The alumni who carry this forward
A community built over time
This mission exists because people return.
For more than a decade, volunteers have given their time, skills, energy and hearts to support the work of Asha Nepal and SSN. Some have come once. Many have returned year after year. Some now support from afar through fundraising, mentoring, and advocacy.
This is not a one-off experience.
It is a community shaped by consistency, trust and shared responsibility.
Volunteers come from different countries, professions, and stages of life. What connects them is a belief that sustained presence matters — and that real change happens when local leadership is supported, not replaced.
The humans behind the mission
Our volunteer alumni community spans Singapore, Australia, Europe and beyond — bringing together people from different backgrounds united by a shared desire to create meaningful impact.
Below, hear and read reflections from volunteers who have spent time in Nepal with these two charities and experienced firsthand the resilience, warmth and strength of the community.
Aisha
Racquel
Jo & Marley
Rebecca
The Volunteer Group of 2025
Jess O’Reilly, Mark O’Reilly, Raquel Izzard, Rebecca Haly, Bertrand Garnier, Sam Steele, Solaia Steele,Luana Silk, Stephen Casey, Alice Naughton, David Barker, Sarah Westhoff, Jo Gaines, Marley Patterson, David Morgan, Aisha Hillary-Morgan, Olivia McCannDwayne
…and many others who continue to support this mission quietly and consistently.
This mission is carried forward not by one person, but by a collective of good humans who choose to stay involved.
If you feel called to be part of that, there is a place for you here.
“I went to Nepal in 2025 and it was my first time there. I went in with zero expectations and just kept an open mind. Honestly, I thought I was going over there just to do some physical labour, but it ended up being a lot more than that. I’d heard stories for years from people like Racquel, Jess and Bob about Nepal and the amazing support they give to the girls in the hostels, but seeing it in person was completely different.
While I was there, we did things like painting, moving cinder blocks and digging holes for homes. It was hard work, but it felt good knowing we were helping in a real, practical way. You could also see that our presence was inspiring the local community as well. The biggest part of the trip though was meeting the girls. I’d heard about the struggles they had been through, but hearing them share their stories face-to-face really hits differently. It was confronting at times, but also really inspiring to see how strong they are and how far they’ve come.
It was also awesome meeting the local people who dedicate their time to supporting the girls. You can see how much they care and the difference they’re making. On top of that, I met a whole team of like-minded people on the trip, and we all connected quickly. It’s the kind of experience where you end up making genuine, long-term friendships.
Overall, it was way more than I expected. It opened my eyes a lot, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time. I’m planning on going back in 2026, this time with my daughter, which I’m really looking forward to. I’d love for her to experience it and see firsthand the impact it can have.”
“We went in our first trips to Nepal in 2024 and 2025 after hearing about this amazing cause from Jess for years. Our main reason for going was to support her and the girls at the hostel, but honestly, we experienced so much more than could’ve expected.
The girls truly touched our heart, despite their stories being heartbreaking they choose to wake up each day with love and joy. They truly share this with you. It’s an eye-opening experience that stays with you.
The other volunteers quickly became lifelong friends, united by our shared mission to make a difference. You’ll work harder than you think possible, but every effort feels worthwhile as you contribute to these girls’ lives.
What we took away from it all was a renewed belief that when good people come together, we can really create change. We returned home feeling inspired to do more and made a commitment to return each year to continue to support the girls and create change.
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“Over the past four years, my annual trips to Nepal have become some of the most meaningful experiences of my life. What started as a volunteering opportunity quickly turned into a deep personal connection with the children, the community, and the incredible work being done on the ground. Watching the growth, confidence, and joy in the children year after year has been genuinely inspiring, and it has been a privilege to play even a small part in their journey.
What makes these trips so special is not just the impact we hope to make, but the perspective and gratitude we bring home with us each time. The resilience, kindness, and happiness shown by the children despite challenging circumstances is something that stays with you long after you leave. Every visit reminds me how powerful human connection, consistency, and care can be, and how much can change when people are given support, encouragement, and opportunity.
One of the highlights of this journey was taking my daughter with me last year and allowing her to experience Nepal firsthand. Seeing her connect with the children, learn about a different culture, and witness the importance of giving back was incredibly special as a parent. It reinforced for me that these trips are not only changing lives within the community, but also shaping the values and perspectives of the families and volunteers who take part. I already look forward to returning each year with excitement, gratitude, and a sense of purpose.”
“Last November, I finally returned to Nepal after what felt like an unwanted leave of absence, and stepping back in reminded me instantly why I kept coming back in the first place. The trip was centred around a charity supporting young girls, and picking up where I’d left off felt both familiar and fresh at the same time. Seeing their faces, that genuine, unfiltered joy, never gets old. No matter how many times you experience it, it still stops you in your tracks. Pretty hard not to come home a little changed by that, every single time.
What I didn’t expect was how much the people on the project would mean to me again. Fellow volunteers, local staff, the wider community, everyone just showed up with so much heart. It’s funny how quickly you bond with people when you’re all there for the same reason, and even funnier how those connections pick right back up as if no time has passed at all. The conversations, the laughs, the moments in between the work, that’s what I’ll carry with me. Nepal has a way of putting things in perspective, and I feel genuinely lucky to have found my way back.”
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We are committed to performing works in underprivileged areas to improve the educational environment, advocate and promote the protection of children and adolescents, implement community sustainable development projects and child-centred humanitarian assistance.
Curious about joining our community? Reach out and we’ll be in touch about current or future opportunities.