Volunteer News

Helen was able to visit the new memorial building for the lives lost in Barpak, which was the epicentre of the devastating earthquakes in 2015. 

Funding was recently requested for a teacher training programme in Barpak.  As always this is something we love to support with Laxman and the team, providing two days of classes to inspire 35 teachers from a number of schools in the remote area of Barpak at a cost of just £350! Helen had the opportunity […]

It’s always very special when a volunteer is taken by the local ladies to  select fabric for a traditional outfit, the kurta sava. Helens bright and colourful outfit looks stunning and is so comfy in the heat of the nepali summer when she joins the ladies in school and many other events.

Specialised occupational therapist Helen has arrived in Gorkha to share her skills and support staff working with Special Educational Needs children. Our team in Gorkha, GDHEDS, welcomed Helen and then she was taken to join her host family where she will spend the next five weeks. We look forward to sharing her experiences with you […]

After completing his Elective programme in Gorkha hospital, Yong Kumar, Sarita and Kalpana made a traditional presentation to say farewell.   Alistair has now completed his final year medical studies at Edinburgh University and we would like to thank him for volunteering through GDS. Congratulations Alistair on passing and we wish you well in your […]

Medical Elective Alistair has kept us updated with his experience to date, in the Gorkha hospital.  We weren’t sure what to expect as this is a new hospital so a bit unknown. However, it clearly has been a varied and valuable placement. He has spent time in the Emergency Department, Paediatrics, Theatre and Gynaecology.  Such […]

Alistair was welcomed at the hospital and is developing an understanding of the staffing and departments at the new hospital. Receiving our first Elective placement since pre-covid, this is an exciting renewal of a hopefully long standing collaboration between GDS, GDHEDS and Gorkha Hospital.

Great news, Alistair Higgins from Edinburgh University has arrived in Gorkha, to undertake a one month placement at the Gorkha Hospital. He was given a warm welcome by our GDHEDS committee, which included President Laxman, Yong Kumar and Sarita. Alistair messaged us to say ‘it was absolutely amazing and I am very excited for the […]

The one-day conference hosted a range of interesting speakers relating to health and education in Nepal. There was also an opportunity for the many small uk based ngos to share inspirational stories as well as addressing the ongoing challenges in Nepal.  Trustees Linda B. and Naomi, plus future volunteer Helen attended and gained much from […]

Recent volunteer Madeline is running the Brighton half marathon to raise funds for GDS. Madeleine contributed to a number of projects in Gorkha and can see what a difference the funds make.  What a fantastic way to show her appreciation to all the people who took care of her and help fund more projects. Come […]

Contributions to Teacher training workshops on autism and other learning disabilities, along with supporting and sharing ideas with teachers in a number of schools.  Madeline’s impact will last much longer than her short visit to Gorkha. A big thank you to Madeleine from all at GDHEDS and from GDS in the UK.

On leaving Gorkha, the committee gathered to offer thanks to Madeline. Everywhere she went she wanted to help, and was clearly happy in everything she experienced. Visiting the rural areas with very limited resources, she took in her stride, as well as joining in the women’s hygiene programme. Also, working with a wide range of […]

On visits  to the Shree Mahendra School, Madeline was able to show her passion as she played with the Disabled children. She visited for several evenings after school and worked with the teacher to provide ideas and guidance. Madeline was an inspiration to the children and the teacher.

There was great appreciation for Madeline at Drabya Shah campus, where she worked with students to improve their English conversation and hold interesting discussions. Feedback from the Campus Chief Ram Chandra noted the improvement in students confidence, and her contributions also provided a model for English Conversation to teachers at the campus.

From Madeline: I had the opportunity to design and deliver some training for teachers focusing on how to include children with special educational needs and disabilities in the classroom. This was co-facilitated with GDHEDS Chair Laxman who has lots of experience in teacher training, who was able to make sure we overcame the language barrier […]

It is clear Madeline’s input as a volunteer will have a longer term effect as awareness of learning difficulties in school is increased.  We are thrilled to hear Laxman is adding the topics of Special Educational Needs to his teacher training programme for wider understanding throughout Gorkha schools. This shows just what a huge impact […]

Quote re training: “I co-facilitated a workshop for teachers from Balmandir and a few other schools with Laxman Babu Acharya, a teacher and teacher trainer, focusing on including children with special educational needs and disabilities in the classroom. The teachers at Balmandir had been wondering how best to engage a few children who were struggling […]

Madeline really enjoyed facilitating an English conversation session with degree-level students, studying to be English teachers at the Drabya Shah Campus in Gorkha. The young people were really engaged and interested in thinking deeply about a range of issues, from gender roles to teaching practice.

Message from Madeline, in her own words; “I had the opportunity to join one of Gorkha Women’s Associations’ incredible women’s health programme days. It was great to see such an enabling and empowering space created for women of all ages to discuss issues that affected them, but particularly around uterine prolapse which is a common […]

Madeline spent her first week at Balmandir school, working with the teachers and sharing her skills, encouraging fun while learning with the children.