Environment & Culture 2020

Background:
Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) is a NGO with the mission to empower marginalised communities through inclusive and holistic development programmes.

This is done through the following project areas:

• Education
• Health and Environment
• Economy
• Basic Infrastructure

Within the above project areas, we conduct the following programmes:

• Women’s Empowerment
• Children’s Development
• Youth Empowerment
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Environment and Conservation
• Public Health and Medical Care

Project information:
Part 1: GARBAGE MANAGEMENT:
Protecting the environment has never been more pressing as today. The increasing amount of garbage has become a major challenge in many communities in Nepal because it pollutes the streets, rivers and countryside. If waste isn’t properly managed, it can not only harm the environment, but also people’s health.
This project is designed to generate a change in the communities of Kavresthali and Okharpauwa with a theme of “Better Environment – Better Tomorrow”.

Part 2: Celebration of Holi Festival
Holi is known as the Festival of Colours and it’s one of the most popular festivals in Nepal. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the coming of spring. Nepalese and tourists get involved in this festival, were dry powder and coloured water is thrown and splashed at each other to express blessings and good wishes. Holi is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. This is a time to celebrate with families but also in the open streets.
2 days before finishing the placement, volunteers will get involved in the preparations for Holi in their respective communities.

OBJECTIVE/ AIM:
The main aim for volunteers is to raise awareness about recycling and kitchen gardens with local communities in the outskirts of Kathmandu. This is part of the “Better Environment- Better Tomorrow” campaign.

Your placement and activities:
We need volunteers to collaborate with the communities of Kavresthali and Okharpauwa to raise awareness of waste management.
This includes creating and delivering information sessions on recycling, composting, safe garbage disposal, minimising air pollution as well as organising community garbage collection days where everyone an get involved.

Volunteers will also develop the concept of a kitchen garden and help implement it in people’s homes.
We want volunteers to really be engaged in their communities and help with the preparations and celebrations of Holi.

There will be one rest day in the middle of your work camp. If you’ve volunteering at a school, the Saturdays will be a rest day also.

Your support from VIN:
We want volunteers to have the best experience possible.
That is why we have created a thorough induction process, which will help you settle into your placement.

Day 1– ARRIVAL DAY
We will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the VIN hostel where you will meet other volunteers who will volunteer at the work camp too.

Day 2- ORIENTATION DAY AND TRAVEL TO WORK CAMP
We will provide you with an induction which includes cultural tips, useful Nepali phrases, health and safety tips as well as preparations for your project activities. All volunteers will be taken to the work camp site.

Day 3- WORK CAMP PLACEMENT STARTS

Last day– REPORT WRITING AND FEEDBACK
On the last day of the work camp volunteers come back to the VIN head office in Kathmandu and you will submit a detailed work report, fill out an exit form and sit with VIN executives for an exit interview and feedback session.

Throughout the work camp, a VIN camp leader will be with you. Supervisors who are usually based in Kathmandu will also be in regular contact (either in person or by phone and email) to make sure you have a positive experience. This is a 24/7 support service.

Location:
The work camp is based in Tarakeshwor and Okharpauwa municipality, which is situated in the outskirts of the Kathmandu District.
It is around 10-15 km from main ring road to Balaju, Kathmandu covered with hills, fields and woods.

Accommodation:
Volunteers stay with the host family/hostel identified by VIN.
The living conditions at the host family/ hostel are simple and basic. Male and female volunteers will share the same living area but have separate sleeping rooms.
The volunteers sleep on simple beds / mattress.
Please bring your sleeping bag.

Language:
Basic English should be spoken among the participants

Work Camp Fee:
The participation fee is 200 Euros (+30 Euro for transportation), which is to be paid on arrival at VIN Office.

The Participation Fee Covers:

• Food and Accommodation: Nepali Standard at a local host family – 3 meals a day
• Transportation:
  Airport pick up; transport to and from the work camp
• Materials for the work camp
• Local volunteers’ support cost
• VIN T-shirt
• Certificate of participation
• 24 hours emergency support
• VIN admin cost.

 What is excluded?
Airfare, VISA, vaccinations, travel & medical insurance, return airport transfer, personal travel and weekend activities expenses etc.

Meeting point: VIN staff will picks each volunteer from the airport.
You will need to send us your flight details on time so that we can send our staff to pick you up at the airport. We will have a sign with your name on it, as well as the VIN logo.

If you want to come earlier and explore the country more, you may find pre-paid taxi at the airport and VIN can help you with that.

Airport : Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu

Leisure Activities:
There are lots of sightseeing options in and around Kathmandu.
If you arrive early or if you’re planning on staying in Nepal after your work camp finished, VIN also organises weekends travel tours to Chitwan Jungle Safari, Pokhara, Nagarkot at an additional cost if you are interested.

[The detail info sheet and acceptance letter will be sent from VIN after we receive your Complete Volunteer Exchange Form (VEF) from the sending organisation.