Arlyn Roffman, Volunteer in Nepal

“I’m a very service-oriented person and I’d been thinking about doing a volunteer service trip for some time. With a lifelong interest in education around the world, the opportunity to teach English in Nepal was thrilling. When this opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance.”

Describe your work experience:              

I worked at [a] school [teaching] students in grades 6-8 English and American culture. [I] taught 6 classes per day, with 45-67 students jammed into a small space with nothing but tables, benches and a blackboard. The students were eager to be taught by me and were very responsive, but the class size and limited facilities made me wonder about any lasting impact. I do think they'll remember me, and I'll certainly remember them!

A typical interaction between student and teacher went something like ‘Student #42, what did you have for an answer to this homework question?’ The school was not able to supply typical items such as papers and pencils, computers or photo copiers. No gym or cafeteria, no rooms other than the school rooms themselves. There was no running water, other than a tap at the school’s entrance. Students had to bring their own pens and sometimes had to share. If one ran dry or broke, it became very stressful for the kids. Basic supplies are clearly a valued commodity and not easily replaceable.

“I thought about all the extra pens I have laying around my house and I couldn’t believe I didn’t bring a whole bag of them” she said while recalling the poverty stricken country. Despite the difficult conditions, her students were so eager to learn and happy to come to school every day. The children rejoiced as they were taught songs such as “You are my sunshine” and the “Hokey Pokey.”

They were enthusiastic and immensely grateful for everything Arlyn taught during her forty-five minute classes. When asked if they wanted to learn about American holidays, they enthusiastically shouted “Yes”! The myriad of questions they asked about America both warmed Arlyn’s heart and saddened her, knowing they have so little access to the wider world. 

How do you feel about your overall experience?

I am a professor on sabbatical, I was in search of an experience that would allow cross-cultural sharing and was particularly interested in learning about how students in Nepal learn. My experience teaching English in Kathmandu was rich and fulfilling; I got back at least as much as I gave!