Volunteers Testimonials

I was inspired to come to Nepal after reading “Little Princes” by Conor Grennan. I always knew I wanted to travel to a developing country to volunteer and after researching Umbrella I knew it was the place for me! 

From the moment I was introduced to the girls at Gauri Shankar, I felt right at home. I now have 36 new sisters and my time at Umbrella couldn’t have been a more positive experience! I fell in love with the Umbrella children, the people and culture of Nepal. Volunteering with Umbrella is something I will look back on with the fondest of memories and I will always be thankful for my time with the kids!

Niamh Burke, Canada (September - November 2011)

I heard about The Umbrella Foundation from the book "Little Princes" by Conor Grennan. From that point on, I knew I had to see Nepal and meet the children in Umbrella. I was placed in Kanchanjunga House for my three month stay and loved it from the beginning. The boys made me feel right at home, teasing me just like my younger brother would. They even taught me some dance moves and let me play football with them. Even the house parents, didis, and the tutor treated me like part of the family.

When it was time to say goodbye at the end of my three months, I didn't want to leave. I loved Nepal and the people so much that I decided I had to go back. So, I found a job with another INGO and am now moving back to Kathmandu!

Megan Goth, USA (July-September 2011)


Arriving in Umbrella seIt took little to no time at all for me to feel accepted by the SolHimal Boys (aged 5 to 12 years old). From the moment I walked through the door I was given the warmest of welcomes by all these wonderful children. This warm welcome is repeated every time I go to the boy’s house; it causes a wave of happiness to go through my body.

Every day is a new experience because I get to know each kid a little bit better and am almost always introduced to a new game to play. There is never a dull moment with them, so I try to make sure I get enough rest to be able to keep up.

Peter, Irish Volunteer


Arriving in Umbrella seemed like a whirlwind of activity. With so many other volunteers who had spent various amounts of time here I wondered if I would ever find my place or my feet in the organisation. All these feelings were completely dispelled after my first full day in Gauri Shankar house. The children were so welcoming and full of life and the house parents were lovely too.

The volunteers were all so great and the people I didn't think I'd fit in with one day were my best friends after a very short time! Once you find your routine in the house and your feet in the organisation the time flies and you have the time of your life! Like anything else you get out what you put in so the more you throw yourself into creating activities and projects with the children the more you will love your time here!

Sarah, French Volunteer