Network
Alan Burns
Location:
Ireland
Regions of interest: Asia
Skills: teaching, photography/documentary
Volunteer Activity:
just-one June 01, 2009 - August 01, 2009
PA Nepal June 01, 2009 - August 01, 2009
Stories by this Volunteer
Kathmandu Mobile Health Clinic for street children
by Alan Burns
October 09, 2010
Indira Ranamagar of Prisoners Assistance Nepal Interview
PA Nepal, by Alan Burns
July 10, 2010
A short piece from my development education documentary. Indira Ranamagar of Prisoners Assistance Nepal talks to me about the work she does, her story and some of the problems in Nepal.
Maoist Strike (Bandh)
by Alan Burns
June 14, 2010
We are now in day 6 of the indefinite strike, so as expected this week has been an unproductive one. It is a well-enforced bandh, which has brought the whole country to a stand still, the streets are full of wandering Kathmandu residents and void of any traffic. Everything is closed which makes the simplest of everyday tasks a real chore. In terms of my documentary it has really grinded to a halt. I did a lot of editing and work on the script that has actually been really useful as now the documentary’s structure and several scenes are nearing completion. However, there are still gaps in which I still need footage and interviews and frustratingly the organizations I need to visit are unavailable during the bandh.Here is a list...
shanti-leprahilfe
by Alan Burns
June 14, 2010
I had been trying to contact an organisation called Shanti for some time (Dr Singh and the free medical clinic) and had been awaiting permission from the German donors to film their operations. They contacted me and we scheduled a tour/interview for thursday morning. The organisation provides free medical assistance to the disadvantaged and needy members of Nepali society. Many of whom are physically disabled mostly from leprocy.The work they do is absolutely amazing, their facility has three large buildings, two of those buildings are workshops where the patients have been given actual jobs to suit their capabilities. It was incredible to see those deemed incapable of anything by society actually produce high quality hand crafts. Women with no fingers sewing intricate patterns or wheelchair bound patients hand crafting jewelery....
Working with disadvantaged children in Kathmandu
just-one, by Alan Burns
March 04, 2010
Hi, my name is Alan Burns a multimedia student from Ireland and a recent applicant of an Opmrakash volunteer grant. I received $1500 to travel to Nepal to work for a small non-governmental organization call just-one, who works with disadvantaged children in Kathmandu.I was in Nepal for just over two months (4thjune- 11thAug), and I must say it was the best decision I have ever made. Volunteer work can change your entire outlook on life, and as long as it is approached in an open-minded non-patronizing fashion it can be one of the most positive decisions you can ever make. However, it is not for everyone so carefully decide if its right for you. If I would give any advice to future volunteers it would be to learn as much...