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Early Years Childcare Support Program in Nepal
Volunteer for the Early Years Childcare Support Program in Kathmandu, Nepal, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of underprivileged children. The program supports children aged 3-6 whose parents work as daily laborers. Volunteers assist at a school/daycare facility, providing love, care, and education through activities like playing, singing, storytelling, craft-making, teaching basic English, and helping with daily tasks. This is an ideal opportunity for those wanting to help build a brighter future for disadvantaged children.
You are placed at a school/daycare facility within a larger school in Kathmandu, working with children aged 3 to 6 whose parents work as day laborers or beg on the streets. Day to day you play with the children, sing nursery rhymes, tell stories, make crafts, help with feeding and toilet training, and teach English letters, numbers and basic English through playway methods. No previous childcare experience is required, and the program is open to volunteers from 17, including families.
The placement runs for 1–24 weeks, with new starts every week (sundays); the next intake begins 20 Sep 2026. You stay at the volunteer house in Bafal, a 10-minute drive from Thamel, with breakfast and dinner cooked at the house and lunch provided at the school; a private room at a nearby guesthouse can be arranged for an extra charge. Prices start at $534, deposit included. Weekends are free for trips to Pokhara or Chitwan National Park, or for views of the Himalayas.
- Volunteer with nursery and kindergarten children and help them build a good foundation.
- Opportunity to meet other participants from all over the globe, exchange ideas and experiences.
- First hand international work experience which will boost your CV/Resume.
- Explore the breathtaking snow clad Himalayas and soak in the serenity.
- Travel and Explore other regions on Nepal such as Pokhara and Chitwan on weekends
Your role on this program
- Play with the children and sing nursery rhymes with them
- Tell stories and lead craft-making activities for children aged 3 to 6
- Teach English letters, numbers and basic English through playway methods
- Help children with feeding, toilet training and daily hygiene routines
- Assist children with homework and activity-based learning
- Support the existing staff with cleaning up and daily classroom tasks
- Teach children about basic health and hygiene
- Assist staff with administrative activities and suggest improvements to the center when asked
Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.
Role boundaries
You work alongside the placement's own teachers and carers and are never left in sole charge of the children, who remain the center's responsibility at all times. This is a school/daycare placement, not an orphanage — Volunteering Solutions does not place volunteers in orphanages. Duties may vary with the placement's needs.
A typical day and week
Sunday – Arrival in Kathmandu
Monday – Orientation session by the local coordinator covering topic areas; such
as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behavior, food, and more. This will be followed by a visit to the placement facility in the company of the local coordinator to get introduced to the placement and the Inmates.
Tuesday to Friday – Volunteer work
Breakfast – Volunteers will have breakfast at the volunteer house/ with the host family
Volunteer at placement – 10 AM to 3 PM
Lunch – Meals provided at school (placement)
Dinner – 07:00 pm
Weekends – Free to explore the city
Timings are the placement's usual pattern; the local team confirms your hours at orientation, and they can change with school terms, clinic rotas, weather and the project's needs.
Who can join and what you need
- Minimum age 17; a parental consent form is required for participants under 18
- No previous childcare experience needed, but you should have an open mind and a flexible attitude
- Must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program
- A clean criminal background check report, issued within 12 months of the start date, is required for this childcare placement
- Travel and medical insurance is compulsory, either your own policy or the one Volunteering Solutions arranges
The placement, its limits and your part in it
The placement is a school/daycare facility set within a larger school in Kathmandu, serving children aged 3 to 6 whose parents work as day laborers or beg on the streets. A local coordinator manages the volunteer house, runs your orientation, and accompanies you to the placement so you are introduced to the staff and children before you start work.
Once at the placement, you work alongside the existing teachers and carers rather than independently, and you are never left in sole charge of a child. A background check is required before you start, in line with the program's approach to placements involving children. Your contribution is a pair of extra hands for play, hygiene routines, storytelling and basic English activities that the staff structure and oversee; the day-to-day running of the center and any decisions about the children stay with its own staff.
Our standards
- Responsible volunteer travel policyHow we choose, run and review every project
- Safeguarding policyBackground checks, supervision and our code of conduct with children
- Child & vulnerable adult protectionThe rules every volunteer follows on placement
- Certified B CorporationSocial and environmental performance verified by B Lab
- How we volunteer responsibly in NepalCountry-level partner context and standards
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
Prices include your $249 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total program fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Total price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $534 | |
| 2 weeks | $624 | |
| 3 weeks | $729 | |
| 4 weeks | $834 | |
| 5 weeks | $939 | |
| 6 weeks | $1,049 | |
| 7 weeks | $1,149 | |
| 8 weeks | $1,254 | |
| Each additional week | +$110 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Pick up from the airport
- Orientation
- Food (2 times a day)
- Accommodation
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
- Certificate of Participation(On Request)
Not included
- Airfare
- Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at extra cost)
- Local Transportation
- Visa Fees
- Vaccinations
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
Volunteers and interns are picked up from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by a member of the local coordinating staff. Those volunteers who will be already in Nepal will be met by the staff at a designated meeting point decided beforehand.
Accommodation
The volunteer/intern house in Nepal provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for participants during their stay. It is located in Bafal, a peaceful residential area just a 10-minute drive from Thamel, the lively heart of Kathmandu known for its tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants. This location offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility.
Volunteers can enjoy homemade meals, giving them a taste of traditional Nepali cuisine while ensuring their dietary needs are met. The house is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing for seamless connectivity with family and friends or managing any personal or professional commitments. A television is also available for relaxation and entertainment during free time.
The accommodation includes all basic amenities needed for a comfortable stay, such as running water, hot water during winters, clean western style toilets and electricity. The living spaces are cozy and inviting, providing a great opportunity for volunteers to unwind and build connections with fellow participants. The house is managed by a dedicated coordinator based in Nepal, ensuring that all aspects of the accommodation are well-maintained and that volunteers have support for any queries or concerns.
This setup allows volunteers to focus on their projects and enjoy their experience while feeling at home in a supportive and well-facilitated environment. Private room requests can be accommodated at a nearby guest house for an extra charge.
Orientation
Your local program coordinator will provide an orientation and briefing upon your arrival. Depending on your arrival time, the orientation may be conducted on the same day or the following day. Typically, it lasts about half a day and covers essential topics such as local culture, greetings, key locations, transportation options, and other important details to help you settle in and navigate the area with confidence.
Meals
Two Nepalese meals (Breakfast and Dinner) will be provided to all volunteers depending on your work schedule. Breakfast typically consists of Bread, Butter, Jam, Sandwich, Tea etc. Typical meals provided include Dal (Lentils), Rice, Vegetables, Chicken and meat etc. The staple meal for most Nepalese people is dal bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and vegetables in curry (tarkari). If you have any special dietary requirements, you can let us know in advance and we can try our best to accommodate that.
During your Free Time
On weekends, participants in Kathmandu often take advantage of the city’s prime location to explore Nepal’s stunning natural beauty and cultural richness. Many choose to visit Chitwan National Park, renowned for its thrilling safari experiences and wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, and tigers. Another popular weekend getaway is the picturesque town of Pokhara, known for its serene lakes, breathtaking Himalayan views, and opportunities for adventure sports like paragliding and trekking.
During weekday evenings, when free time is limited, volunteers frequently spend time in Thamel, a vibrant and bustling area famous among backpackers. Thamel offers a variety of cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural experiences. Volunteers can also explore Kathmandu’s rich history by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square, or the Garden of Dreams, immersing themselves in the city’s unique heritage and atmosphere.
Life on the program
Getting there and who looks after you in Nepal
Airport pickup
You are met at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) by a member of the local coordinating staff. If you are already in Nepal, staff meet you at an agreed point instead.
First night
You settle in at the volunteer house in Bafal, a 10-minute drive from Thamel, where the coordinator manages the accommodation.
Orientation
On Monday the local coordinator runs an orientation covering safety, local culture, language, places to visit, behavior and food.
First project day
The coordinator accompanies you to the placement to introduce you to the staff and children before your work schedule starts Tuesday to Friday, 10am-3pm.
Ongoing support
The coordinator and local team provide 24-hour assistance throughout your stay.
From volunteers in Nepal
Frequently asked questions
What will I actually do at the placement?
You play with the children, sing nursery rhymes, tell stories, make crafts, help with feeding, toilet training and hygiene, and teach English letters, numbers and basic English through playway methods, working alongside the existing staff.
Do I need experience or qualifications to join?
No previous childcare experience is required; you need an open mind, a flexible attitude, and a clean criminal background check report since the placement involves children.
What does a typical day look like?
Breakfast is at the volunteer house, you work at the placement from 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday with lunch provided at the school, and dinner is back at the house around 7pm; Monday is orientation and weekends are free.
How long can I stay and when can I start?
The program runs 1–24 weeks, with new starts every week (sundays); the next start date is 20 Sep 2026.
What does the program cost and what is included?
Prices start at $534, deposit included; the fee covers airport pickup, orientation, accommodation, two meals a day plus lunch at the placement, and 24-hour staff support, with a $249 deposit that counts toward the total.
Where will I live and what will I eat?
You stay at the volunteer house in Bafal, a 10-minute drive from Thamel, with breakfast and dinner cooked at the house and lunch provided at the school; a private room at a nearby guesthouse can be arranged for an extra charge.
Will I be picked up from the airport?
Yes, a member of the local coordinating staff meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu; if you are already in Nepal, staff meet you at an agreed point.
What support is available once I am there?
A dedicated coordinator manages the volunteer house, runs your orientation, walks you to your placement, and is available with 24-hour staff assistance throughout your stay.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations?
Visa fees and vaccinations are not included in the program fee; guidance on these is sent before departure.
Who is this program suitable for?
It suits volunteers aged 17 and above, including families, who want to support young children's play and early learning without needing prior childcare experience.
Will I ever be alone in charge of the children?
No, you work alongside the placement's own teachers and carers and are never left in sole charge of the children.
Is this an orphanage placement?
No, this is a school/daycare facility within a larger school; Volunteering Solutions does not place volunteers in orphanages.
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