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Volunteer With Children With Disability In Nepal

Do you want to create meaningful change in the lives of children with disabilities? Are you searching for a volunteer experience that blends heart, purpose, and cultural immersion?

Nepal, known for its majestic Himalayas, colorful festivals, and deep spiritual traditions, offers far more than scenic landscapes. Behind its beauty lies a country where many children with intellectual and developmental disabilities face daily isolation, neglect, and limited access to care or education. Stigma and lack of resources often leave families without the tools or support they need.

In Kathmandu, the Center for Children with Disabilities is working to change that. With around 20 children attending daily, the center provides essential care, therapy, and emotional support — but it can’t do it alone. Volunteers like you bring not only extra hands, but also fresh energy, ideas, and most importantly, hope.

This program gives you the opportunity to support therapy sessions, assist with learning and play, help plan fun activities, and share skills that can truly transform lives. Whether you have professional experience or simply a big heart and a willingness to learn, your presence can make a powerful impact.

Step into a space where your compassion becomes action — and where your journey helps a child find their voice. Join us in Nepal.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact:

As a volunteer at the Center for Children with Disabilities in Kathmandu, your presence can make a life-changing difference — not only for the children, but also for their families, caregivers, and the local staff who work tirelessly with limited resources.

You’ll work closely with children aged 5 and above who have a range of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of these children experience social neglect and have limited access to individualized attention. Your support helps fill this gap by offering encouragement, education, and care in a safe and nurturing environment.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Assisting local caregivers with daily routines and providing support during therapy sessions.
  • Helping with physical, occupational, and speech therapy activities (as per your experience or interest).
  • Engaging children in creative and educational activities such as storytelling, art, music, and basic academics.
  • Teaching basic health, hygiene, and sanitation in an interactive, child-friendly way.
  • Supporting children with their homework and classroom learning, tailored to their individual abilities.
  • Organizing recreational and social activities like games, picnics, sightseeing trips, and cultural exchanges.
  • Offering vocational skills training or participating in income-generating activities (where applicable).
  • Promoting a love for reading and conversational English through play and storytelling.

Your impact:

  • You’ll help build the children’s confidence, independence, and ability to interact with others.
  • Caregivers benefit from your support and fresh perspective on care methods.
  • Families begin to see new possibilities for their children’s growth and potential.
  • Most importantly, your time will offer joy, consistency, and encouragement to children who often go without.

Skills and Qualifications:

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and possess a compassionate, patient, and adaptable attitude, as they’ll be working closely with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. No formal experience is required, but a background in special education, therapy, childcare, or related fields is always welcome. Volunteers should be open to working under the guidance of local staff, willing to learn, and respectful of Nepali culture — including dressing modestly and communicating appropriately. Most importantly, a genuine desire to make a difference and the emotional maturity to handle sensitive situations are key.

Why volunteer with children with disability in Nepal with IFRE?

Make a real difference in the lives of Nepalese children through compassionate volunteering.

Trusted since 2006 – Join over 22,000 volunteers who’ve chosen IFRE for safe, meaningful, and impactful service abroad.

Affordable and rewarding – With programs starting at just $150, you can give back without stretching your budget.

Safety first – Our disabled children volunteer placements are carefully screened to provide a safe and supportive environment.

Change young lives –By volunteering in Nepal with disabled children, you get to offer love, care, and educational support to children who need it the most.

Travel with meaning – Experience Nepal’s vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty while making a lasting impact.

Follow your heart – Live your values and passion for helping others in a deeply fulfilling way.

Volunteers at the Center for Children with Disabilities follow a structured yet flexible weekday schedule, allowing plenty of time for both meaningful interaction with the children and immersion into local life. Your workweek runs Monday to Friday, with weekends free to explore Kathmandu or rest.

Typical Daily Schedule:

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM : Breakfast at the volunteer hostel
  • 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Travel to the center by public bus (~30 minutes)
  • 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Morning activities with the children – therapy sessions, basic education, health and hygiene, creative play
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch at the center (local Nepali meal)
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Afternoon support – homework help, reading, music, games, or vocational activities
  • 3:00 PM: Return to the hostel
  • Evening: Free time for relaxation, journaling, cultural activities, or exploring the city; dinner is served at the hostel

Please note that exact tasks and timings may vary based on the needs of the center, your skills, and the children’s individual abilities. Flexibility and a positive attitude are highly valued.


Nepal Children Disability Volunteer Project : Dates and Fees

Our Fees

IFRE is the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to travel internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured; we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly program fee goes directly to your host family, and includes housing, food, project donation and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.

Program Dates

IFRE’s Nepal Disability volunteer program begins every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

Duration Children Disability
  1 Week   -
  2 Weeks   $350
  3 Weeks   $500
  4 Weeks   $650
  5 Weeks   $800
  6 Weeks   $950
  7 Weeks   $1,100
  8 Weeks   $1,250
  9 Weeks   $1,400
  10 Weeks   $1,550
  11 Weeks   $1,700
  12 Weeks   $1,850

Comprehensive Travel Insurance $4.49/day »

Language and Culture program $250

How your fee is allocated?

  • Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
  • Food (local food 2 times a day)
  • Program Orientation
  • In-country support
  • Personalized project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Certificate of completion
  • Fundraising ideas and letters
  • Discount for returning volunteers

Program Fees Exclude:

  • Visas
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
  • Daily transportation
  • Airport return transfer

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Accommodation and Meal

As a volunteer, you'll stay in a shared volunteer house (hostel) located in a safe and accessible area of Kathmandu. The accommodation is simple but comfortable, offering a welcoming environment where you’ll live alongside other international volunteers. Rooms are shared by gender and include basic furnishings, beds, and access to bathrooms with running water.

All meals are prepared in traditional Nepali style, offering a delicious and authentic taste of local life. Breakfast and dinner are served at the hostel and cooked by a local Nepali family, while lunch is provided at the center during your volunteer workdays. Meals typically include rice, lentils (dal), vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat.

The hostel has Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to stay connected with family and friends. Public transportation is easily accessible, with the center just a 30-minute bus ride from your accommodation.

Living in the volunteer house is not only convenient — it also offers a chance to build friendships, share stories, and experience Nepal as part of a supportive global community.

Learn more about your housing and food in Nepal.

For more readings:
Host Families
What It’s like to Stay with a Host Family
12 tips to enhance cultural experience in host families


Free Time and Weekends:

While your weekdays are dedicated to supporting children at the center, your evenings and weekends are completely free — giving you the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty, culture, and adventure that Nepal has to offer.

In the evenings, you can explore local markets, visit nearby temples, try out Nepali street food, or relax with fellow volunteers at the hostel. Kathmandu is a vibrant city with a rich mix of history and spirituality, and there's always something to discover just around the corner.

Weekends are ideal for longer trips. You might choose to go hiking in the nearby hills, visit ancient cities like Bhaktapur and Patan, or take a short trip to Pokhara for breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. Adventure lovers can also try paragliding, rafting, or jungle safaris in Chitwan.

Volunteering in Nepal isn’t just about giving — it’s also about growing, learning, and experiencing life in one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.

Discover what to do in your free time in Nepal..


Safety and in Country Support

Traveling abroad to volunteer in Nepal with orphans can seem nerve-wracking at first, especially if it’s your first time doing something like this. With IFRE, you have nothing to worry about. You can rest easy knowing IFRE will be watching over you and ensuring your safety every step of the way. You’ll have the guidance and support of our fantastic in-country team.

Learn more about our dedication to safety and our in-country team.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Arrival and Orientation

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a friendly IFRE team member will be waiting for you at the terminal, holding a sign with your name. From the airport, you’ll be taken directly to your volunteer accommodation. If your flight is delayed or your arrival time changes, please contact us as soon as possible so we can adjust your pickup accordingly.

Once you arrive at the hostel, your in-country coordinator will conduct a comprehensive orientation. This session will prepare you for your experience in Nepal, covering essential topics such as safety protocols, cultural expectations, local customs, and important dos and don’ts. You’ll also receive detailed information about your placement at the Center for Children with Disabilities. After orientation, you’ll have time to rest and settle in. On the following day, you’ll be introduced to your project site and begin your volunteering journey.

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

Volunteering with children with disabilities in Nepal offers not only the chance to make a meaningful impact but also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural fabric. You’ll have the option to join a basic Nepali language class, which will help you connect more deeply with the children, staff, and local community.

Staying in a shared volunteer house with others from around the world gives you the chance to exchange cultures and form lasting friendships, while also experiencing the rhythm of daily Nepali life. Depending on the season, you may have the chance to participate in colorful festivals, local ceremonies, and cultural events—from lighting lamps during Tihar to flying kites during Dashain. These authentic experiences will give you a deeper appreciation of Nepal’s spiritual traditions and vibrant heritage, making your volunteer journey even more enriching and memorable.

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