Nepal is located in South Asia and shares territorial borders East, West and South with India and North to China with an area of 147,181 square kilometers and a population of approximately 30 million. It is the birthplace of Lord Buddha the apostle of peace and compassion. Previously ruled as a kingdom, today it is a Federal Democratic Republic with 7 provinces, 744 local units including 481 Village Municipalities, 246 Municipalities, 13 Sub-metropolis and 4 Metropolis. Kathmandu is the nation’s capital and the country’s largest metropolitan city.

Nepal is known for its exquisite natural beauty, with the iconic Himalayas running across the northern and western part of the country. Nepal is a country of highly diverse and rich geography, culture, and religions, offering a wide variety of adventure tourism packages. Of the 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in the world eight are located in Nepal. It is the land of Mount Everest (8,848 meters) the highest peak in the World and other 240 mountain peaks over than 6,000 meters high.
Nepal offers plenty of Wildlife as there are eight National Parks and four Wildlife Reserves and two conservation areas. Pokhara, the city of lakes, provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating and sightseeing with the panoramic view of Annapurna range. Kathmandu valley has several historical memorials, old palaces and temples.

Nepal is also a place of festivals with some part of the kingdom or the other celebrating some festival during every day of the year. Festivals may be linked with the remembrance of the departed soul, to herald the different seasons, to mark the beginning or end of the agricultural cycle, to mark the national events, or just family celebrations. On a festive day the Nepalese take their ritual bath, worship different gods and goddesses, visit temple, observe fasting and undertake fastiing. The most important aspect of Nepali culture is the religious harmony and understanding prevailing among the Hindus and Buddhist along with other religion.

Nepal has plenty to offer for tourist including but not limited to mountain flights which fly around the himalaya including Mount Everest and provide a close look of the top of the world. Trekking is the best way to get to interesting and remote mountain villages of Nepal and to enjoy views of the famous peaks together with local people, cultures and their lifestyle untouched with modern civilization. The River rafting, which is known as “White Water Adventure” represents another major attractions in Nepal. One can also enjoy bungee jumping, gliding and many more adventures activities.

Even after a truce between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists in 2005 that ended a decade long conflict, Nepal political situation mostly remained fragile and in turmoil for over next decade due to instable government affecting overall nation development that had kept expectation and aspiration of people always subsided. This had lead the breeding ground for many agitating groups resulting insecurity and threat among people due to frequent nationwide strike and blockades.
However the year 2017 has been marked as the historical event for Nepal that has regenerated the people aspiration and hope for the peace, prosperity and happiness. The Local level election that had been halted for almost 20 years have been conducted along with Legislative elections were held in two phases on 26 November and 7 December 2017 to elect the 275 members of the fourth House of Representatives, the lower house of the Federal Parliament of Nepal. The election was held alongside the first provincial elections for the seven provincial assemblies. Since the people are waiting long for a stable government, they have casted their verdict with vote giving majority to the collated party of CPN (UML) and Maoist Center.
Following the announcement of final result by the Election Commission, K.P. Oli of CPN (UML) was sworn in as Prime Minister on 15 February 2018 by the President according to the constitution of Nepal. He passed a Motion of Confidence on 11 March 2018 along with the formation of new stable government for at least next five years. This has not only calmed the agitating groups and the citizens but also has united them in the nation development process.
Currently the country is on development front with full swing be it in hydropower, socio economic, tourism, communication, health, industries, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, so and so forth. Many international communities are extending their support in the development of Nepal. Similarly your volunteering will be an additional steeping stone in building peace, harmonious and prosperous Nepal ahead.

Currently it is quite safe to volunteer throughout Nepal as long as you abide by the rules and regulation of the country. Unlike past, there is no massive disruption, blockades or strikes these days as such disruption is quite rare. Even in such instances normally VIN volunteers are not impacted as the site of volunteering is in close proximity to their accommodation. In addition, VIN does its utmost effort to ensure your safety during your volunteer placement in Nepal, and to make sure you are placed in a safe environment while volunteering. However you are advised not to hang around late night alone, if needed be in a group.
If you plan to go trekking during your stay in Nepal you are advised to use reputable trekking agencies, to keep to established routes, and to always walk in groups. Trekking alone is not recommended. VIN can recommend a reputable trekking agency to volunteers.
Lastly you should not be involved with drugs. Being found in possession of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to imprisonment.

VIN is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) which was founded in 2005 by a diverse group drawn from development workers, educationalists, social activists and other professionals.Unlike many other development NGOs, VIN serves to directly put efforts for change in the hands of local people. It actively encourages people to volunteer within their communities, aiming to unite all sectors of society in working together to set up and run local projects.

VIN has a board of advisors and a board of directors, of whom Bhupendra Ghimire is the Chief Executive Director. VIN also works in partnership with like-minded national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations.

VIN is officially registered under the Society Act with the District Administration Office Kathmandu (Reg No. 147/062/63), and is also affiliated to the Social Welfare Council Nepal (SWC) (Affiliation No. 20910).

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Your Experience/Setting

On arrival you will be greeted at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transported to your hotel / hostel (alternative arrangements can be made for those already in Nepal prior to the start of their placement). You will then receive a comprehensive a two to three-day induction, during that time you will be provided with information about your particular project as well as general information, including basic Nepalese language and culture, health and safety. This is also a good time to mix with other volunteers or interns who may be great sight-seeing companions and a source of support during your volunteer placement.

During the induction you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel at VIN. However, a large part of the VIN experience comes from the immersion of a

home stay with a Nepalese host family. While this is an essential part of the experience we also recognize that it can be a challenging one, becoming part of a new culture and becoming accustomed to facilities that will be more basic than those you are used to. However, all our host families are experienced in accommodating volunteers – although their ability to speak English will vary – and you will have 24 hours’ access to contact and support from our staff members during your placement.

Volunteers will be placed in one of VIN’s working areas namely Tarakeshor Municipality of Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap and Bhadaure of Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa, Kaule of Nuwakot district. While at the working site the volunteers are requested to bring their own lunch, water bottle, safety gears, face mask and other essential belongings. As a volunteer you are advised to be in a comfortable and modest attire with preferably long sleeves. If you wish to raise project funds or collect project specific resources, you may contact us.

Requirements

  • Gender: Female / Male
  • Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’ consent letter)
  • Language: English (Intermediate)
  • Educational: High School Graduate

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.

Mentoring and Support System

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.

Time and Fees

Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
  • 2 weeks minimum stay- € 385
  • 3 weeks – 470€
  • 4 weeks – 555€ (after 4 weeks for each additional week we charge €75)
University Internships:
  • 4 weeks minimum stay- € 615 (for each additional week we charge €85)

What VIN offers you in return?

  • On Arrival orientation (two to three days)
  • Food and Accommodation during on arrival orientation at VIN’s hostel / budget hotel on sharing basis
  • Food and Accommodation during Placement: Nepali Standard local host family – 3 meals a day
  • Transportation: Airport pick up; one time transport to and from the project site
  • Local volunteers’ support cost (optional)
  • VIN T-shirt
  • Certificate of participation
  • 24 hours emergency support
  • VIN admin cost.

What is excluded? Airfare, VISA (http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa), vaccinations, travel & medical insurance, return airport transfer, personal travel and weekend activities expenses etc.

Desirable/ Common Skills 

  • Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
  • A team player with good work ethics
  • 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