Reading is fundamental to our communication and learning. Imitation and practice is one the oldest means of learning, a fact that cuts across all forms of life. Like all living species, humans did the same in order to acquire language and skills long before the alphabet, schools and cook-books came along. That is essentially how the reading teaches us …….exposure to usage in terms of choice of words, composition, grammar, patterns and style. The more prolific reader you are the greater the exposure to the language, enabling you to naturally imitate those communication practices.
Much research and many education experts corroborate that habitual reading is associated with general academic success and positive life outcomes. Language and communications is fundamental to one’s aptitude in academic, professional and personal life ….something that is critical to the success of this new generation whether it is in the classroom, boardroom, courtroom or just simply your living room!
Given the critical importance of reading culture, Nepal’s literacy rate of 68% is among the lowest in the world and lacks sufficient and even distribution of schools across Nepal. While rural regions make up 80 % of the population, it is estimated to have only about 40% of schools in Nepal. The Government of Nepal has announced “One School One Library and One School One Laboratory” Program, most schools in rural areas do not have proper infrastructure and basic classroom materials, let alone a library. It is difficult for such schools to recognize the idea of reading culture amidst the lack of resources. Reading books for students in these schools is a dream too farfetched, especially when even textbooks aren’t easily available there.
The volunteering travel project will be an attempt combat illiteracy and develop a reading culture among the socially disadvantaged and marginalized rural communities by initiating self-sustaining community library full of contextually relevant reading and learning materials or information – or simply books!
| DAY | ITINERARY |
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu – Check into Patan Home-stay – Happy Hour Meet |
| 2 | Kathmandu Sight-seeing / Visit Maiti Nepal, Pashupati Ashram, Kopan Monastery |
| 3 | Departure for River Rafting – Barbecue Beach Lunch / Overnight in Chitwan National Park Home-stay |
| 4 | Library Set-up in Tharu Village School |
| 5 | Library Management in Tharu Village School |
| 6 | Departure for Rampur District / Set up Camp at Damachaur Village |
| 7 | Library Set-up in Village School |
| 8 | Library Management in Village School |
| 9 | Departure for Pumdi Bhumdi / Set up Camp at Pumdi Bhumdi |
| 10 | Library Set-up in Village School |
| 11 | Library Management in Village School |
| 12 | Hike/Boat to Pokhara – Check into Hotel/Massage by Himalayan Healers, Blind Massage Therapists |
| 13 | Free Day (Optionals: Mountain Biking / Zip-line / Paragliding / Boating / Canyoning) |
| 14 | Flight to Kathmandu / Check into hotel in Thamel / Free Day – Farewell Momo Dinner Party |
| 15 | Departure from Kathmandu |
| Excursion Package Cost: US$ 1375 per person | Activities |
| Inclusions: – Airport transfers, domestic flights and ground transportation – Meals during trekking, volunteering and ground transportation – Trekking permits and sight-seeing entrance fees – Trekking and tour guides – Accommodation with breakfast and Wi-Fi on (city hotels) twin-sharing basis – Welcome Happy Hour Meet and Farewell Dinner – Daily Diary, Bagchal game and T-shirt |
Bagchal Knock-out Daily Diary Snap-shot Challenge |
| Exclusions: – International flight, insurance and VISA fee |
| Project Cost: US$ 4800 – Fully or Partially Optional |
| The project supplies and professional team may be completely or partially provided by the volunteer group which includes books, book shelves and professional team. In the absence of these resources, a locally sourced solution can be fully arranged at the above mentioned cost or a reduced cost for partial fulfillment. |