of them really excelled. The others took part in each activity and tried their best. Due to their active participation, we were happy to conduct each session. 

Working with kids and leading a classroom was a totally new experience for me. Though it was quite hard to understand them, their interests and curiosity always pulled me forward to engage with them and find solutions to problems quickly. I will never miss their smile, words, or a single moment I spent with them. They were amazing. It was an unforgettable and interesting experience. 

I also learned many things from this volunteering work. I learned about management functions such as planning, decision making, organizing, communicating, directing, and controlling practically. It really made me more confident in project management. It was possible only by the help and effort of my all team members. I still remember those days vividly. I am very thankful to Shiri sir, Bhanodayas school’s teachers and Samanta foundation family which have given a platform to conduct this program and put our skills.

                                     

                       (Pic. The students with us on the last day camp. P.C. Sagendra Shrestha)