At a glance
- Support conservationists as they survey wildlife and manage the community forest
- Surround yourself with Nepal’s incredible wildlife during your stay in the Community Forest of Chitwan National Park
- Work with children, carry out small building renovations, and explore all that Nepal has to offer
- Live and work with people of your own age in the capital, Kathmandu. Prepare to revel in gorgeous views of the Himalayas and immerse yourself in Nepali culture!
- Volunteer Service hours: 40
- Download a sample itinerary for this project
Is volunteering with children and animals in Nepal for older adults right for me?
This programme offers the perfect blend of meaningful service and cultural discovery. Specifically designed for volunteers over 50, you will join a group of like-minded, mature individuals who share your passion for giving back through travel. Together, you’ll experience Nepal in an authentic way while contributing to the protection of endangered rhinos and providing vital support to local schools.
You’ll get the chance to work directly with children in Kathmandu and focus on teaching them the skills every young child needs to learn through play: reading, maths, and English. You’ll also work to create a more stimulating education environment for the students.
Plus, live with other volunteers in the Community Forest of Chitwan National Park during your conservation work. There’s no better place to volunteer if you’re seeking stunning scenery and amazing animals.
You don’t need to have any specific qualifications or experience to take part. You’ll assist experienced local conservationists with the full support of Projects Abroad staff throughout your adventure.
This Grown-up Special project runs over fixed dates during the year and has a set itinerary. Once you arrive in Nepal, everything will be organised for you, including cultural immersion and social activities for you to enjoy.
What will I be doing on this Rhino Conservation and Community work project in Nepal?
Spend time in both Kathmandu and the Chitwan National Park region, supporting community education and wildlife conservation alongside experienced staff and conservationists.
Wildlife monitoring
Track Greater One-horned Rhinos and other native species by jeep and on foot to help collect and record data. This will be used by conservationists to monitor populations and protect wildlife in their natural habitat.
Bird and butterfly surveys
Survey birds and butterflies to monitor biodiversity and ecosystem health. You may spot species such as the colourful Great Hornbill, the charming Lesser Adjutant, and powerful vultures alongside other native wildlife.
Forest maintenance
Contribute to the Community Forest maintenance by planting saplings and removing invasive species. This helps restore vital habitats to ensure rhinos and tigers have the space to thrive, preserving the local biodiversity.
Educational support
Work alongside teachers to help children practise English by running games and activities, encouraging learning through play. Your presence will help provide individual support so all students can build their confidence and develop new skills.
Community outreach
Engage with local schools and communities to support environmental awareness through activities that may include tree planting and helping deliver sessions that encourage long-term conservation.
Join a group of like-minded peers dedicated to protecting Nepal’s iconic wildlife and support Nepali youth education. This is an invitation to give back by sharing your life experience in a new environment while immersing yourself in a different culture.
Where in Nepal will I be working?
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Nepal. It encompasses a range of ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, and rivers. It has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
You will be based next to the Seti Gandaki River and within the official buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, home to rhinos, tigers, crocodiles, and more. Though the Indian Rhino population in Chitwan is now increasing after continued success, they are still vulnerable. Your work helps protect the species!
Kathmandu
The capital city of Nepal and home to about one million people, Kathmandu is located in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas. It is culturally and religiously mixed, experiencing a varied climate with cool winters and hot summers.
You’ll find ancient temples and stupas sharing space with thriving eateries and modern skyscrapers, all with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The scenery alone makes it no surprise that it is the focal point for Nepal’s history, art, culture, and economy.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
There are two main areas of focus during this project: wildlife conservation and supporting children in underprivileged schools.
Through conversation practice, group activities, and individual guidance, you’ll encourage students to express themselves more confidently when they speak in English. Your involvement helps create a positive learning environment and supports the development of skills that are important for students’ continued education and future opportunities in Nepal.
You’ll also become part of our efforts to create safer and more stimulating learning environments at school. You’ll do this through light renovation work, like painting, gardening, and building.
In Chitwan National Park, you’ll contribute to important conservation initiatives, supporting ongoing research that helps conservationists and park authorities make informed decisions to protect local wildlife. To ensure a lasting impact, you’ll also engage with local communities, helping to promote environmental awareness and encourage long-term conservation efforts in Nepal.
Free Time & Leisure
Your time in Nepal won’t just be spent in doing project work. Immersing in a new culture is a learning opportunity all of its own, and we make sure that you don’t miss the popular sights.
When you aren’t hard at work, you’ll get involved with fun cultural activities as part of your group. Visit landmarks such as Swayambuhunath (Monkey Temple) and the ancient city of Bhaktapur. Watch fire rituals at Pashupatinath Temple and enjoy views of the Himalayas from Nagarkot hill station. Get hands-on with a yoga class, cooking lessons and joining traditional dance performances.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay in a hotel with other Projects Abroad volunteers during your stay in Kathmandu. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your time together.
The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable. Your programme fees include three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation
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