Melodie Nos

Name : Melodie Nos
Country : Canada (Nationality- French)
Program : Teaching at Monastery
Durgation : 2 Weeks (9th May 2024 -23rd May 2024)

1. What did your average day look like?
I got up early at 6 a.m. to eat breakfast with the kids and spend some time with them before school. Most of the time, I managed to teach a morning class with the younger children by myself, where I had the freedom to create a program of my own. The afternoon was less busy, and at the end of the day, I was able to assist teenagers with their homework and small talk in English. During my free time, I visited the surrounding area, many temples, and observed several Buddhist prayers at the monastery.

2. Other things I did on my placement.
Playing with children, exchanging with older monks about their culture, meeting and spending time with other volunteers

3. What are some of the issues or challenges you faced?
The communication could be sometime complicated with children. As I spent the majority of my time teaching younger students, it was useful to know some Nepali words to keep their attention.

4. Advice to next volunteer going to your placement?
It is important to complete the short Nepali course with Durga; in my case, knowing phrases such as “listen to me,” “what’s that?”, “write,” and “wait” in Nepali was extremely useful, particularly in the nursery and classes 1–3. Don’t be afraid to bring images/flashcards or playful games; they enjoy seeing new tools, and it’s best to communicate and transfer new knowledge. When there is no teacher in a group, it is the opportunity to create a new lesson to teach something different (geography, sciences, new English vocabulary, etc.).

5. Would you volunteer at this placement again?
Yes I would like to visit the monastery again, as I want to come back to Nepal in the future.

6. Would you volunteer at this organization again?
Yes, I was also interested in other projects (teaching and women’s empowerment).

7. Suggestion or problem?
No issues

8. Please write a Journal-type entry of experience now.
I spent two weeks at the monastery, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences I have had. Durga and the people in the monastery were welcoming and friendly. Children were so adorable, and it was a pleasure to teach them my knowledge. Sleeping in the same place, sharing the same meals, and spending time together allowed to form a strong bond and friendship. It’s the best way to deeply understand a new culture. They deserve to be happy, both boys and girls. In return, I learned a lot about human relationships.