Sanitation and Empowerment in Rural Nepal

Volunteers will participate in two work projects. The first will focus on building toilets or other infrastructure in the rural community and the second on cultural exchange with children. The purpose of VIN’s Construction and Manual Work Program is to build basic infrastructure for rural communities in Nepal. This will include toilets, classrooms or libraries. VIN needs volunteers to help provide the communities with these basic facilities. Nearly 80 percent of Nepal’s population lives in rural areas, many of which are underprivileged and deprived. Those facilities taken for granted in Western countries are not available in rural communities, such as phones, roads, toilets, waste management arrangements and even schools. Those schools that do exist are underfunded and under-equipped. Many do not have toilets or furniture suitable for children. As a result, the education, health and sanitation of the community are adversely affected. VIN’s Youth Empowerment Program works to inspire and encourage Nepal’s youth, engage them in community development or give them vital social and professional skills; you will help to bring positive change to their lives and to that of their community by participating in youth volunteer program. The youth of Nepal face significant challenges as they emerge into adulthood. Many leave school without their School Leaving Certificate (SLC); the national pass rate for 2013 being a miserable 41.57 percent, 6 percent lower than the previous year. Pass or fail, politically and economically unstable Nepal holds few prospects. Skilled and unskilled, many leave for foreign countries, casting a black shadow across the future of Nepal. Volunteers will support our youth volunteer programs and help to develop the social and professional skills of community youth, helping to build their confidence to deal with problematic situations and ensuring that they become active in the community, promoting change and empowerment. Working in Youth Empowerment Program like Youth Club and Life Skills, English and Career Development and other vocational courses, you too will become a part of the community.