Vol4HumAid
Published on: 02 Jun 2025

Group 3 of ESC HumAid Volunteers Begins Service in Nepal with ViN

Empowering Nepal’s Communities Through European Solidarity Corps Volunteering

In April 2025, Volunteers Initiative Nepal (ViN) welcomed the third group of Youth We Can (YWC) European Solidarity Corps (ESC) HumAid volunteers. This group comprises three dedicated individuals: two focusing on youth empowerment and one on child protection. While their arrival marks a significant step forward, ViN continues to seek additional volunteers to fulfill its mission across various sectors.

ViN’s Mission: Community Empowerment Through Volunteerism

Established in 2005, ViN is a non-profit organization that empowers marginalized communities in Nepal. Through a variety of programs—including youth empowerment, women’s empowerment, child protection, and public health—ViN mobilizes local and international volunteers to drive sustainable development. The organization’s holistic approach addresses education, health, the environment, the economy, and basic infrastructure development.

ESC HumAid Project: A Collaborative Effort

The ESC HumAid project is a collaborative initiative involving ViN as the host organization in Nepal, PiYA from Turkey as the coordinating and sending organization, and ICJA from Germany as another sending organization. The project aims to unite young European volunteers to work on community-based projects in Nepal, fostering cultural exchange and solidarity.

Volunteer Deployment: Progress and Challenges

The project was designed to host 24 volunteers across three groups, each comprising eight volunteers. However, the actual numbers have been as follows:
• Group 1: 5 volunteers
• Group 2: 9 volunteers
• Group 3: 3 volunteers
This shortfall highlights the ongoing need for volunteers, particularly in child protection, public health, and women’s empowerment.

Focus Areas: Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

Youth Empowerment

  • Conducting life skills training sessions
  • Organizing workshops on gender equality and youth participation
  • Facilitating dialogues with community stakeholders
  • Partnering with vocational training institutions for specialized workshops

Child Protection

  • Strengthening child protection clubs
  • Organizing capacity-building workshops
  • Supporting advocacy campaigns
  • Conducting English and computer literacy classes for children

Women’s Empowerment

  • Providing entrepreneurship development skills
  • Developing resources and conducting workshops on business planning
  • Facilitating linkages with microfinance institutions
  • Conducting digital literacy and English language courses

Public Health

  • Conducting health education sessions
  • Organizing workshops on healthy behaviors
  • Collaborating with local health institutions for health camps
  • Assisting paramedics in healthcare services

Join the Movement

ViN continues to seek passionate individuals to join its volunteer programs in Nepal. Opportunities are available in youth empowerment, child protection, women’s empowerment, and public health. By participating, volunteers not only contribute to community development but also gain invaluable personal and professional growth.
Visit https://www.volunteersinitiativenepal.org/ to learn more and apply.

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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