Follow up visits to the volunteers

Home > News Updates > Follow up visits to the volunteers
Published on: 09 Nov 2015

Follow up visits to the volunteers

The Volunteer Coordinator team conducted follow up visits on Thursday and Friday this week. This is an important responsibility of the volunteer coordinator to ensure that volunteers are adapting to a new environment and are comfortable in their host families. The team travelled to Jitpurphedi on Thursday and the monasteries scattered around Kathmandu and Farping on Friday.

In Jitpurphedi, new Volunteers Sara (Spain) and Virginia (France) worked hard with local volunteers digging 2 metre deep holes for the toilet project. In the short time they  completed  digging one hole and  nearly finished a second hole. Two new volunteers for the wash project Vanessa and Estelle (Belgium) were being shown around the different projects by Program Officer, Om.

The health post has welcomed a new volunteer nurse Dominque (France) to assist Dr Laxmi and the team provide vital medical aid to those in need. Dominque comes at a convenient time as we farewell our three medical students from the Netherlands Julia, Chantelle and Amber.

Environment program volunteers Kirsty (Scotland) and Chloe (France) facilitated a working group aimed at educating the Jitpurphedi community about climate change. This was innovative, constructive and  well received  by the participants. We hope that this forms the foundation of more positive conversations about climate change and what it means for Nepal. Most importantly what can be done at a local level.

All volunteers in the monasteries are in good spirits and we were able to see most of them in action teaching the students. Kenton (USA) and Dag (Denmark) were conducting geography lessons focusing on the continents. To test the students’ knowledge they would come up and have to identify all continents on the world map and be able to find countries based on the continent. As the map is in English this also helps with their language skills.

VIN will farewell and conduct the exit process for a number of volunteers over the next week. We thank them all for their hard work and hope that they will return sometime in the future. These volunteers are Kenton (USA), Julia, Chantelle, Amber (Netherlands) and Virginia (France).

Share:

Ask a question?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.
ccivst Member of CCIVS - maintain official relation with UNESCO

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