My experience in Nepal was a once-in-a-lifetime plunge into a culture I had previously only dreamed about encountering.

- Catherine DiSanto '10

Name:Catherine DiSanto

Class: 2010

Time Period When Grant was Used:  May 28- July 23

Where you Went: Nepal

Type of Experience (organized program, internship, independent travel, etc): Volunteering

Specific information about your experience (DO NOT leave this blank. We need this information so that your opportunity will be available to other students):

Name of program or organization: Nepal Orphan's Home

 Contact Name(s) and Title(s): Michael Hess, Director

Contact Address:
Nepal Orphans Home, Inc
PO Box 1254
Davidson, NC 28036

Contact e-mail address: michaeljohnhess@yahoo.com or michaelhess@wlink.com.np  

Are there any prerequisites or special requirements?: No

Brief description of project, including any changes from the original plans described in your application:
My project was centered around learning from and living with 53 girls who had been rescued from indentured servitude, as well as teaching English in the local government school. Instead of staying there in Narti for the entirety of my time in Nepal, as I had originally proposed, I decided to instead take advantage of several other placements during the month of July, and was able to spend one week at a small orphanage in Pokhara, another week teaching in the remote village of Ramechaap, and my final week in Kathmandu volunteering at the disabled ward of an elderly ashram. I felt that my time was varied and fulfilling, with each new placement building off of the others.

Ways in which you have shared and plan to share what you learned from your project with others at Davidson and beyond:
Outside of my family, I plan to share my experiences with my home church and also collaborate with other Davidson students who have also volunteered through Papa's House to see what we can put together in terms of campus/community outreach and awareness.

Short evaluation of your experience and whether you would recommend it to another student: 
My experience was a once-in-a-lifetime plunge into a culture I had previously only dreamed about encountering. I would highly recommend it to other students

Catherine's Reflective Essay