Three days Volunteering in Bagehini Primary School

Lhasso Adventure, associated with Mother and Children Art Foundation, has collaborated to conduct a volunteering school project in the countryside of Kathmandu Valley. On 17^th July, I had the chance to join the volunteering group from Manchester, UK, for a three-day experience of volunteering in Bagehini Primary School. The group formed by 22 volunteers where waiting for us, with shining eyes, ready to get involved with the Nepali culture. The team, composed of the team leader, two teachers, and 19 students from the High School, immediately appeared well-organized and very willing to work hard. After collecting the backpacks, we moved towards the bus for a 1 hr and 30-minute ride from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. On our way to the village, the team stopped to purchase materials for painting, painting colors, baskets, and brushes. At our arrival, a warm welcome was prepared, the headmaster of the school held a short speech, and Khada (with scarves was given. After setting up the luggage, the team of chefs prepared lunch, and after a break, the group of volunteers started their work in teams with different tasks. Two main groups were formed, divided into painting and carrying bricks teams.

The volunteer worked very hard on their first day until 6 pm, when the time for the bucket shower was set. A proper dinner was prepared, and the first day finished with good vibes and a helpful time. The alarm was set quite early on the second day. After an energizing breakfast, the groups started their project again. One of the main classrooms without painted walls was selected to become the main project for the painting team.

On the other hand, the second team decided to focus on carrying sand from outside the school to inside it, to prepare the materials for building a wall next to the bathrooms. At 12:30, the lunch was served, even though it was a holiday vacation for the school, some students came to the school, and the groups decided to take a rest and play with the children. The volunteers organized sports games, with some materials brought from their country. The kids were really happy about it, and they integrated the group into the community.

At 2:30, the teams started with their work under a very hot sun. The break with tea and popcorn definitely regenerated the team. At the end of the second day, the classroom was almost done, with new colors and drawings on the walls. The painting team decided to split in half and work on the stairs that connected the classrooms from the first floor to the second floor. The team scratches the rust from the metallic stairs and applies a first coat of color.

At 2:30, the teams started with their work under a very hot sun. The break with tea and popcorn definitely regenerated the team. At the end of the second day, the classroom was almost done, with new colors and drawings on the walls. The painting team decided to split in half and work on the stairs that connected the classrooms from the first floor to the second floor. The team scratches the rust from the metallic stairs and applies a first coat of color.

For their farewell, the head master of the school held a speech to thank the volunteers, and traditional Nepali dance and magic tricks from the students were shown. Moreover, flower necklaces and hats were given as a sign of gratitude, together with typical Nepali food. After lunch and farewell, the group took the bus to come back in Kathmandu. Moreover, this was an extremely powerful experience, not just for the groups but also for the community itself, which can now benefit from a better school environment.