Library & Festive Camp

Library & Festive Camp Project: A Cultural and Educational Experience in Nepal

Are you ready for an enriching volunteer experience that combines education, culture, and community? Join the Library & Festive Camp Project in Nepal, where you will engage with local children in the Jitpurphedi community, located just outside Kathmandu. Through this unique opportunity, you will help improve literacy, promote cultural exchange, and celebrate one of Nepal’s most cherished festivals.

Part I: Library Camp

About the Library Project

Libraries are essential spaces for learning, growth, and self-expression. Unfortunately, many schools in Nepal lack properly managed libraries and the resources necessary to develop students’ reading and writing skills. Through this project, we aim to improve library facilities and educate children and teachers about effectively using libraries for learning.

The Library Camp will be organized in partnership with local schools. Volunteers will assist with creating and managing library spaces. You will be directly involved in maintaining the library, organizing materials, and facilitating activities that engage students with its resources.

Objectives

Work to improve the library management system in schools and promote its use among children and teachers.
Help children develop their reading and writing skills.
Encourage students to enjoy learning through creative and interactive library-based activities.

Key Activities

Library Maintenance: Clean, organize, and maintain library spaces to create a welcoming and functional learning environment.
Resource Organization: Sort and catalog books and other materials in a proper order for easy access.
Room Decoration: Paint and decorate the library room to make it more appealing and engaging for children.
Library Training: Conduct training sessions for children and teachers to ensure effective library use. This includes teaching them how to find books, use library resources, and maintain the library.
Reading & Writing Activities: Organize reading and writing activities involving children in creatively using library resources.
Library Promotion: Plan and execute campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of libraries and encourage their regular use.

Desired Volunteer Skills

Volunteers with skills in arts and crafts, sports, music, dance, drama, or experience working with children are highly encouraged to apply. Your creativity and enthusiasm will be key to making the library an engaging and educational space for children.

Part II: Festive Camp – Teej Celebration

About Teej Festival

Teej is a significant cultural festival celebrated by Nepali women. It symbolizes marital happiness and well-being, marked by vibrant celebrations that include fasting, feasting, singing, dancing, and various rituals. Married women celebrate Teej to ensure their husbands’ health and longevity while seeking purification for a good life.

In the Festive Camp, volunteers will participate in the Teej celebration in the Jitpurphedi community. Women wear traditional red sarees, sing folk songs, and dance energetically during this event. You will have the chance to interact with the local women during these festivities and experience Nepali culture firsthand.

Objectives

Understand the importance of the Teej festival in Nepali culture and how it is celebrated.
Participate in the cultural exchange, gaining insight into Nepali traditions while sharing your own.
Celebrate the festival with local women and take part in the joyous festivities.

Key Activities

Celebrate Teej with Local Women: Join the community in celebrating Teej, dancing, singing, and sharing in the festivities with local women.
Cultural Exchange: Engage in cultural activities that allow you to exchange traditions and learn about the significance of Teej, including rituals and artistic practices.
Dance Participation: Dance with the local women, joining them in their traditional celebrations and helping create a fun, collaborative atmosphere.

Teej Festival Overview

Dar Khane Din: a grand feast marks the first day of Teej, during which women gather to enjoy a special meal.
Primary Fasting Day: Women often fast without food or water, but some consume liquids and fruit on the second day.
Rituals of Purification: On the third day, women perform rituals, including the critical puja, and consume solid food after the ceremony.
Rishi Panchami: The final day involves purifying mud from the sacred Datiwan bush, after which women are forgiven for their sins.

Location

The Jitpurphedi community is located in Tarakeshwor Municipality, about 10-12 km from the main ring road to Balaju, Kathmandu. Beautiful hills, fields, and forests, offering a peaceful backdrop for community engagement and cultural exchange, surround the area.

Participation Fee

To participate in the Library & Festive Camp project, the participation fee is 270 Euros, plus an additional 30 Euros for transportation. This fee covers:

Accommodation during your stay.
Meals for the duration of your program.
Transportation to and from the project site.
Materials for library and festival activities.

Payment is due upon arrival at the VIN Office.

Note: You will receive a detailed information sheet and an acceptance letter after submitting your Complete Volunteer Exchange Form (VEF).

Why You Should Join

Cultural Immersion: Engage deeply with Nepali culture by participating in the Teej festival and learning about traditional customs.
Educational Impact: Help improve literacy and library skills in local schools, impacting children’s education.
Community Engagement: Work alongside local teachers and community members, fostering vigorous cultural exchanges.
Unique Experience: Experience vibrant celebrations and fun educational activities in the heart of Nepal and create lasting memories.

FAQs

1. Who can join this program?

The program invites volunteers for winter testing in education, culture, and community development. This program will be unique if you have experience working with children, teaching arts and crafts, or participating in cultural exchange.

2. What should I bring with me?

Please bring comfortable clothing for working with children and participating in cultural activities. Also, if you have personal items or art materials, please bring them. Basic materials for the library and activities will be provided.

3. How do I sign up?

To join, complete the Volunteer Exchange Form (VEF) and submit it to the organization you are sending. After that, you will receive an acceptance letter with more details.

Make a Difference in Nepal!

Join the Library & Festive Camp Project to share your passion for education and culture while experiencing the warmth and beauty of Nepali traditions. Sign up today and help create lasting change in the lives of children and women in the Jitpurphedi community!