Volunteer Role and Daily Life at HORAC Nepal

As a volunteer at HORAC Nepal, your role is to act as a big brother or big sister to the children. You are an important addition to the family not a replacement for our house staff. Your primary responsibility is to always place the best interests and well-being of the children first.

Volunteers are expected to support children with care, consistency, and respect, helping to create a safe, loving, and stable home environment.

Morning Routine

Volunteers begin their day early in the morning, assisting children with:

• Completing homework or revision
• Serving and sharing breakfast (Dal Bhat – rice, lentils, and vegetables
• Helping children prepare for school
• Walking children safely to school

This morning routine plays a key role in creating structure, reassurance, and emotional security for the children.

Daytime Schedule (Free Time)

Children attend school from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday to Friday. During this time, volunteers have free time to rest, explore, or manage personal needs.

However, volunteers are encouraged to use part of this time productively by:

• Planning evening activities
• Preparing Saturday programs
• Developing creative or educational ideas

Well-planned activities create more meaningful and enjoyable experiences for both volunteers and children.

Afternoon and Evening Responsibilities

Around 3:45 p.m., volunteers walk to pick up children from school. Consistently walking children to and from school strengthens trust and gives children a strong sense of care and belonging.

Once back at the home, volunteers may help with:

• Afternoon meals
• Homework and study support
• Games, sports, or organized activities
• Structured group interaction

Education is a strong priority at HORAC. Children follow a set daily schedule, including dedicated study time and group prayer. Volunteers are expected to respect and support this routine.

Evening duties conclude with helping serve dinner and sharing the meal together with the children.

Volunteer Skills and Experience

Many volunteers arrive with valuable skills, talents, or professional experience. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to contribute these skills through activities or small projects.

If volunteers plan larger activities or structured projects, they are asked to coordinate with the HORAC office in advance. We value volunteers who are:

• Proactive
• Enthusiastic
• Reliable
• Responsible in planning and execution

Saturday Activities

Saturday is the children’s weekly holiday and a special opportunity for volunteers to spend quality time with them.

Volunteers work throughout the week to prepare inclusive Saturday activities that engage children of all ages and abilities. Past activities have included:

• Sports days and games
• Dance competitions
• Art and craft workshops
• Walks around Taudaha Lake
• Historical place and cultural visits
• Small carnivals and fun days

These activities help build joy, confidence, teamwork, and lasting memories.

Managing Your Time and Well-Being

Volunteer well-being is very important to HORAC Nepal. Volunteers are encouraged to take at least one day off per week (other than Saturday) to rest and recharge.

Taking care of yourself ensures that you can be fully present, patient, and engaged when children are at home.

Code of Conduct

All volunteers must follow the HORAC Code of Conduct, which promotes responsible and ethical engagement. The code covers:

• Financial responsibility
• Dress and behavior
• Professionalism
• Alcohol, tobacco, and substance use
• Photography and social media
• Protection of personal information
• Relationships among staff
• Clear boundaries with children

Child Protection Policy

Child safety is a top priority at HORAC Nepal. Volunteers working with children must understand and strictly follow our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies at all times.

These policies exist to protect children and to guide volunteers in safe, respectful, and appropriate behavior.

Volunteer Input and Communication

We value open communication. Volunteers are encouraged to share:

• Ideas and suggestions
• Concerns or challenge
• Feedback and recommendations

All input can be shared directly with the office administration.

Working in the Nepali Cultural Context

One of the most enriching aspects of volunteering at HORAC Nepal is experiencing life and work within a new cultural context.

Nepali customs, communication styles, and systems may differ from those in your home country. Volunteers are expected to approach their placement as learners and respectful guests, not as experts.

Understanding local culture deepens relationships, improves collaboration, and makes the volunteer experience more meaningful. Upon arrival, volunteers receive an orientation on Nepali culture, social norms, and expected behavior. Our team is always happy to answer questions and support cultural learning.

At HORAC Nepal, volunteering is not just about helping it is about building trust, sharing life, and growing together as a family.