volunteering-experience-by-Olga-van-Middelkoop
Published on: 17 Aug 2016

Article on First Volunteering Experience by Olga van Middelkoop

ARTICLE: MY FIRST VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE
By: Olga van Middelkoop from NETHERLAND
After two weeks of volunteering in the Public Health And Medical Care Project I can definitely say that is already an unforgettable experience. I learn a lot about the differences between my home country and Nepal. Sometimes that can be shocking but it’s all part of the country, culture and the whole experience.
During the week I sleep in a host family which is truly great and a very good way to get in touch with the real Nepali culture and lifestyle. It is nice to return to the host family for the week when you just spend the weekend in the busy city or traveling. It really feels like coming home (already after such a short period!) in a very peaceful environment.
I work one day in the week in the Health Clinic in Kavresthali, near Kathmandu. When we [volunteers] work in the clinic we help the doctor with taking blood pressure, plus other helpful medical information, and we help with questioning the patient. This is really instructive because first we get to make our own idea of what the cause of the medical problem could be and afterwards the doctor will say his thoughts and explain it to us.
The other days I work in the community together with other international and local volunteers. When we work in the community we visit households and take their blood pressure, blood sugar, length and weight. We do this because the Public Health And Medical Care Project just started in this community. With the information we get from the inhabitants of Kavresthali we try to get the major health problems so that we can focus on awareness and preventing these health problems in the future.
Working in the community is also a nice way to get to know the Nepali culture. We visit a lot of houses during the day and then you get an idea of what the life of a Nepali looks like. The people here are very grateful for our help and hospitable. We always get some tea or sweets offered. Even when they don’t have much to give.
These two activities we do in the week is a really nice combination. In the clinics we try to help suffering patients and in the community we are trying to convince people who are sick or have a high risk factors to go to the clinic.
Besides the activities in clinic and community it is also very instructive and eye-opening how relatively much you can do with not a lot of materials. As long as you just keep doing good with the little things you have it is always appreciated and worth it. But you have to keep in mind that your options are limited and still try to make the most of it. The situation here is very different than in my home country and it taught me that there is always a way to solve things, also when it’s not in the way you would prefer in the first place. Flexibility is an important part of the Nepali lifestyle and it is something I will bring back to the Netherlands. With only one more week to go I already feel sad to leave this beautiful country and the sweet people. I will definitely come back one day.

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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