Painting Dreams in the Peaks: Nikita’s 4-Week Journey Teaching Art in the Himalayas
At Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN), we believe that education is about more than just textbooks; it’s about opening doors to creativity and self-expression. In the remote mountain town of Salleri, Solukhumbu, where the curriculum is often rigid, bringing in specialized skills can change a student’s entire perspective.
This month, we were honored to host Nikita Rykelykhuizen, a recent art education graduate from the Netherlands. Nikita joined our Teaching Volunteer Program for four weeks, bringing a splash of color to the Everest region.
My Himalayan Classroom
“As a recent art graduate, my goal has always been to encourage students to express themselves in their own unique way. When I arrived in Phaplu, I realized quickly that I wasn’t just there to teach; I was there to adapt. The town is quiet—just a few shops and the crisp mountain air. There’s no ATM here (you have to hike to Salleri for that!), and it is cold, so I was glad I packed my warmest layers!
On my first day at the school, the principal gave me the freedom to choose my schedule. I decided to teach all six grades. I wanted to see the spark in every age group:
- Grades 1 & 2: We kept things simple with basic English and lots of drawing.
- Grades 3 & 4: They followed my instructions beautifully.
- Grade 6: We could have full conversations about life and art.
Since there are no regular art classes here, I saw the children truly light up. They are so sweet and eager to learn things ‘outside of the books’—they want to know about music, dance, and the world beyond the mountains.”
Living the Culture
“One of the most profound parts of my 4-week stay was being part of the community. I was lucky enough to celebrate Losar (Tibetan New Year) in Salleri. Visiting the monastery and sharing prayers with local families made me feel less like a ‘tourist’ and more like a neighbor.
During the holidays, I hiked to Ratnange Dada with some of the local teachers. Standing there, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and fresh air, I realized that volunteering isn’t just about what you give—it’s about how much you learn from the people you meet.”
Nikita’s time in Salleri is a testament to the power of cultural exchange. While she taught the children how to use a paintbrush, the community taught her about resilience and the beauty of a simpler life.
The school environment in Nepal can be stricter than what many European volunteers are used to, but as Nikita showed, flexibility and an open heart allow you to bridge that gap. Her contribution left a lasting impact on the students’ creative confidence.
As the saying goes, the hardest thing in life is to say goodbye to someone you don’t want to leave. Saying goodbye to Nikita was difficult for the students and teachers alike, but the memories of her lessons will remain in the classrooms of Salleri forever.
Are you ready to share your skills in the Himalayas? Whether you are an artist, a teacher, or simply someone with a passion for helping others, Volunteer Society Nepal has a place for you.
- Program: [Teaching Volunteer Program Nepal]
- Location: Salleri/Phaplu, Solukhumbu
- Duration: 2 to 4 weeks
