The western nations have a long and well-established history of volunteerism. The concept of volunteerism evolved in Europe in an institutionalised form after a series of devastating world wars. Often under a religious banner, people united together and helped each other rise after the devastation of war. The volunteerism is deeply rooted in our religion and culture in the oriental country like Nepal but yet to be institutionalized like in the west.
(editor; In recent times, many find themselves drawn to answer the call of voluntourism, the idea of being able to travel and volunteer without jeopardising the dignity of local communities, disrupting well established systems or creating dependency relationships. National Geographic suggests that voluntourism (volunteering + tourism) sometimes misunderstood to be about feeling good rather than doing good, and left without proper structure it is worthy to note that not all volunteering is painted with the same brush.)
In Nepal, volunteering is built upon our strong cultural and religious backgrounds. Digging a spring well, building a fountain or waterspout, constructing a shady resting place or contributing free labor to community activities are cultural actions of volunteerism and charity. Many Nepalese perform some such service at least once in their lifetime as a means of getting a peaceful afterlife. Performing volunteerism or charity is often taken as a moral duty. Traditional self-help system is also very common in different Nepalese societies. Volunteerism in Nepal is not something new, however is still needs to be well organized.
The major goal of Promotional Volunteer Project is to promote volunteerism in Nepal and give visibility to our projects. This is an exceptional occasion for a volunteer to direct and lead the promotion volunteerism and service. Our medium of promotion would be social media, national and international platforms, community schools, and sessions/workshops with community groups in the local area. Furthermore, the project focuses on working with the staff/volunteer team to generate a brief action plan of promotional activity as a way of providing visibility for future projects undertaken by VIN.
VIN is seeking enthusiastic volunteers willing to contribute their time and efforts into institutionalizing the culture of volunteerism in Nepal. You will be living with a Nepali host family and experiencing Nepali culture and traditions. On the basis of your experience, Promotional volunteer/ intern will perform one or more of the following activities:
- Conduct workshops in school highlighting the importance of volunteerism
- Promote the activities of VIN at national and international platform
- Prepare promotional content and publish them
- Familiarise school-going children with the concept of volunteerism and giving back to the society
- Draft a list of activities that can contribute towards promoting and sustaining the culture of volunteerism
- Motivate various groups in communities to take part in volunteerism that can benefit their society
- Project promotion through social media
- Visit various communities, universities, schools, colleges and orient students, teachers on the importance of volunteerism to help people in need
Project Specific Skills
- Presentation skills
- Familiarity with social media platforms
- Good organisation and inter-personal skills
- Background or experience in Promotional activities will 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) |
| 09:00-13:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Conduct workshops or awareness sessions |
| 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- € 380
3 weeks – 480€
4 weeks – 580€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €95)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 680 (for each additional week – €105
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.
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