Attitudes towards teaching and learning in Nepal are very traditional and not at all holistic. Many schools still follow a conventional approach to teaching, with students taught to memorize facts and figures by repetition, in order to pass exams and tests rather than developing a comprehensive understanding. Approaches to creative thinking and learning are often lacking, with students frequently unable to develop essential skills such as problem solving, acceptance of the opinions of others, intra-personal skills, critical thinking and so on.
Creative expression provides an opportunity for children to understand themselves and their emotions. Developing their self-awareness and learning about their competencies through engaging activities, children will be able to better understand their feelings and express their emotions in a constructive manner. Simple activities such as dance, singing, drawing and painting allows their feelings to flow from their minds and bodies to the outer world.
The major goal of Creative Expression: Art and Craft Project is to provide meaningful active self-learning and self-expression for children to be able to realize their own potential. It can help them to form meaningful and real relationships with peers, learn cooperation and value other people’s differences. It will enable them to grow and develop into confident and self-reliant adults. Art and craft projects can assist young people in enhancing their abilities and expressing themselves clearly and confidently.
You will encourage children to think for themselves. You will be given a class in one of the schools in our rural districts, taking the lead in lessons as well as assisting Nepali teachers. There are not always a lot of resources here in Nepal so you will be challenged to think creatively and in an original way, with your options limited only by your imagination! You will have plenty of time to get to know the children, developing a rapport and learning how to trust each other, in order to be comfortable with each other and to have fun together: the more fun you re, the more you and they will have!
During your volunteer placement you will live in the community with a Nepali host family, offering you the chance to become immersed in Nepali culture and language. Depending upon you interest and expertise, you will be involved in one or more of the following activities:
- Conduct drawing or art classes and creative learning workshops;
- Encourage children to learn about themselves and to understand their own interests;
- Conduct activities to promote mindfulness with the children;
- Allow children to discover their own potential and express it through creative activities;
- Support children to gain confidence in their own abilities, through the creation of paintings, drawings, dance or song;
- Help children learn to use critical thinking, develop cognition, and draw self-conclusions;
Project Specific Skills
- Excellent inter-personal communication skills
- Able to give clear instruction and direction
- Lateral and creative thinking
- Proficient in conducting classes
- Creative skills, such as in art, craft, dancing and singing
- Previous experience in teaching would be an added asset
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- 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
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
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.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 10:00-13:00 | Conduct classes |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Conduct classes |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
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.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 380
3 weeks – 480€
4 weeks – 580€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €95)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 680 (for each additional week – €105
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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