This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to Teach English in the monasteries. There are several Tibetan refugees Camps and Monasteries that house hundreds of Tibetan kids taking Buddhist monk educational training in Katmandu to preserve the amazing cultural richness of Tibet and Buddhism practice. Knowledge of English can be an enormous help to these kids to explore more scriptures written in English and circulate Buddhist teachings practice to the whole world.
There’s a one month minimum requirement in this program. Volunteers will teach English to the monks, both young and old, for around 3 to 5 hours every day. Volunteers can also have a chance to participate in some monasteries run programs & meditation during free time. This program combines religious learning & research through Volunteering.
Project Objectives
To enhance the knowledge of monks in both religious and secular subjects To provide Basic English and to improve Communication for Monks who are unable to afford such opportunities elsewhere.
To give opportunities to those who want to teach English to monks in return receiving a rewarding experience and knowing their way of life.
As a volunteer you will be placed in a monastery where you will Teach English to monks for 3 to 5 hours a day. Depending on monastery size you will expect the number of student’s monks from 15 to 40 with moderate or beginners level English. The monks study Buddhist as a major subject in Tibetan language. English, Nepalese and others are optional in order to improve their additional language skill. In some monasteries they have English subject curriculum so you will follow the curriculum if you like to use your own teaching methodology then you can use it. If the monastery, does not have any curriculum then you will use your own lesson plan that would be appropriate for kids. Often volunteers on this program are left to be at their own devices when teaching. Volunteers will be responsible for planning their own lessons, organizing games, conducting workshops and other creative activities. Most of the morning is taken up with prayers; so teaching normally starts after lunch, for about 3- 5 hours a day.
Volunteers are welcome to join the students monks and teachers in practicing group meditation, Buddhist prayers and chants, along with other religious and cultural celebrations and activities that occur within the Monasteries. However, these activities are optional for the volunteer. The students and administration will not be hurt or upset if the volunteer doesn't want to partake in the religious activities. They’re just happy that you’re there to help out
Accomodation(According to Monasteries)
If there is enough space then you will be staying at monasteries that will provide you a room. You have to understand that you are in Nepal, one of the poorest countries please do not expect very cozy board in rural host families. Some placements in the rural areas may not have electricity they use either solar panel electricity with few voltage power or they use candle and kerosene lamp.
Project Skills Required
You do not need any formal teacher training or experience to participate, but whatever experience you do have will be taken into account when arranging your day-to-day activities. A good command of oral and written English is always an asset. Volunteers need to be independent, enthusiastic,adaptable and hard-working with an open-minded attitude.