Meaningful Hike: SDGs and Travel Guide
June 19, 2019
We always jump in if it is to hike or to travel but it would be more fun if it is meaningful hike/travel.
Our participants from Set Your Goals did 3-hrs hike from Telkot to Changunarayan on last Saturday. There were different sessions during the hike: Binita Karki, co-founder of 2030 Youth Force Nepal, conducted the SDGs session where the youth were informed about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and how youth can be involved/contribute to achieve these global goals by 2030.
Similarly, Bikram Karki, adventurer and mountaineer, shared about safe traveling tips, the session was completely new to the participants, they were really excited to learn about safe traveling.
We had a lunch at Champak Namuna Home, a only one traditional homestay in the entire Changunarayan village. We were welcomed by Dashmaya Tamang, owner of Champak Namuna Home. She shared about socio-economic situation of her village. She is the breadwinner for entire family members.
At the end of the day, Sajana Bhadel, president at Girls Empowered by Travel-Nepal, gave some tips on how to travel affordably as a being student. Everyone loves traveling but it is more challenging to travel as a student but nothing is impossible.
To sum up, the hike was meaningful because we got to know about nature, knew about SDGs, knew about safe and budget travel and at the end we supported the homestay.
So, wasn't that meaningful hike?
"Sustainable Tourism Initiative"
June 19, 2019
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| Participants receiving the certificate of Homestay Training |
What comes in your mind when you first hear the word GRE? The image of grey colors hover over your mind? But it is the place for conflict management or to settle down the disputes in Tibetan language.
While it is pronounced the word “Gre” normally the image of GRE color hover around the mind. But what if it is said that it is known as the place for the conflict management in Tibetan language like when two people or different groups have to discuss or settle down the disputes.
We, seven in team members, reached in GRE after 7-hrs in the Jeep, then 3-hrs hiking. Which is 130 km from Kathmandu. We experienced the local cultures and lived the authentic lives of Tamang people in Gre village, Rasuwa district. During our 9-days stay, we conducted a program to help prepare local entrepreneurs to build sustainable tourism business. The very first day started with kickoff ceremony by playing the videos from our last visit to Gre. They were amazed to see their own dance performance in the screen they were so excited to see themselves, and laughed and joked when each new face appeared!
The program followed with trash collection game. A starting whistle was blown and everyone rushed off to fill old rice bags with candy wrappers, Red Bull cans, plastic bottles, and garbage of all sorts. In just twenty minutes we filled 29 rice sacks with trash! We ended with a group discussion about recycling, reuse, and littering. After the exciting game, it was time for the seven steps of hand washing. Every participant was a winner so bamboo brushes all the way from US was distributed as a prize.
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The second day started with more energy and excitement. They shared their dreams and vision for GRE after five years. Their dreams were simple: educated children, a hospital, a paved road, a clean environment.We discussed the meaning of homestay and it's the origin of homestay in Nepal.Community homestays runs with the proper utilization of local resources. It's more about cooperation over competition.The day ended with the formation of a Women’s Circle as a platform for uniting women’s voices. The first issue to address: how to deal with alcoholism and domestic violence so many face. It will take more than one session to change that one, but creating opportunities for women to earn financially and connect with one another is a valuable next step! The evening ended with our first English class where we covered basic greetings, and discussed learning goals. The villagers native tongue is Tamang, Nepali is their second language, and English will be (at least) their third!
Our next day started with the visit to local health post which was also glad to know that most of the villagers go to visit the post if they have small to big injury. Visma-dai, our Red Cross certified first aid instructor led the villagers through a series of simulations, teaching various lifts and basic first aid response. The highlight of the exercise was constructing an improvised stretcher and taking turns practicing how to safely use it! The second was cooking class where the importance of clean water and safe cooking was discussed. Our program coordinator, Kat, shared her perspectives on what attracts travelers to homestays. In small groups, each participant discussed about their potential names for their homestay.
Running a homestay is a big undertaking, and requires the support of the whole household. We worked in small groups to define the activities and resources needed to run a successful homestay. We were impressed to know their learnings and understanding to run the homestay like how different people from different skills and resources could be the help to support each other. We also discussed about safe water, using curriculum developed by the Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST). The participants were fascinated to learn about the water cycle and how snow becomes rivers and rivers become rain! We focused on sediment filtration using a cloth filter, and boiling or solar disinfection (SODIS) for sanitization.
The day ended with a Women’s Circle where we held a reusable menstrual pad workshop with the younger women. Although menstruation doesn’t carry the same taboo in Tamang culture as it does in other cultures of Nepal, the women in Gre still lack access to any feminine hygiene products. They’re forced to use old clothing instead.
How exactly does a community homestay work? A traveler pays to stay in a homestay. The homestay owners keep most of the payment as income: to support their family, send their kids to school, and reinvest in their homestay. But a portion of the payment goes to a community fund, to support projects that benefit the whole community; like safe water, waste management, school improvements, homestay improvements, or whatever is needed most. In the last part of the session, different local herbs available in himalayan region were discussed to treat common illness.
According to research, there are no any single homestay in the entire Rasuwa district. Mostly people get confused in Tea house and real homestay. But our executive member became clear about the community homestay and its importance. On the last day at GRE, we had a recap of the whole program and we presented 14 certificates of participation to those who met attendance requirements
On the last day, the villagers showed us the traditional dance wearing their cultural attires. We shared the food and smiles together. It is the beginning. The newly elected Executive Committee of homestay are already working to register the community homestay in local government officials. Our team are discussing new and innovative project for GRE in our next visit.
March 13, 2019
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| Participants during the Trave-Yeller event |
"Trave-Yeller" event was held on 8th March 2019 at @Thames International College, on International Women’s Day, to mark the invaluable contributions of women. Our theme of the event was “Redefining the meaning of Travel”
It was a fundraising event for Hitaishi-4 in order to bring five young girls from Jureli, Makwanpur district for a week-long leadership boot camp in Kathmandu.
Thank you so much for Adventure and Travel partner: Apex Himalaya Trek and Expeditions, Core Adventure Company and Big Smile Company for the support. Specially Thanks for Thames International College for the great venue.
We were really grateful to have marvelous speakers- Maya Gurung: Mount Climber and Social Entrepreneur, Shanta Nepali: Filmmaker and Traveler, Pancha Maya Tamang: National Sports Climber, who shared their amazing and inspiring stories and with the message that,
"Travel can make a difference".
We were really grateful to have marvelous speakers- Maya Gurung: Mount Climber and Social Entrepreneur, Shanta Nepali: Filmmaker and Traveler, Pancha Maya Tamang: National Sports Climber, who shared their amazing and inspiring stories and with the message that,
"Travel can make a difference".
The event started with a welcome dance from Naani (children from Brick factory)
The proactive participation of more than 100 like-minded youths added the light toward the event.
Our panel discussion was really interactive and informative with our great panelists- Chet Narayan Rasaili: The President of Nepal Democracy Forum, Binita Karki: Co-founder of Youth Force 2030 and Devaki Bista: Freelancer Writer and Photo Journalist with the help of our young energetic moderator Prekchhya Shrestha.
The proactive participation of more than 100 like-minded youths added the light toward the event.
Our panel discussion was really interactive and informative with our great panelists- Chet Narayan Rasaili: The President of Nepal Democracy Forum, Binita Karki: Co-founder of Youth Force 2030 and Devaki Bista: Freelancer Writer and Photo Journalist with the help of our young energetic moderator Prekchhya Shrestha.
We are really grateful to everyone who supported us directly and indirectly to make our event grand success.
January 17, 2019
Volunteer in Nepal: Help Rebuild Ethnic Village in Himalayas
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| Local people from GRE village in Tamang dress |
We are thrilled to announce a new VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM IN NEPAL, rebuilding an ethnic village of Gre in the Himalayas.
IN THE NUTSHELL, our goal is to put the Gre village on the map and keep it there. We will be bringing a cohort of skilled volunteers to the village to help enable the villagers to create sustainable tourism in their village to ensure their livelihood.
PROBLEM: In April 2015 Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake and the Langtang region (including Gre village) was hit the hardest! Tens of thousands of people lost their homes, lives, and/or loved ones. Sadly, many people in Gre village still live in temporary shelters and lack basic needs, like showers or toilets.
However, the potential of the village is impressive:
-Gre is located on the Tamang Heritage Trail, which promises peaceful trekking among the gorgeous Himalayas without the crowds of more established routes.
- Gre currently lacks facilities to accommodate hikers, but many families are interested in establishing homestays.
- Tamang ethnicity and culture is very rich and interesting to learn about, and people are eager to share their way of life.
- Local families are eager to launch homestay businesses and just need the guidance of mentors to show them the way.
SOLUTION: We would like to bring a group of 10 volunteers to the village for 2 weeks to fulfill the following OBJECTIVES:
1) Help BUILD the infrastructure necessary to support tourism: - Many homestays are newly-constructed or still in the works and need solar showers, toilets, hand-washing stations, hygiene facilities, etc.
- Develop a curriculum of ‘English for Hospitality’, tailored for Gre villagers (Bonus opportunity to help local school teachers refine English language curriculum at village school!)
2) Help ESTABLISH safe, sustainable business practices for the benefit of all:
- Teach and importance of hygiene and hygienic cooking;
- Encourage sustainable approaches and Eco-tourism and work with local entrepreneurs to create a plan together;
- Address issues of culture shock, customer service, and conflict resolution;
- Educate entrepreneurs about the legal requirements and government benefits of running homestays in Nepal (to be led in partnership with qualified Nepali staff);
3) Help ATTRACT travelers to introduce this emerging destination to the world:
- Collaborate with locals to create a sustainable marketing strategy;
- Teach social media marketing basics and boost technical literacy overall;
- Put Gre village on the map (quite literally) and spread the word through PR and outreach to influencers;
FEE: the program fee is $550 for two weeks. This includes:
- Transportation to and from Gre village (an adventure in itself!)
- A wonderful and experienced local guide
- Very basic accommodations in Gre
- 3 meals per/day in Gre village, local cuisine (additional food and drinks available for purchase)
- Program orientation and basic Nepali language class
- Supplies for teaching and program needs
WHO: we are looking for passionate people with some of the following skills:
- Construction, design, experience with plumbing and/or solar equipment;
- Social media marketing, branding, online/digital marketing;
- English as a foreign language teacher/ curriculum developer;
- Project management (overseeing broad goals);
- Blogging (preferably if you already have some platform to write about this project), storytelling, copy writing;
- Photography/ videography/ editing;
- Graphic design
REQUIREMENTS for volunteers:
- 18+ years old
- Physically and mentally able to hike a few hours to the village, carry your own pack, sleep, eat, and live in conditions below Western standers (a thin mat on the floor, no central air, limited electricity, squat toilets, etc.)
- Travel or volunteering experience is NOT required
- Experience in one of the above areas (i.e. construction, blogging, etc) is highly appreciated!
INTERESTED? Please fill out the APPLICATION FORM:
https://bit.ly/2CdxnZg
With all questions please E-mail Girls Empowered by Travel - Nepal, a non-profit organization running the volunteering program, at girlsEbyT@gmail.com
Looking for Internship?
November 14, 2018Join With Us!
If you are the one really passionate to help the small children or your interest lie with development of children, then we want you to join our team. GET-Nepal, the non-profit organisation aims to provide the traveling opportunities for young girls and create the community projects in need.
Two years back, our GET-Nepal team went to celebrate Nepali New Year with the children in Brick kiln factory in Bhaktapur. The Kids from the factory had never such enjoyment in their life. We danced, played games and distributed them stationary materials. It wasn't the end.
Agriculture has been the primary occupation for over 60% Nepalese people. From Nov-April, mostly farmers remain free and they look for income diversifying sources. The poor families migrated to Brick kiln factory to make bricks with their small children. These children are obliged to drop out the school for six months and they feel hesitant to join the new school in the city areas because of diverse languages and cultures. However, GET-Nepal designed the six months project (Nov 30-April 30) to educate these children through innovative games, sports and arts.
Hurry up if your interests are outlined.
Job Vacancy: Internships
Stipend: Yes
No of Vacancies: Two
Working hours: 3 hours a day and six days in a week.
Project site: Bhaktapur (100 m ahead from Bhatbhateni)
Project duration: 6 months
Job Specifications
If you are the one really passionate to help the small children or your interest lie with development of children, then we want you to join our team. GET-Nepal, the non-profit organisation aims to provide the traveling opportunities for young girls and create the community projects in need.
Two years back, our GET-Nepal team went to celebrate Nepali New Year with the children in Brick kiln factory in Bhaktapur. The Kids from the factory had never such enjoyment in their life. We danced, played games and distributed them stationary materials. It wasn't the end.
Agriculture has been the primary occupation for over 60% Nepalese people. From Nov-April, mostly farmers remain free and they look for income diversifying sources. The poor families migrated to Brick kiln factory to make bricks with their small children. These children are obliged to drop out the school for six months and they feel hesitant to join the new school in the city areas because of diverse languages and cultures. However, GET-Nepal designed the six months project (Nov 30-April 30) to educate these children through innovative games, sports and arts.
Hurry up if your interests are outlined.
Job Vacancy: Internships
Stipend: Yes
No of Vacancies: Two
Working hours: 3 hours a day and six days in a week.
Project site: Bhaktapur (100 m ahead from Bhatbhateni)
Project duration: 6 months
Job Specifications
- Education level: Bachelor in Social Sciences (or other relevant studies)
- Must have experienced working in education sector.
- Candidate should be self-motivated, managing work independently and should understand the psychology of children
- Friendly and Kids lover
- Able to teach children in friendly and homely environment.
Job Description
- Understand the GET-Nepal objectives and visions.
- Carry out the weekly classes for three hours a day.
- Motivate the brick kiln children to involve in innovative arts, sports and games.
- Design the weekly courses
- Support the Project coordinator for project monitoring and evaluation process.
- Document and submit the monthly report to Project coordinator
- Assist to organise the health workshops for young girls working in the factory.
To apply:
Please email a cover letter and CV in MSWord or PDF format to girlsebyt@gmail.com
Being Featured in The Himalayan Times-The Daily Newspaper.
October 26, 2018Please read the article written by one of our Hitaishi participants-Nirisha Manandhar.
She has shared her experiences and her learnings during her journey in six different districts.
Read more: https://bit.ly/2RmgvFV
