Friends from Near & Far
Have you ever had an experience, a moment in your life, when it seemed like the world shifted around you and suddenly your perspective was entirely changed? Moments like these are magical and happen rarely, unless that is, you happen to be the proverbial fly on the wall at Kailash Home. At Kailash, these moments happen regularly.
Through our Friends of Kailash Home program, people of all ages, but primarily university students, from around the world have the chance to stay at Kailash for up to a month. While on campus these visitors have a unique opportunity to meet and mentor our children through shared meals, tutoring, and other fun activities and outings. Rather than tell you how impactful these experiences are for both our Friends and our Kailash Kids, though, we invite you to read what a few of our most recent visitors had to say:
Camber Mathews
20 | Winter Park, FL | Rollins College
“I returned to Kailash once again this summer, after a profoundly transformative experience with the children during my previous stay. I fostered deep relationships last year and could not resist going again. This summer, we were able to host another fashion show, as well as a field day for the children. Some of my most cherished memories happened on outings off campus — attending the children's sport games, visiting their schools, and taking small groups out to lunch in the city. The children serve as a reminder to embrace the present fully and honor the privileges and opportunities I am given.
While my initial intention in coming to Kailash was to impact the lives of the children positively, I have come to realize that it is my life that has been transformed by them. I can't wait for the day that I get to come back to Kailash yet again and give each and every child a hug.”
Pablo Planelles
19 | Majadahonda, Spain | University at Comillas Icade
“When I first arrived in Kathmandu, I was welcomed by some of the children that hadn't gone to school that day, as they were on holiday. I perfectly remember the first thought I had, ‘these kids have a big heart.’ I am convinced it is impossible to visit the Kailash Home and leave without that sentence crossing your mind. I stayed there for a month, and I had the chance to help the children with their English, their school homework, and to learn about art and many other topics they are interested in among other things. However, the children were actually better teachers than I was. They were always trying to make me feel at home; to show me how their country, culture, and languages work; to teach me things that, due to the difference in our lifestyles, I had never had the chance, or the need, to learn. It is truly heartwarming to see how happy, passionate, motivated, and, essentially, full of life the kids are, despite their situation. All of them have life projects, all of them want to make the world a better place. I had the chance to talk to almost every one of them — I took the younger ones to walk around Kailash; the older ones took me to see different places around the city — there is not a single one of them that I didn't find inspiring. It angers me to think that, no matter how big of an effort these kids make in their lives, they might never have the chance to live a life remotely similar to the ones we take for granted in the West. It is, therefore, our duty to help them as much as we can, in any way we can.”
Alexa Michel
21 | Miami, Florida | Florida Atlantic University
“My month-long stay with the Himalayan Youth Foundation has been nothing short of transformative. Immersed in the heart of Kathmandu and surrounded by a community committed to education and empowerment, I have gained invaluable insights that will stay with me for a lifetime. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and smiles from all the staff and children, which instantly made me feel like a part of their extended family. Kailash Home itself is a humble yet nurturing environment, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Nepal’s natural landscape. What struck me the most during my stay was the unwavering positivity and resilience displayed by the children. Despite facing challenges, they approach life with such enthusiasm and a genuine appreciation for the opportunities they are given. Their laughter and curiosity are infectious, and reminded me of the importance of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Interacting with the children was the highlight of my visit. We engaged in various activities, from fashion shows to storytelling and art projects to playing games outdoors. Their eagerness to learn and share their stories left a lasting impression on me. Hearing about their dreams and aspirations was both inspiring and humbling, as they demonstrated an incredible determination to overcome obstacles and create better futures for themselves.
Volunteering with HYF has reinforced the notion that giving is a two-way street. The joy that radiates from contributing to the betterment of others’ lives is immeasurable. Every interaction and shared moment has not only hopefully enriched the lives of the individuals I’ve connected with, but has also significantly enriched my own understanding of empathy, compassion, and the importance of lending a helping hand. This experience left me with a sense of gratitude for the small things in life and a renewed perspective on the power of collective effort in making a positive difference. If you ever have the chance to visit Nepal and Kailash Home, I wholeheartedly encourage you to embrace the experience – it might just change your outlook on life.”
