A HUGE thank you to all of our volunteers who have helped us throughout the years! Without them, we would not be nearly as successful as we are today. Here are some testimonials from some of those who have helped us out before:
Emma and I just spent 2 1/2 weeks volunteering at an orphanage in Nepal. Thanks to some of the most incredible people we have ever met, we had the most amazing trip that even surpassed our expectations. The trip took many twists and turns and we wound up spending most of our time in Pokhara rather than our originally scheduled project. Since Emma never wanted to leave, we cancelled our touring and stayed at the orphanage. I think fate (or, as Krishna said, the universe) brought us to The Love Company Orphanage. Once we get settled back into our lives here, I will post more pictures. But, in the meantime, thank you to Krishna Pokhrel and Santosh Lamsal for all that you did for us and all that you do for the children of Nepal. It was amazing to see how the children at The Love Company Orphanage, all of whom had such troubled beginnings, are so happy and healthy and filled with such love. They truly are a family there and it is all thanks to you. Emma and I (and the rest of the Allegretti family) look forward to continue working together with you. I really hope that, together, we can expand the wonderful work you are doing in Pokhara to help even more children and to start an animal rescue program and more help for the elderly. Since Emma cried for hours after leaving, we can't wait to see you all again soon!
-Jill Allegretti, USA
I volunteered at the Love Company Orphanage in the Fall of 2012. I was very impressed by the kind and loving atmosphere at the orphanage and the excellent care that the children receive. I had very comfortable accommodations as well as plenty of opportunities for socializing after hours. It is pretty easy to meet people in Pokhara as it is a popular tourist destination.
Prior to my volunteer experience, I did extensive fund raising in order to have more of a positive impact. Mr. Krishna Prassad Pokhrel gave me a list of what was needed at the orphanage. Then, together, we prioritized based on the amount of money we had. I was able to purchase mattresses, bedding, clothes as well as staple foods for the children. Additionally, I purchased fresh fruit and vegetables every day to complement the children's diet. We also went for pizza on my last day there. Mr. Pokhrel made sure that we got the best price for the things we purchased.
Everyone at the orphanage is very kind and has the children's best interest at heart. They recognize the importance of education, ensure the children are studying hard and work with the teachers at the school to keep them on the right track.
I have very fond memories of my time in Pokhara and highly recommend this organization to anyone looking for a wonderful volunteer experience with some very special children.
-Alexander Gomm
When I arrived to Pokhara, Krishna was waiting for me in the bus station, he brought me to the hotel where I would be staying for the duration of the program and then to his house, where I was welcomed as a new family member by him and his wife. He explained to me everything about the program that I didn't know; we talked about the children, about the city of Pokhara and much more. He told me about the difficulties they had to maintain the orphanage. They are in real need of help, not only volunteers, but also financial help.
The main problem is that a big part of the volunteers that help in the orphanage come from bigger organizations, which means that the program fee that they pay doesn't go directly to the children. So the best way to do it is to contact directly with Krishna or with The Love Company. I was told that with the program fee that I paid, I was not only covering my needs during the stay (Accommodation, food etc…) but it also covered the nutrition of the children for a whole month and health care too (purchasing medicine). When Krishna talks about the children you can realize how much he loves those kids and that he really cares about them.
The first day that I went to the orphanage I was surprised by the way that the children received me, they all came to me and started to give me hugs and they all had their biggest smile on their face. This made me realize how valuable my presence was for the children. They have tons of love for the volunteers and anyone that comes into the orphanage.
The afternoons with the children where great and really fun! First they have to do their homework. Some children have difficulties with their homework and they are really grateful if you give them a little help with it, it is really enriching to see them learn and progress. After their homework is done it is super fun to play with the children, boys love play-fighting with volunteers and the girls love dancing and singing. Here children are so different from what I am used to back home. Every simple game or joke you make brings tons of joy to them; they make games out of anything as they have lots of imagination.
Helping those children not only with my presence but with all their daily needs makes it a life changing experience. Volunteering for The Love Company really makes a difference on those children, but financial help can make it too!
-Santiago Mosteiro, Spain
Pokhara Orphanage......this was my best experience that I have ever get, and I can tell the happiest moments that I shared with the children during my life. Still I remember my first time, my first seconds in here. When I came in the orphanage all children ran with their big hugs and smiles. They were so happy and beautiful. They are amazing almost I would have cried when I saw their big love to everyone I won't never forget here and there beautiful children. I really wish to stay longer. Every time I was so happy to have stay longer. I will recommend to everyone, come and see these children share love. Because all we need that only Love. Thank you so much Krishna and The Love Company Orphanage family giving me the opportunity to serve these adorable children!!!
-Hacer, Turkey
I have been volunteering in Nepal for 3 months now and this has by far been the best experience. I have only been here for five days and am in love with everything. The children are so loving and intelligent. Everyday when you bring them to school you are hugged and kisses and get to send them off for the day and you get to bring them home for school do some homework and play! They are so smart and loving and always are a good time to be around. most of them have only been in school since they came to the orphanage and have already improved on their studies its hard to believe they haven't been going the whole time like other children in Nepal. There are 14 children and all of them are so special. Una, the woman in charge, is amazing with the kids as well and cooks some wonderful Daal Bhatt for dinner. On Fridays they have half days and you get the chance to go play football and have a wonderful time running around with the kids! This is my favourite day. In spite of their prior situations they are extremely happy healthy children now and it is an honour to be with them. Chrisna the coordinator is very great to work with, we have breakfast with him and his wife every morning which is a pleasure. He founded this orphanage and runs it very well. In your off time there is a lot of stuff to do in Pokhara, beautiful trekking, time at the lake and much more. I will be back soon to see these beautiful children!
-Aimee, USA
I have now been volunteering at The Love Company for over a week and am having a really good experience. I first found the website when I was looking for orphanages in South America and for some reason The Love Company popped up - I didn't really know much about Nepal but when I was dancing around my house feeling excited I knew I wanted to come here. I emailed Krishna and he got back to me quickly saying he would love for me to come and volunteer. The arrangements for my arrival and everything else unfolded smoothly and easily.
Even though my plane arrival time changed by three hours the day before, I was still met by Krishna's friend at the airport and whisked off the a peaceful hotel in Kathmandu where I talked to Krishna on the hotel owner's phone. I was very much looking forward to arriving in Pokhara and meeting him the following day. My coach was delayed by two hours but Krishna was still there waiting for me and we had a big hug which was a nice way to be greeted. I then went to my hotel and then to Krishna's house where he explained more about what I would be doing and answered any questions. I also met his wife who provides delicious breakfast each morning.
My hotel is lovely - I have a breathtaking view from my balcony and the hotel owners treat you like one of the family. I often eat with them and on Saturday the hotel owner took me to his village in the mountains and we walked in beautiful countryside all day. It's so nice being able to see the himalayas everyday, I never get bored of looking at them.
The kids at the orphanage are great. You receive a really warm welcome and each newcomer gets a tour. One of the kids called Antim is the funniest child I have ever met, he is like a miniature breakdancing ninja. They are all very different and full of personality. Each day I walk them to school and collect them later on. After I help with their homework and then, if there is time, we do some activities like colouring or dancing and singing. There is lots of walking to and from the orphanage so it's nice to get lots of exercise.
The food here is really nice - Amma cooks Dal Bhat each evening at the orphanage and the breakfast is really nice to. Pokhara itself also has lots of nice places by the lake to eat and unwind so you are spoiled for choice.
I also enjoy the fact that you learn a lot from Krishna and his wife. They are constantly giving me spiritual and health tips which I am glad about. I am also doing yoga lessons at his house every morning at 7am with Santos who also works at the orphanage. They have lots to teach - for example this morning I learned about different foods that make you emotional! Love it.
-Kate, England
In January my boyfriend and I started our volunteer in Nepal at The Love Company. After a long flight we arrived in Kathmandu where we had one night before we took the bus to Pokhara where the orphanage is located. Krishna the manager of the Love Company arranged a pick up from the airport and the accommodation. Everything was really good planned and organised. After one night in Kathmandu took the bus to Pokhara.
After around 7 hours bus drive we arrived well and were friendly welcomed from Krishan, the manager and owner of the orphonage. He brought us to the guesthouse where we stayed for our volunteer time. The guesthouse was good located, only 5 minutes from the lakeside and Krishans home and 15 minutes to the childrenshome. Breakfast we always had at Krishans home and dinner at the orphanage. After some instructions we finalls went to the childrenshome. From the beginning the kids were very very lovely, nice and open minded. After a few minutes we already felt in love with them. They are all very happy, healthy and thankful for living at the orphanage.
Our tasks were bringing kids to school in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon, helping them with homework and enjoying freetime together with different games. Moreover we prepared the garden for growing their own vegetables and supported other upcoming works at the orphonage. It was always a good a atmosphere between the kids and the staff and we enjoyed every second with these lovelies. We laughed a lot and had a really great and unforgetable time together. All kids are so happy and healthy and that is the most important point.
It was a wonderful experience for which we are very very thankful. We really can recommend volunteering at this place. We also think about to repeat it. Thanks to Krishna, the staff and the kids for this unforgettable time.
-Olli Svenni, Germany
I was volunteering in The Love Company Orphanage for almost 4 weeks in January/February 2016, and I can say that this was without a doubt an amazing experience. When I first arrived at the orphanage, the children came running towards me, I felt welcome from the very beginning. I took the kids to school every morning at 9:30, and picked up the younger ones at 3. In the meantime you as a volunteer have the opportunity to explore Pokhara, the lake & all the tourist hotspots. After picking up the younger ones from school, I helped them with their homework. I have never seen children who are so eager to learn - so doing homework and teaching them other things about life was always a great thing to do. After that we always had some time to just play, the kids always came up with new ideas and games. At 5:30 in the evening we had Dal Bhat (Nepal's national dish) all together. Krishna (the orphanage owner) & his wife were very kind and served me a nice breakfast every morning in their home. We always had nice conversations and one day I even got the opportunity to learn how to cook Dal Bhat with Krishna's wife. I can highly recommend this volunteer option to anyone who is interested in the Nepali culture & working with children. I felt that my help in the orphanage was highly appreciated . I will definitely come back again.
Overall Rating
10/ 10!
-Linda, Germany
I have just come back from volunteering at The Love Company and it was the best volunteer experience I have ever done. When you first get to Kathmandu it can be a bit unnerving as there is so much going on but as soon as I got to the hotel I had no worries at all. They were so welcoming and made sure I got on the right bus for my journey to Pokhara the next day.
Krishna was waiting at the other end for me and I was taken straight to my hotel before going to the orphanage. As soon as I got to the orphanage the children ran up to me and took my hands. It was like they had always known you. There are 16 children between the ages of 4 and 15 and they are looked after by their house mother. It was so nice to see the older ones helping out. It felt like a proper family home. One of the youngest, Simran, never stopped smiling the whole time I was there.
I had so much time with the children unlike other volunteer placements I have done. I got to take the youngest ones to school and pick them up. They are always so pleased to see you. Then I helped them with their homework before playtime and dinner. I never wanted to leave at the end of the day.
You have some free time to explore Pokhara too and every morning Krishna and his wife give you breakfast at their house.
I went to Nepal on my own not really knowing anything about the country but there is nothing to worry about. The people are so nice it's like they are all taking care of you. If you only volunteer once then make it the Love Company Orphanage. You won't regret it and I can't wait to go back.
-Fiona, UK
We are two volunteers from Erlangen, Germany: Anneliese and Hans and are both studying at the university of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) arts and language, mathematics and sports to become a teacher. We decided to complete an internship in Nepal through your organization "The Love Company" to work as a teacher at a Nepalese School and therefore to have the opportunity to learn more about the culture, the everyday life and the school-system in Nepal. We were sent to the Shree Amar Jyoti Basic School near to Pokhara (about 1 hour away from Lake Side) and also slept and lived in a guest house in the village. School started at 10 am and ended at 4 pm, we only had to walk about ten minutes to reach the schoolhouse. Sometimes we ate in our guetshouse but sometimes we also had lunch in school. Everybody in the village was very friendly and helpful, everybody took care of us. Both suman (our "guestmother") and the teacher helped us in every situation. Also Krishna and Yam were both available at anytime. We would recommend to buy an nepalese SIM-Card to stay in contact with everybody via smartphone, because in the village there is no WI-FI. We think it's important to know that in the village you have other conditions than in the city. The toilet room and shower will be outside of the house so it's helpful to be prepaired for this conditions. You only have the possibility to go by bus to Pokhara if you need some stuff. In the village you won't find a shop nearby.
Schoolteaching was a great pleasure for us.The teacher trusted us and we were free to teach in any schoolclasses. The kids were very clever and most of them were able to speak Englisch so for the most part it was possible to communicate with everybody in school. Schoolclasses are very small but neverthess the kids were disciplined, curious and really wanted to learn something new. It would be also helpful to bring some
teaching stuff and school material with you.
For us it was a great chance to have this opportunity! We learned much about the nepalese culture and for the most part of our internship we were in contact with native people. The hospitality and bounty in Nepal
is very great, we felt like being a part of the family anytime. We also learned much about responsibility and to teach independently. For the kids and also for us it was an enriching experience!
-Anne and Hans, Germany
I had an AMAZING time volunteering with The Love Company! Krishna is very helpful in getting you started so you have no doubts or worries from the beginning. He treats the kids wonderfully, they are all very healthy and always smiling. They are getting an education, both from school and from the volunteers, and that is something priceless.
During your down time, you can explore the hip city of Pokhara or take some day trips to other places. I would highly recommend going on a trek to Mardi Himal base camp while you're there, it is another life-changing experience!
I've already come back to volunteer a second time with my boyfriend, and I don't think that will be our last visit to TLC and to Nepal. Both the orphanage and the country will change you for the better and leave you with en experience you will be talking about for the rest of your lives! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me to ask.
-Shawna, Canada
Insta: @lifeofsunrae
FB: Shawna Rae- Vancouver, BC
