Millfield Pupils Spend Summer Volunteering in Nepal

30 Aug 2017

The end of the summer term also saw a team of pupils head off to the Himalayas of Nepal with Global Action. The trip was aimed to enhance learning in global development issues and international relations.

The trip started by exploring Kathmandu’s magnificent World Heritage temples, and the team enjoyed workshops at international agencies, including the UK’s Department for International Development, with British Army officers at the Gurkha Welfare Trust, to learn how the UK is supporting post-earthquake recovery, rural education, and economic growth to remote mountain communities.

The pupils lived in a Tibetan Refuge Camp, and worked hard to install a 10,000 litre water tank, which is now providing the community’s clean water drinking water system. This is contributing to lowering infant mortality and disease. The pupils also celebrated the Dalai Lama’s birthday with the community, organised a cultural exchange with the Tibetan children, and in return, the Tibetan children performed a traditional dance show.

They also carried out a challenging trek through the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains – from subtropical jungle to alpine zones, and stayed in lodges run by Nepalese communities.  During the trek, the pupils visited the Nepalese charity, The Annapurna Conservation Area Project, to learn about glacial systems, the protection of endangered wildlife and the importance of ecotourism.

The expedition ended with a visit to the beautiful Kopan monastery to learn about Buddhism and meditation.

On return, all students earned the ASDAN Universities Award, which recognises the educational benefits of the Global Action programme.

Lower Sixth pupil Rosie Smith wrote afterwards: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity –  I learnt about different cultures and about development in Nepal. I made many new friends and have memories to last a lifetime!”.