Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and poverty is a national concern and a daily reality. A 2001 study by the Child Workers in Nepal Centre (CWIN) estimated that around 1200 children lived on the streets of Kathmandu at the turn of the century, as well as concluding that there are approximately 5000 street children living and working throughout urban centers of Nepal. Some children were born on the streets, children of unskilled and low paid parents, whilst others have been removed from their homes, the victims of physical and mental abuse and arriving on the streets with nowhere else to go.
Once in the city, the children – often uneducated – become part of its margins, collecting rags, shining shoes, begging and cleaning dishes in hotels. They are constantly vulnerable to disease, malnutrition, abuse by their employers and are helpless victims of child sexual exploitation. Street children are a global phenomenon yet, as a group, they are significantly marginalised by the development sector. The task of supporting the lives of street children often falls to private organisations, and the involvement of international volunteers with these organisations is crucial.
Our goal is to give support, care and guidance to the most neglected section of children who have been rescued from the streets.
We aim to make a difference in the lives of children on Kathmandu’s streets by giving them a better chance to live a healthy life. These children are typically victims of poverty, neglect, abuse, manipulation, abandonment, trafficking and drug abuse, with nowhere to turn. Living on the streets without protection and care invites all possible kinds of exploitation. Volunteers and interns at VIN will work with children on the streets and at drop-in centers, conducting research and writing reports proposing solutions to the problems faced.
VIN is looking for international volunteers with the energy, time and interest in working with street children. These children require nutrition, health care, guidance, sanitation, education and, most of all, your time. You will work in Kathmandu in the city’s drop-in centers and on the streets, spending time with the children, teaching them about health, hygiene and sanitation, creating makeshift recreational activities and most importantly, simply being with them. VIN knows there is more that can be done to help these children and we invite you to conduct your own research, presenting your own considered solutions for the children.
During your volunteer placement you will be based in Kathmandu. You will be accommodated by a Nepali host family, providing you with an insight into Nepali culture and immersing you in day-to-day Nepali life.
The Working for Street Children volunteer will do one or more of the following activities:
- Facilitate health, hygiene and sanitation sessions
- Conduct needs analysis interviews focusing on every child
- Tutor the students on basic subjects like mathematics, science etc.
- Act as an advocate on children’s rights
- Organize frequent health checkups for the children
- Conduct group and individual counseling sessions
- Conduct recreational activities, such as arts and craft, dancing, singing, games etc
- Provide basic life skills training
- Conduct and present research focusing on the street children of Kathmandu
Project Specific Skills
- Proficient in conducting workshops and recreational sessions
- Knowledge of children’s rights
- Good writing skills
- Passionate about working with children
- Good facilitation and presentation skills
- Awareness of child protection policies and procedures
- Previous experience working or volunteering with children could be an added asset
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- Time management and leadership qualities
- Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
- Accepting of different ideas and culture
- Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
- Creative
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions/Travel to the school |
10:00-13:00 | Getting children ready for school/ Research |
13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
15:00-17:00 | Extracurricular activities with children |
17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.