Volunteering Experience: Constructing Toilets for Needy Families

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toilet construction
Published on: 22 Mar 2015

Volunteering Experience: Constructing Toilets for Needy Families

On 18th March, 2015, Mario and Gilles started their volunteering mission in Jitpurphedi community. After completing three days of induction at VIN’s main office, Mario and Gilles started constructing toilets in different houses of Devistan-7. They are volunteering with VIN for three week for Construction and Manual work.
 
VIN started to help the families of Jitpurphedi to construct toilets from 2009. Not only limited to Jitpurphedi but the construction project has also begun in communities of Okhaldhunga from 2013. Since then VIN has helped over 450 households to build toilet. This has not only been a physical work but constructing toilet has equally been a type of awareness program to the community. People from community now explain how the construction project has changed the lives of the community.
 
On the sunny day, Mario and Gilles were helping two different households to build. Both of them were on the first step of construction i.e. digging a hole for septic tank which is one of the toughest jobs. The volunteers looked tired but they explained how happy they are to experience this work. Both the houses are located in the hills so the family explains how they have to struggle to carry the materials (Bricks, cement, pipes, stones etc) up the hill. But the family explains that they are pleased to build a toilet for their own house.
 
Bir bahadur Tamang, originally from Rasuwa district, has recently built a hut in Devistan-7, Jitpurphedi. He started building his dwelling from December and now it is nearly complete. He explains that with the help of VIN he will build a proper and strong toilet for his new house. It was amazing to see how he used the locally available resources to make bricks. He also says how thankful he is to the volunteers and VIN for helping him financially and physically to build this toilet.
 
Building toilet has brought a big transition in all the families of the community and VIN believes that it is one of the sustainable projects in VIN’s history. VIN still needs to construct few toilets in Jitpur and a lot more in Okhaldhunga and VIN hopes for more help and support for this project to go on. If you are thinking of lending hands to people in need then come and help these needy families.
 
Learn more and join us today!!!
 

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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