Our names are Delphine and Damien.
We've been volunteering for VolNepal in Chitwan in November, 2007. Our task was a little bit peculiar: we're video makers and made a short film about VolNepal to sum up, present and explain its multiple social activites in order to raise awareness about - and bring other volunteers to Nepal.
In a tight context - 2 weeks and many things to film and show - we're quite happy we have achieved a nice result, thanks mainly to Anish ability to react, organize and cope with all the situations. His sense of initiative and numerous ideas have been a good fuel for our work, and his understanding of the main issues related to film making have eased a fair bit the whole pressure on the project (and its somewhat chaotic context). Along with Anish, his fellows volunteers Anit and Hari have proved highly available and helpful. All in all we've finished in 2 weeks a film that usually takes months to build. The appreciation of the result shall be left to the public, but as video makers we at least think that this cooperation shows how VolNepal can be an effective and efficient intermediate between volunteers and local structures.
In terms of cultural exchange, volunteering for VolNepal is a unique opportunity to get in touch with the Chitwan folk and integrate to their way of life. Chitwan is a nice rural area, with a vast wildlife reserve, and it never fails to charm the eye of the traveler. Climate is comfortable (in winter) and tigers and rhinos are never far away. Plus the Nepali people are just lovely - unless you've got a small bladder and can't cope with tens of cups of tea per day...
If you want to see real Nepal and help it on the way of development, come and volunteer with VolNepal. |
