Contact
Testimonies
Andrea Rainey, Ireland
Project: Conservation and Orphanage
Email: andrearainey@hotmail.com
Overall Paul and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Nepal. It has been a fantastic adventure, wonderful experience + one we will always remember-!
Here our a few of our thoughts:
- Pre-departure communication + service: we really appreciated RCDP rapid response and process/ acceptance of our application (Via EIL Ireland). We applied mid-late February and one month later we were here in Nepal. The pre-departure packs provided by both EIL Ireland and RCDP supplied us with useful information when preparing for our trip.
- Arrival, airport receive, transfer: Paul and I really appreciated that some one (saman ) from RCDP was waiting for us at the airport- it was our first time in Nepal so it was very nice /comforting to have someone greet us and show us the way to hostel. Even though we were delayed 2 hours at airport- Saman waited + didn't ever complain; Cheers Saman!
- Orientation, language + cultural program: I really enjoyed this part of the overall program- It was great to learn Nepali language + gain insight to Nepali Culture. Our teacher Keshav did a fantastic job; very friendly and made classes fun but learnt a lot- ever though Paul and I arrived late on Monday and missed first class, Keshav hold an extra class for us the next morning so we could catch up. We really appreciated this! It was good to spend time and bond with other volunteers during this program. I enjoyed experiencing life in the city then the hills in Lamatar then low lands in Chitwan-good mixture. The jungle experience was very unique and definitely a highlight to the trip! Krishna and his team were very helpful in every way.
- Food, accommodation and Field support: Nepali food is "Dherai Mito Chha" - particularly at our placement- We lived with Gita in Rampur- a lovely family and her working was excellent! The accommodation was great experience, really enjoyed living with a family and gave us a taste of true Nepal. Support whilst on placement was first class- Bhairab, Lila and Urmila were very helpful in every way. Paul and I were very impressed with the support and organization shown, particularly on the day we went shopping to buy / donate to orphanage and conservation- Bhairab, Lila and Urmila were an absolute pleasure to work with - Thank you! (Dhanyabad!)
It is difficult to pick criticism with the program- here are a few minor points:
- Perhaps 2 weeks for orientation is too long eg language course could continue in Lamatar to shorter orientation and spend more time on placement.
- Would be nice to see a breakdown of where volunteer costs go eg I have volunteered before with group called SERVE-they are very transparent with finance and it is nice to be able to tell people who donate where exactly money goes.
- Possibly bathroom in hostel could be cleaned; a little bleach would do wonders!
Over all, we feel very lucky with our placement-Rampur has proven to be very worthwhile and perhaps one of the best placements because of the variety and flexibility of conservation and orphanage- it was nice visit both and there was always plenty of work to do. Paul and I had a fantastic five weeks with RCDP- we appreciate being placed at same family and will recommend RCDP to family / friends back home in Ireland.
