Introduction
Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) held its monthly volunteer meeting this June, bringing together a vibrant mix of international and local volunteers to reflect on recent achievements, share experiences, and celebrate community impact across its development programs.
At the heart of the meeting were updates from ongoing teaching and child development projects. Volunteers Tylian Fournier and David Cosgrave shared insights from their English classes at the World Peace Buddhist School in Kathmandu, where they’ve been helping students aged 10–16 build confidence in speaking through interactive activities like group games, pair drills, and speaking ladders.
We’ve seen that the less we speak, the more they do,
“We’ve seen that the less we speak, the more they do,” said Fournier, highlighting their student-centered approach. Despite challenges such as low self-confidence and short attention spans in younger students, the team adapted creatively mixing in competitions and playful exercises to keep lessons engaging.
Early Childhood Education: Building Foundations with Limited Resources
Volunteer Loanne Rapin presented her work with young children in Kathmandu’s community learning center. With limited resources, she introduced basic literacy and numeracy activities using cards, colors, and simple games. “I became more patient and more present,” she shared. “And like the children, I even improved my English.”
In addition to teaching programs, the meeting emphasized VIN’s ongoing Work Camps short-term, high-impact projects such as school renovations, sanitation efforts, and environmental cleanups. These camps offer hands-on experiences for volunteers seeking to make a tangible difference in a short time.
The session also welcomed new local volunteers, underscoring VIN’s commitment to fostering collaboration between Nepali communities and international participants.
To close on a light note, VIN honored volunteers with its signature monthly awards. From the “Party DJ” to “Drama King/Queen” and “Bug Whisperer”, these humorous accolades highlighted the personalities and camaraderie that make volunteering with VIN such a unique experience.
Unity in Action: The True Essence of VIN’s Mission
Looking ahead, the team encouraged submissions for the upcoming Photo of the Month and Article of the Month celebrating creativity, storytelling, and the many voices behind VIN’s mission.
As always, the meeting served as a reminder of what lies at the core of VIN’s work: people coming together, across cultures and backgrounds, to empower communities, support education, and create lasting change one student, one project, and one shared story at a time.
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