Treks and Orphans
Natural and Cultural Immersion with Api Himal and OCEAN Nepal
For decades, trekking has been the most important form of tourism in Nepal. More recently, voluntourism is gaining recognition as a economic opportunity with legs.
ApiHimal offers a full range of treks in Nepal, Tibet, India, and Bhutan, but they also run an orphanage.
API Himal Treks & Expedition P. Ltd. is based in Thamel, the main tourism district of Kathmandu. It was founded ten years ago by a man who began as a porter, and moved up to guide and tour operator. In 2005, he established an NGO (non-governmental organization, equivalent of an American non-profit, or 501-c3). Orphan and Children Education Association of New Nepal (OCEAN Nepal) is currently home to ten children left homeless and without family as a result of the Maoist insurgency that toppled Nepal's monarchy in 2008. OCEAN has recently purchased land for a new facility near Kathmandu, and there are plans to expand operations throughout the country.
OCEAN and API Himal are connected by more than their overlapping directorships. The two organizations have closely linked Web sites. API contributes 25% of profits to the orphanage. And, most interestingly, the orphanage raises funds not just by soliciting donations (which it does), but by recruiting paying volunteers. The charge is $100 for the first week, including food, accommodations and airport pick up and drop-off. Additional weeks are $75 each.
The daily schedule for volunteers is as follows:
- Wake up at 7 am, have breakfast, and help the children prepare for school.
- From 9am, when the children go to school, until mid-afternoon, the volunteers are off-duty.
- After 3:30 pm, volunteers help the children with their homework.
- Dinner at about 7:30.
- On Saturday, when the children are not in school, the volunteers take them on a day trip -- for instance, to the local outdoor swimming pool, or to the zoo.
- Volunteers are off on Sunday.
- Volunteers may stay at the orphanage, which is equipped with running water and electricity. Those who want slightly higher levels of luxury may choose from several local guest houses.
Volunteer work can be scheduled in alternation with treks and other excursions.
