Hello everyone, my name is Daniel and I am a consultant in Roland Berger's Madrid office. I recently had the incredible opportunity to volunteer in Nepal through Roland Berger's Social Fellowship program, where I spent time living with a local family in Kathmandu. The experience was transformative, not just because of the work I did, but because of the lessons I learned about resilience, community, and the meaning of happiness.

Nepal is a country still recovering from the devastating 2015 earthquake, which left thousands homeless and infrastructure in ruins. My decision to volunteer there was driven by a desire to contribute to the rebuilding efforts while immersing myself in the culture. What I didn't expect was how much the people of Nepal would teach me about gratitude, simplicity, and the importance of human connection.

Living with a local family

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by my host family. Living with them gave me a first-hand look at local daily life in Kathmandu, something no tourist experience could replicate. We shared meals of dal bhat (lentils and rice), drank many cups of Nepali tea, and exchanged stories despite my non-existent Nepali and their limited English. Their warmth and generosity made me feel like part of the family, not just a visitor.

On one of my last days, I also treated them to some typical Spanish food.

I was lucky enough to live with a professional guide, who ensured I also got to know the historical side of the city on Saturdays, their holy day (in Nepal, the weekend is only one day long).

Volunteering in construction

A major part of my volunteering involved helping construct a home for a young boy and his father, whose previous house was too far away from ours. The boy needed to stay close to my host family as they are the ones who take care of him while his father works, and they are also the ones who homeschool him, since he finds it difficult to attend ordinary school due to his ADHD.

The work was physically demanding, but not exhausting. I helped with cutting bamboo, carrying stones, and assembling walls and roofs, all of which I did with the help of local builders. They didn't speak English, but sharing food and smiles with them during the breaks was still deeply rewarding.

Beyond construction, I also spent time tutoring the boy in math and English. Seeing his eagerness to learn, despite limited resources, was humbling (although I must admit it was challenging to keep his attention at times, since he is a very active boy). His gratitude for even the smallest help, whether it was explaining a math problem or playing a game together, reminded me of the power of simple acts of kindness.

A lesson in contentment

What struck me most about Nepal was the resilience and happiness of its people, despite the hardships they face. Many families live in basic conditions, with few material possessions, yet they radiate joy. Neighbors gather to chat, children play in the streets with handmade toys, and meals are shared with laughter. There's a sense of community and togetherness that's rare in our fast-paced, modern societies. In a world where we often chase more – more money, more success, more things – the people of Nepal showed me that true contentment comes from health, family, and human connection. I went there hoping to make a small difference, but in the end, the difference was in me. The kindness and joy I witnessed reshaped my understanding of what really matters in life.

Leaving Nepal was bittersweet. I really hope to get to see my second family again soon, and I have already invited them over to Spain if they can ever come.

To anyone considering volunteering overseas, I'd say this: go with an open heart. Of course the work you do matters, but the relationships you build and the lessons you learn will stay with you forever. Nepal taught me that happiness isn't about what you have, but rather about who you share your life with.