We have been running volunteering activities for more than a decade now. We have a very high rate of returning volunteers. Many have made Maya their permanent homes also. We have reflections and discussions every evening to prepare for the next day. We also organize free hikes, breakfasts on the hilltop, and local dinners once a week. We have a good mix of support staff including the senior and assistant volunteer coordinators along with academic, construction, and agricultural managers. Most importantly, the school is a huge success with very high demand from the locals. Its also the biggest employment provider in the area. A lot of the graduates work with the school and help in its expansion and volunteers get to experience this grassroots development process first-hand.

How can you get involved?

Most of the vegetables we grow is used as materials for school meal. Currently, we grow pumpkins, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, beans, and eggplant. We also have fruit trees, including lemon, orange, avocado, mango, lychee, papaya, and banana. Volunteers in agriculture help with the digging, planting, and watering of the garden to provide more food for the school. 

By working in agriculture for a school, the volunteers will be able to enjoy the company of the children during their free time and work closely with skilled locals. 

Despite the agriculture work, volunteers learn and grow from their experience and the children from Maya Universe Academy. They gain perspective through the differences in language, culture, and way of living.

Who lives at Maya

• Hostel Children: Students living at the school. Their villages are too far away to commute every day, so they live at the school in their own hostel. 
  
• Permanent Volunteers: Nepali volunteers that live at the school and help run daily operations.
  
• Temporary Volunteers: Nepali and international volunteers who stay for both short-term and long-term periods.
  
• Staff: We have a big group of support staff for students and volunteers. 

Location

At the school, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery as it is surrounded by hills and mountains. By being further away from big cities, the area is more quiet and refreshing.

Dress code

The dress code is casual. However, girls must refrain from wearing skirts and shorts above knee level and tight leggings (unless worn with a long top/dress). The shower area is a public communal area. Girls must wear a lunghi which can be purchased from school. Boys must wear loose-fitting shorts.

When coming to volunteer at Maya Universe Academy, you should bring a sleeping bag ( a light one from April to September is enough) as well as a refillable bottle of water. Do not worry if you forgot something at home as commodities are available in the village shop. Further explanation about what you will need during your volunteering program will be shared with you once enrolling with Maya.

What to bring

• Two passport sized photos - one for visa, one for local SIM (a few extra are useful if you want to get trekking permits etc).
• Local SIM card* and cell phone - you need a copy passport and a passport sized photo. 
• Sleeping bag - from April to September a light sleeping bag is enough. 
• Medicines - you need for any chronic illness / usual travel medicine. 
• Lice comb - sometimes kids have lice. This will help to comb trough your frequently to avoid having lice. 
• Clothes to shower Boys : short (a stretchy waistband is always nice) 
• Girl : a «lunghi» - typical dress that can also be bought from the school. 
• Sandals / flip flops and towels 
• Toileteries - please try to use organics products only as this goes back into our land. 
• Laundry Soap Bar - for your clothes washing.  
• Foot wear - regular walking shoes are easy for walking up and down the hill, but many walk in flip flops or trekking boots ! If you are doing agriculture/construction you will need closed shoes. 
• Jacket and warm clothes - bring extra warm layers between October and February.
•  Flashlight - one that plugs in and charges is an added luxury ! Head torch is also popular. 
• Toilet Paper* 
• Water bottle* 
• Clothes for morning assembly

*can be bought from Damauli.

Vaccinations - Check if you need any vaccinations. See CIWEC Hospital’s recommendation. 

Travel / medical insurance - Please make sure you are covered for any accident, hospital treatments, loss or damage. You will be asked to read and sign a service contract including liability, upon your confirmation.