Water research
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About the project
Water research
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Volunteers Initiative Nepal is a non-religious, non-political, non-governmental
organization established in 2005. Our mission is to empower marginalized communities, focusing on women and children, through inclusive and holistic development programs.
This is done through the following development areas that run through every single program we offer:
• Education
• Health and Environment
• Economy
• Basic Infrastructure
Only if we have equal access to education, a healthy lifestyle, and an environment, grow our economy for the country but also on an individual basis, and make our infrastructure better, we can grow as people and as a nation.
💼 What the programme involves
This environmental research project focuses on water resource management in Nepal. Although the country is rich in water resources, many communities face significant challenges in accessing clean and safe water due to geographical constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and management issues. This project offers a unique opportunity for volunteers who are passionate about investigative research and environmental science to make a tangible contribution.
As a volunteer, you will be tasked with investigating and analysing the local water systems. Your work will help shed light on the complexities of water allocation, use, and sanitation, providing valuable data for future development initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience while contributing directly to a critical community need.
Daily Activities
Arrange and conduct meetings with local community representatives to discuss water-related issues.
Develop and run awareness campaigns within the local community about water conservation and sanitation.
Carry out field research on water resources, usage patterns (drinking, irrigation, domestic), existing conflicts, and sanitation practices.
Compile your findings into a comprehensive report, including actionable recommendations to help alleviate the identified water challenges.
🏠 Accommodation on site
VIN has a hostel which can accommodate up to 35 people, with up to five bunk beds per room.
During the volunteer induction, volunteers will share these rooms.
If the hostel is unavailable, VIN organizes accommodation close-by in a hotel or different hostel.
During your stay at the host family or monastery/nunnery, your sleeping arrangements may be private to sharing basis.
Bathroom and toilet facilities are shared with your host family or monks/ nuns.
Hygiene standards vary from family to family/place to place. Sometimes it is very basic, and hot water might only be available. We kindly ask volunteers to be flexible and be prepared to cope with non-western standards.
🍲 Food
In regards to food, volunteers will receive three meals a day, in Nepali standard. The main dishes are rice-based such as Daal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), vegetables and curries are staple foods.
Nepalese people rarely eat meat or fish and have a mainly vegetarian diet. Eating bread is also uncommon. Nepalese food is high in carbs.
If you wish to supplement your foods with more variety (such as types of vegetables, eggs or fruits) then the cost lies with you but host families are happy to prepare the extra food items for you.
In the host families and monasteries/ nunnery you will share their food and please inform us if have any specific allergies or dietary requirements.
📍 About the location
🎒 Leisure activities
Volunteers traveling to Kathmandu, Nuwakot, or Okhaldhunga have a wide range of activities to make the most of their free time.
In Kathmandu, they can discover an exceptional cultural heritage by visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. They can also stroll through the lively streets of Thamel for shopping or enjoy local cuisine in the many restaurants and cafés. The Kathmandu Valley also offers wonderful opportunities for short trips, particularly to Nagarkot or Shivapuri, which are ideal for day hikes.
In Nuwakot, volunteers can explore the ancient fort, a historic site that reflects traditional Nepalese architecture. The region is also well suited for hiking through the surrounding hills, offering beautiful natural scenery and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
In Okhaldhunga, volunteers can enjoy numerous trekking routes, especially toward more remote areas such as Solukhumbu. The natural environment is particularly well preserved, with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and impressive mountain viewpoints. Depending on the time of their stay, they may also attend traditional festivals and take part in local celebrations, providing a unique cultural experience.
⚠️ Requirements
A genuine interest in environmental science, water resource management, or community development.
Strong investigative, analytical, and report-writing skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact respectfully with community members.
A flexible, adaptable, and proactive attitude.
Cultural sensitivity and a willingness to live in basic conditions.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
🤝 Meeting point
We ask volunteers to send us the flight details as soon as possible so that we can arrange the airport pick-up. We have a one-time airport pickup/drop-off facility.
One of VIN’s staff members will wait at the airport for pick up and then bring you to VIN’s
ℹ️ Additional information
All the registration formalities will be completed in the first three days during the induction period. This will consist of understanding and signing a contract and paying the project fee.
Please note that the entire project fee will be collected during the induction days.
You will have to produce a photocopy of your passport and of your visa as well as a passport photo. VIN will issue a volunteer identity card for you.
Inductions start every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
The induction period is part of your placement and it will provide essential information about VIN, the project, our culture, and customs.
So please arrive one day BEFORE to the induction date.
The induction will last 2 to 3 full days (accommodation and food is provided) and includes the following topics:
• Introduction to the organization: A brief history of VIN, its projects, and working sites.
• Sightseeing: It’s important for us that volunteers see sites of cultural importance, such as Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square and other areas.
• Cultural and health tips: Nepal has lots of different rules and regulations in our culture and these tips will help volunteers to adapt to the Nepali lifestyle.
We also provide information about how to stay safe whilst being in Nepal. This includes health and safety tips, information about foods and travel tips. VIN has its own doctor so if you have any concerns whilst on placement, you can get help right away.
• Nepali Language Classes: Each volunteer receives two to three Nepali language classes from one of VIN’s staff members. This will help with basic communication.
• Placement Information: All volunteers receive a support pack with detailed information about the placement, host family, and a daily schedule of volunteers.
• Project Orientation: Volunteers meet their supervisors, who will spend time with each other and plan for their projects.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📷 Project photos
📅 Available sessions
VINLMTV025-05-D
01/01/2025 → 31/12/2025
VINL/MTV04-C
01/01/2016 → 31/12/2016
VINLMTV05-D
01/01/2023 → 31/12/2024
VINL/MTV04 - C/2017
01/01/2017 → 30/12/2017
VINL/MTV04 - C
01/01/2016 → 30/12/2016
VINLMTV04 - C
17/10/2014 → 31/12/2015
VINLMTV24-05-D
01/01/2024 at 00:00 → 31/12/2024 at 00:00
VINLMTV26-05-D
01/01/2025 at 00:00 → 01/01/2027 at 00:00
VINL/MTV04 - C/2018
02/01/2018 → 30/12/2018
VINLMTV05-D
15/05/2022 → 31/12/2023
VINL/MTV05 - D/2020
02/01/2020 → 30/12/2023
VINLMTV26-05-DAUTO-EXT
02/01/2027 at 00:00 → 01/01/2029 at 00:00
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–80 years old
Solidarity donation
580.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Nepal
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Nepal Rupee (NPR / रूपैयाँ)
Exchange rate
1 NPR = 0.005958 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
Nepal Time
Local time: 21:06 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken