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Namaste! My name is Shamser, I am the principal of an Academy, in my village, Gaunshahar, located in a beautiful part of northwestern Nepal on the top of a hill with stunning views on the Himalayas.
I opened my first school in Gaunshahar in 2015, with the ambition to offer a free and non-violent education to the children of my local community:
- Free because most families of my district are poor and often cannot pay for their children's education, leading to a high drop-out rate. This is why we offer all children school fees, uniforms, books, stationary and meals.
- Non-violent because the educational system in Nepal is still often based on the traditional hitting system, with 80% of Nepali children educated with physical punishment and violent discipline, leading to physical and psychological trauma.
This is the first free non-violent school ever open in Nepal, and this educational project led me to be selected as top 50 finalists of the Global Teacher Prize in 2019 (which is similar to Nobel Prize for teachers).
Additionally I opened four schools in my district, in 2015 and 2022, and those four schools altogether welcome over 450 children from age 3 to 14. In 2021, we also started to run a school bus to allow children from remote villages to attend school. All children from the area are welcomed irrespective of cast and disabilities, and we have expansion ambitions as the demand for our school coming from all the surrounding villages gets bigger every year: this is why we need your help!
We have just opened the School in the Besisahar province. We ask that volunteer spend some of their stay at this newer school because more help is needed there and it adds diversity to your experience. The new school is surrounded by rainforest and is remote. The new school is a 1.5 hour from Besisahar. We are excited to now have a western toilet and a hot shower at the new school, and volunteers can stay in three spacious rooms in the upper level of the school. Tents are also available for those who wish to use them, also organised by Shamser.
We welcome any type of help, from teaching to building, painting or cooking: you can see more details and our current projects in the "Help" section!
We ask volunteers to help 4 to 5 hours per day, 5 days a week.
I will request that you stay at either in Guanshahar in Chiti based on where we need the help most. However, volunteers still have the option to the other school if they would like to experience both.
Please note that during exam & holiday times the above mentioned work will change to activities that we cannot complete during school times, such as painting, construction (Now building a library and grade 9 classroom, agriculture & general maintenance) During these times we are still very much in need of the help of volunteers but don't want you to be disappointed if there is no teaching opportunities. The upcoming holiday/exam dates are as follows:
Light festival vacation 31st October - 4th November
3rd term exams 19th Dec - 27th Dec
Winter vacation 29th Dec - 1st Jan 2025
Final exams 26th March - 2nd April
End of school year vacation 3rd April - 15th April 2025
Around 10th July to 18 July 2025 - Summer Vacation
During exam and vacation periods we need more help here= as requires ongoing help with classroom construction, painting, mural drawing and other building projects.
Many thanks for your interest, and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity WorkArt ProjectsLanguage practiceHelp with Eco ProjectsTeachingGardeningDIY and building projectsCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceHelp with Computers/ InternetUN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
My village is called Gaunshahar, it is the original abode of the royal family of Nepal that later relocated to Kathmandu. The small palace and courtyard still hosts traditional festivals that attract many people from all around many times a year. Gaunshahar is 4km uphill from Besisahar, which is a larger town with more accommodations, shops, and restaurants.
During your time here you will get a strong sense of Nepali village life, and there are many activities you can engage in, including hiking, short walks in the nearby villages, or taking tea with the locals. If you are interested in longer treks, we can help you organize trips around Lamjung. In addition, Besisahar is one of the starting places of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and the necessary permits can be purchased in town.
The surrounding mountains and the tranquility of our village create a perfect setting for yoga and meditation. If you like, we can also give you some Nepali lessons, so that that you can be acquainted with Nepali culture, history and language. Sometimes we have campfires, and I can give you a tour of the village where you can try our local wine. We can also teach volunteers to cook Nepali food, such as Dal Bhat and organic local curry for breakfast or dinner.
If you like, I can also give each volunteer a certificate at the end of your stay, to use for future volunteering or when searching for a job.Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We welcome any help you can give!
Previous volunteers have participated in many different ways. Most commonly, people who visit help out at the school by assisting teachers, teaching classes, and running creative activities in the library. However, volunteer involvement is not limited to that. In the past, volunteers have designed, planned and acquired materials for projects to improve the infrastructure of the school, like painting projects, rebuilding old paths and gates and improving the electrical wiring. Other volunteer occupations have included teacher training initiatives, helping with grant writing and building our equine therapy program for our three students with Down Syndrome. Social media, fundraising, and photography are other useful skills volunteers have provided.
We have many projects ongoing and we always welcome any new ideas that volunteers can bring. Don’t worry if you think you might not have any relevant skills, there are many ways to help in the school and the children will appreciate your efforts and support.
We ask volunteers to give about 4 hours help a day, 5 days a week ( Saturday is off in Nepal), in any way you can. The rest of the day is yours! We are particularly looking for people who are interested in staying for long periods of time to become more integrated with the school, however we are still very happy to have people visit for any amount of time.
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Current PROJECTS
- Construction: we are currently building new classrooms in the School in Chiti and we need a lot of volunteers to help digging,moving sand, bricks plastering etc. We also need volunteers to help with an upcoming painting project at the School.
- Computer Lab: We are starting a computer lab with four new laptops and will need volunteers to help teach computer literacy and computer skills to the children.
- Gardening: we are starting a gardening project to teach the children about agriculture, horticulture and science. The items produced from the garden will also be used in the cooking classes. This project is at very early stage and we would need volunteers with gardening knowledge to kick it off! Please ask Shamser if this interests you.
- Cooking classes: a kitchen is being added to the school to teach the children about hygiene, nutrition and cooking. We are interested in having volunteers sponsor this project and consider offering to teach the preparation of a dish from their country. We are excited about this activity as it will not only provide good meals for the children, it will expose them to a broad view of food and also provide an opportunity to teach English in an active setting. We expect to have six children at a time participate in the cooking classes which will take place on Saturday afternoons for 2 hours. (Saturday is usually a school day off so the children will attend school for only this event on those days.) If volunteers are interested in learning how to cook Nepali cuisine, arrangements can be made on request.
We have many projects going and ideas to make our schools better. We especially appreciate volunteers who are prepared to take initiative and bring their unique skill set to our workaway.Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hindi: Fluent
Nepali: FluentAccommodation
Our homestay, in Guanshahar, includes two shared guest rooms inside my family home, and a traditional Nepali eco-roundhouse made from stone and a metal roof with 10 additional beds. At the school, we have several rooms in the school that are available for volunteers to stay in, and we are planning on setting up a large tent in the fall. It is advised to bring your own toilet paper
We ask volunteers to pay a small amount of 5 US dollars per day to stay here :any fee collected is used solely to cover the Workawayer’s food costs and Our food is sourced almost entirely from local ingredients and we can easily accommodate vegetarian diets. Please note that the served food is basic (we generally have Dal Bhat for breakfast and dinner, and lunch can vary depending on the school menu), however you are able to stock up on extra items from Besisahar. Next to our house, you can also find several shops where you can buy snacks, drinks and other items (such as toilet paper and water).What else ...
Getting to the Homestay
From Kathmandu to Besisashar
The quickest and easiest way is by microbus from the small Gongabu bus station (next to BG Mall). There are both local micro and tourist buses running from Kathmandu to Besisashar daily. The journey will take about 7 hours and the bus will stop several times for local food and a toilet break on the way. This bus should cost around 800 NPR (6 dollars). Try to take early starts (around 7:30 am) to be sure to get the last bus (at 5PM) from Besisahar to Gaunshahar.
From Pokhara to Besisashar
You can take either a tourist bus or a direct micro bus to Besisahar. There are several buses to choose from and the bus ride takes between 4 to 5 hours. This bus should cost around 500 NPR (4 dollars). Please try to 9 AM bus in order to reach Besisashar at 4 to take the bus up the mountain to Gaunshahar.
From Besisashar to Gaunshahar
You can either take the bus or walk up the mountain to our village. Walking up to Gaunshahar is quite steep so we recommend taking the bus. In any case, please inform me of the timing of your arrival at least 2 days in advance, so that I can supervise if necessary.
The Gaunshahar bus (called "Royal Gaunshahar Kalika") leaves at 2:30 PM and 5PM every day of the week except on Saturdays (no bus) and bank holidays (bus at 2:30PM only). The meeting point ( )
is in front of the Tukuche Hotel in Besisahar (the driver will pick you up there) and it costs 200 NPR. (With bagpack) If you arrive on a Saturday or on a bank holiday after 2:30PM, you need to reserve either a jeep for 2000 NPR or a tuk tuk for 800 to 1000 NPR: and if you need help you can ask me as well.
If you miss the bus or prefer to walk, there is a trail up the mountain to Gaunshahar. There will be many people along your route and all will be happy to point you in the right direction. The hike is steep and will take about 1 hour 30 to cover the 4 km uphill to the village. You can also take the road which is a more gentle ascent but is 7 km long.
The last option to arrive is to take a private car from Katmandu airport directly to Gaunshahar (cost is around 130 dollars), I can arrange this for you if you wish.
When you arrive in Gaunshahar, just ask for Shamser's house, anyone will show you the way.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask, or if you have any problems in Besisahar please just give me a call from your mobile or from Hotel Tukuche.
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From Kathmandu to Besisashar (Udipur)
Please follow the instructions as given to, however, instead of getting off the bus at Besisahar, you will need to get off ten minutes earlier at Udipur.
From Pokhara to Besisashar (Udipur)
Please follow the instructions as given, however, instead of getting off the bus at Besisahar, you will need to get off ten minutes earlier at Udipur.
From Udipur to Chiti
You can either take the bus, shared jeep or walk up the to the village. Walking up to Chiti is quite steep and would take at least 2 hours so we recommend taking the bus/shared jeep. The first transport leaves around 12:30 from Udipur & the last transport leaves around 4:30pm so it's best to arrive before this time. Otherwise the only way up will be to pay for a private jeep which will cost around 2000. In any case, please inform me of the timing of your arrival at least 2 days in advance, so that I can supervise if necessary.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (226)
please… read more
Thanks Amelie
Photos
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.8)
please… read more
Thanks Amelie
Work wise we didn't do much other than clean up or prepare lunch for the kids, so it was a low-key job.
It was great being there for a… read more
I went to volunteer for a… read more
This was my first workaway experience. I enjoyed my time there, mostly because of the amazing friends I made and the good vibes at Bimala's house (Bimala is Shamser's sister in law and she is the one taking care of us, cooking every meal both for the volunteers and… read more
Let's start. In this place you will always find a lot of volunteers from all over the world and meet some incredible people.
You will stay with Santos and Bimala's family, they are super friendly and Bimala is an amazing chef.
I played volleyball with Santos almost… read more
Thanks again!
As workawayers, I was teaching in school and helping other teachers. I was teaching… read more
The volunteer’s work was manly working at the school, helping… read more
First of all, Shamser really is as amazing as what this profile suggests. I, and all the other volunteers were blown away by what he has achieved for education in Nepal simply with his grit and determination. I won't share the details here because you can ask him about his story. He is also so… read more
This was my first experience on Workaway and as a volunteer and I don't regret it, it was amazing! Shamser and his family are really welcoming, the other volunteers were also some of the best people I met! I already miss everyone :( I stayed two months at the place so I could have the time to build something there with the children! If… read more
It was an amazing experience especially due to the kids at the school and the whole environment.
The work ranged from teaching a class to helping in the school kitchen and construction work on the new library.
Still we had a lot of free time to enjoy… read more
I was warmly welcomed by Shamster and the other workaways. I immediately felt comfortable.
Shamster is the friendliest and most inspired person I have ever met. He created something great with the school.
I had a lot of fun playing with the children, teaching… read more
I needed to… read more
Shamser is very nice and helps you immediately, when you have any problems.
The chef at our stay, Bimala, is such a lovely and funny person.
The accommodation is not very luxury, but you’ll have everything you need there.
In the school, I helped a lot in the kitchen and in… read more
Shamser is a visionary, kind and funny and organised everything well. We learned so much from Shamser in the 4 weeks we stayed.
We also had an amazing chance to make important changes and influence the… read more
Shamser is an amazing human with such a giving heart, a friendliness unparalleled, and a personality perfectly made for his work.
This was Kimberly's first workaway, Zach's 20-something workaway and what a beautiful time it was. we were there 21 days, bonded with the staff and the kids,… read more
The school is situated in a small village which allows you to have a very authentic experience: drinking tea with the locals, playing football matches with the village kids, (traditional) dance sessions… read more
Bimala couldn't be more kind to me, and Shamser is a very generous and hardworking person. The location is beautiful and it is a nice way to both see and get involved in local life.
Je souhaite te remercier pour cette incroyable expérience. Les projets que tu mènes pour les enfants sont géniaux et inspirants. J'ai eu la chance d'aller dans les deux écoles et chacune d'elles transforment la réalité des enfants… read more
You can bring your own strengths and skills into the schools everyday life, for example nursery, computer lab, dancing
and yoga… read more
I spent 3 weeks at Shamser’s school located… read more
Thank you Patrick and have a good day.
The communication prior was excellent, and from the second I arrived I was made to feel incredibly welcome by Shamser, his wife and son, and of course the fellow volunteers. Shamser is an incredibly… read more
Teaching it self is hard for first time, but you will find your way how to approach kids and teach them Englihs or different subject. For me… read more
I loved getting to know the actual local life better and had wonderful deep and culturally insightful talks with various people here, be it with people from the project or the owners… read more
Shamser is a really interesting person, fully committed to his vision of improving education for the kids, and constantly working to improve the school in any way he can. Equally, he was a fantastic host, kind and helpful, and it was an amazing experience to be hosted by him, meet other amazing volunteers,… read more
Flo worked very hard teaching all age ranges, and made good relationships with the permanent teaching staff. He also helped with… read more
I quickly found my schedule in school so the kids got used to me and I was fully integrated. Teaching the kids was just amazing and I will miss every single one of them really much.… read more
I stayed with Shamser and his family for three weeks at the end of September 2021.
Immediately, it was clear that I could take initiative as an educator and add my own skills to the current school system. The work shamster has already done for this village is incredible and inspirational.
Together, we raised money to build a public… read more
My name is Yael,
I have been 1 month (20 november21-20 december21)in Goanshahar in the mountains at the family house.
I volonteered here as an Art teacher.
I had a very good experience at school. The children are in a big need for art lessons.
I teached 4 children that have special needs
I also teached regular kids from kindergarden… read more
The educational project (first totally free and… read more
That's a nice way for a cultural exchange given by the chance to stay with children at school and to live in Gaunshahar village, where everybody are so welcoming and friendly.
Congratulations to Shamser for his humbleness!
I wish to come back again!
Being a teacher myself, I… read more
I was very scared before coming, very glad that i came here on my last day
Thanks Shamser, for this opportunity
I arrived in the mountainous… read more
We had many free time at those days and I had opportunity to take walk around the hills. There are many beatuful places around the school.
The only thing I didnt give 5 stars: sometimes I… read more
Teaching and building are hard but rewarding and nobody every stresses you if you don't feel up to a task.
Shamser and his family will take great care of you, the scenery is… read more
Shamser has been very helpful when we were… read more
For a first workaway, I couldn't have chose a better project. Shamser is one of the most dedicated man I have ever met, everything concerning the projects or the volunteers is what's most… read more
For this reason, we think that it is important to make propositions to promote some change, and not only criticize a project… read more
Shamser the principal of the school have a beautiful family, from the first… read more
They are amazing, hardworking people, honest and very friendly.
We had really great time and they helped a lot in different sectors of the project.
You both are great.
Thanks for your everything for the project and for me and my family.
At school. Walking the kids home… read more
She is friendly, hardworking, honest and open-minded person.She is smiling all the time and motivated me to do a lot of work.
She taught different subjests like Math,English, science and involved in cooking class, helping in horse Therepy, building etc. in schools and she made students satisfied and she was good with… read more
He is always smiling too. so I wish Aston for good luck and hope to see you.
If you're on this page now, you're obviously thinking of doing this workaway so all you need to know is: just do it.
For the views, for the children, for Shamser and his family, for the momos in town, for the cold… read more
Thank you so much Niels & Griet and I wish you all the best in the future.
regards
shamser
The nice thing about this place is that Shamsher grants his volunteers a lot of… read more
Truly an enriching experience. Shamser is incredibly hospitable/friendly towards the volunteers, compassionate towards the children and their families, and he's passionate in what he does as a teacher/principal/community leader. He just got selected for the Global Teacher Prize and to speak… read more
During my time here, I taught some Grade 3 and 4 classes, tutored 4 students in math, assisted in computer lab and library, walked some… read more
Thank you Edmond and I wish you all the best in the future.
regards
shamser
I love and adore Shamser's ideas of bringing education to those that are born a little bit disadvantaged than others, therefore I stayed for as long as I could and I had to leave after 140 days but I guarantee you every single… read more
shamser
Shamser is a wonderful man with an infinite love for his people. His fight for those little kids is hard but filled with hopes and passion!
Although i couldn't stay long but i'm honored to be part of it! And will always miss all the sparkled eyes that count to built a community, a… read more
I’m on a gap year and looking at interesting projects to volunteer and share my knowledge. This was the perfect place for my first workaway.
Shamser was kind enough to entrust some of us with setting up the computer lab.… read more
shamser
This project change my way of seeing life and my own purpose of being alive; serving others. There is nothing more important than… read more
Thank you for everything Shamser. And very very namaste sir!
shamser
shamser
It was amazing experience, the children were awesome. I really admired Shamser the principal and founder of the school, he had a vision and he achieved it. Shamser and his wife are also your hosts and they look after you very well. A wonderful time here , it sits in my heart.
Shamser has a done great job for all this kids and has a very good vision for the upcoming years.
Stay with him and support his project! Meanwhile you will learn a lot about rural life in Nepal.
Thank… read more
They helped here in Gaunshahar Academy , Nepal in different field teaching , helping to build library, carrying rocks and carrying wood.
We spent really nice time with both of them .They are so smiling and happy to help.I really want to see both of them
thank you so much and i… read more
One can help so many things and you are very welcome, like a part of the family.
Because of this all, i stayed longer than i have planned.
The school is being enlarged in the next month, so if you are an ELECTRICIAN, please come here
and help. Material is here, you only have to install… read more
She helped in our school like moving rocks for the new classroom and kitchen, led the library and teaching. Whatever I asked her, she was happy to do it. I and all the students and teachers were very satisfied with her work. We miss her and we are happy to host her again… read more
Dal Bhat was always very tasty and appart from teaching a highlight of the day. :heart_eyes::blush:
We really enjoyed the time we spent there, out in the nature… read more
We were very touched by Shamser's sincerity in helping his community and his vision to want to improve the lot of his fellow… read more
Sadly I got sick and was not able to help as much as I would have liked.
But I would recommend everybody to check it out! If you do not mind being at a really calm place you will love it!
The work at the school was always varied and we also got to help build the new library for the children. The kids are all so happy and eager to learn. I was blown away by how good their English was and their handwriting was so neat! Shamser… read more
We really enjoyed staying in Gaunshahar. We got to experience Nepalese rural life and the view from our traditional Nepalese roundhouse was stunning… read more
I liked very much to teach and play together with children in the school but also to work a bit physically outside.
Thanks to Kalpana and Shamser for hosting.
Many greetings to the kids from me and Saskia :)
Thank you Shamser and Kalpana!!!!!
P.S. the children at the school are Amazing
we will see you again.
shamser, kalpana and Pujan and school family,
The job at school wasn't what we thought it would look… read more
Please feel free to welcome her anytime,anywhere. Hope see you Miriam.… read more
The stay was very lovely, the 2people… read more
It's an experience incredible!
Thank you!
i will… read more
Unfortunately, Shamser had to go out of town a few hours after I arrived and was away for the time I as there. So I didn’t have… read more
we spent really nice time with Felipe .He is so nice, helpful, hardworking and responsible person. He helped in our project in different level. He is so smiling and happy to help. we really want to see you again.
thank you so much Felipe and i will highly recommend him any places.
shamser
The village is 1,5h hard walking uphill from Besisahar, where you can buy anything… read more
I spent all in all 8..9? weeks in Gaunshahar and boy was it amazing!
Shamser is a great person with many great ideas to help the community in the village! I have seen the school built from start to finish and was lucky enough to go back there and see it in action, it's amazing to see how much we can achieve! If you are hesitant about… read more
I spent most of my time helping out at the school teaching and tutoring, which was such a rewarding experience since the children are so lovely and eager to learn.
During my stay there were a lot of festival days and I can't think of any better way… read more
When I stayed here, school was close because of the Nepaly big festival.But I spent good time and was good experience.
if i have a time,I think I would like to stay again.I really appreciate Shamser and all village people kindness.
I wish all the best for her all the time.I would like to see her… read more
Shamsher has great ideas and motivation for the education of the children around the besishara area!
Defiantly recommend spending a few weeks with him at the the academy helping out with the teaching, an amazing experience!
His wife is a great cook, always a tasty meal..
I… read more
Love
From school and my family
What an experience. We can create our own project to help children to improve their English.our work is appreciated, that's really nice.in the school there are many small children. They are good as gold. I love them all. I was privileged to work with many of them,… read more
I send you all my support during that… read more
But if… read more
Shamser and… read more
Shamser will always find work to do around the village and you can feel the impact this has on the village life in general. I also had the chance to meet with the students of the Academy, who are a very excited but adorable bunch.
I also helped as I… read more
Anna, how to describe her. Really i do not have any words that she is really really nice and lovely. She is really friendly, hardworking and honest.She helped alot here in school, for round house cooking , serving and tutoring. We really enjoyed during her time here.We will miss you Anna,we really miss you .please try to come to visit us again… read more
While we were there we spent time tutoring english, helping in the… read more
I wish all the best for them all the time.I would like to see them again.… read more
experience. The village has an amazing setting facing the Annapurna and Manaslu Range.
Shamser is a great host. He is open and chatty, if there is anything you're
not happy with, you can talk to him and he will do his best to improve the
situation. He tries hard to improve… read more
I wish all the best for his all the time.I would like to see him again.
Thank you very much
I wrote about here, not sure if… read more
There is a lot of different volunteering work you can do here: teaching, building, gardening, helping with homework and cooking.… read more
I wish all the best for her all the time.I would like to see her again.… read more
I wish all the best for her all the time.I would like to see her again.
Thank you… read more
The View is breathtaking, and enough of a reason to come here alone, the peacefulness of the whole area is soul soothing.
The children are a delight, if not COMPLETELY MAD!… read more
I wish you all the best for your projects.
shamser
I wish all the best for her all the time.I would like to see her again.… read more
I wish all the best for her all the time.I would like to see her… read more
I wish all the… read more
Not only do you get to teach the beautiful children, but Shamser takes you on amazing treks each Saturday. There is plenty to do, but also plenty of time to relax and soak up the amazing views… read more
shamser
shamser and my family
It was a great experience, I really loved it. They are fun, they don't put any pressure on you, very flexible. During the rest days Shamser give his time for hiking or village tour.
Love you… read more
honest and hardworking person. Me , my family and our all the members of our family really enjoyed with her staying here in our family.She helped in different project during their staying here. We are really happy with her and we would like to see her again. I wish all the best for her travelling and… read more
honest and hardworking person. Me , my family and our all the members of our family really enjoyed with both of them staying here in our family.They helped in different project during their staying here. We are really happy with them and we would like to see them again. I wish all the… read more
We enjoyed helping and teaching at the local school, lesson planning, singing songs and dancing with… read more
honest and hardworking person. Me , my family and our all the members of our family really enjoyed with her staying here in our family. She helped in different project during her staying here. We are really happy with her and we would like to see her again. I wish all the best for her travelling… read more
Thank you
Shamser is trying to find the balance between prosperity for the… read more
I had a… read more