Resources Articles

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Welcome to the official Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) Articles section, your central hub for detailed information and analysis. This archive is dedicated to sharing in-depth stories, research findings, and practical advice related to our long-term community development projects and the experience of volunteering in Nepal. We utilize a comprehensive range of programs to create lasting change, and these resources are designed to provide a full and comprehensive look at the scope of our resources activity and the triumphs within the communities we serve in the Kathmandu, Okhaldhunga, and Nuwakot districts.

We aim to go beyond simple updates, offering educational content for potential volunteers, researchers, and anyone passionate about sustainable development. By providing detailed context, we hope to showcase the resilience and adaptive strategies of Nepali communities, particularly in the face of environmental changes and socioeconomic shifts. Whether you are preparing for a volunteer placement, conducting academic research, or simply seeking inspiration, these articles showcase the outcomes of our sustained resources activity across various sectors, offering valuable perspectives straight from the field.

The breadth of our work is reflected in the diverse range of topics covered here. You will find insightful discussions on several key areas, demonstrating how our collective resources activity drives results:

  • Women’s Empowerment: Documenting the impact of micro-finance, literacy, and skill-building programs.

  • Youth & Children’s Development: Exploring initiatives focused on child protection, education, and life skills for youth.

  • Environment & Health: Detailing projects on conservation, public health, sanitation, and disaster risk reduction.

  • Cultural Immersion: Providing essential guides and cultural deep dives, such as information on Nepali handicrafts, festivals, and ethical volunteer conduct.

  • Volunteer Preparation: Offering practical tips, guidance on program fees, and what to expect during a gap year or internship in the Kathmandu Valley and rural areas.

By reviewing these resources, you will gain a deeper understanding of the holistic, community-led approach that Volunteers Initiative Nepal takes. Our success is built upon strategic planning and effective resources activity, which these articles meticulously document. We invite you to explore the latest findings, learn from the experiences of past volunteers, and connect with the ongoing efforts to create a self-sustained society. These VIN articles serve not just as a record of our work, but as a commitment to transparency and ongoing learning within the global development sector.

Buddhist Nunnery

Life in a Buddhist Nunnery
Teaching Program 01/10/2013

It was evident from the start how special the little girls were at Mahayana nunnery. There were about 40 of them ...

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first aid service

First aid in Nepal: an increasing more important skill
Public Health Program 01/10/2013

Nepal is a very beautiful country, but the country has many issues regarding public health services especially in rural areas. In ...

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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.

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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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