WORKING FOR INTELLECTUALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN

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Nepal Education Social work Education Social work Permanent

About the project

📝 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

his programme aims to uplift disadvantaged women in Nepal by addressing critical issues such as literacy, financial well-being, health, and fundamental rights. Our local partner adopts an integrated approach, believing that true empowerment comes from a combination of knowledge and practical skills. By teaching subjects ranging from health and hygiene to leadership and communication, the programme equips women to build a better future for themselves and their communities. The impact of empowering a woman often extends to her entire family, improving education and health outcomes for the next generation.

As a volunteer, you will work alongside local staff to contribute to these life-changing initiatives.

Daily Activities:

Collaborate with local staff to teach women about their rights, health, English, and basic accounting.
Lead workshops and activities designed to build essential life skills, such as leadership, decision-making, effective communication, problem-solving, and coping with stress.
Provide additional support based on your unique skills and the specific needs of the local community, ensuring your contribution is both meaningful and relevant.

🏠 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

Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Okhaldhunga If you arrive early or if you’re planning on staying in Nepal after your work camp finished, VIN also organizes weekends travel tours to Chitwan Jungle Safari, Pokhara, Nagarkot at an additional cost if you are interested.

🎒 Leisure activities

During your free time, Nepal offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and adventure. In the Kathmandu Valley, you can explore ancient temples, stupas, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares. The surrounding hills provide excellent trails for day hikes, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You can also immerse yourself in local life by visiting bustling markets, trying your hand at a cooking class, or simply enjoying a cup of Nepali tea at a local café. Depending on the season, you may even have the chance to witness one of the country's vibrant cultural and religious festivals.

⚠️ Requirements

No specific professional qualifications are required to join this programme, but volunteers are expected to be at least 18 years old. The ideal candidate is proactive, flexible, and culturally sensitive. Key attributes include:

An open mind and a genuine desire to learn from and connect with the local community.
Patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.
A respectful attitude towards local customs and traditions.
The ability to adapt to basic living conditions and a different pace of life.

🤝 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.